It’s unofficially official:Robert Pattinsonis the new Batman. While Variety reported a couple of weeks ago that Warner Bros. and directorMatt Reeveshad found their leadfor the rebootThe Batmanin Pattinson, other trades weren’t so quick to seal the deal. Some noted that Pattinson was simply at the top of the shortlist, while others said Warner Bros. was still deciding between Pattinson and other finalists. Now today, various trade outlets report that the studiohasmade a final decision after screentesting with Pattinson and the other top finalist,Nicholas Hoult, and they’ve landed on theTwilightactor to be the new face of the franchise.
Warner Bros. has yet to confirm, but final negotiations are expected to get underway shortly—which will also entail signing Pattinson for options on at least two additionalBatmanfilms to ensure the actor sticks with the franchise, assuming Reeves’ reboot is successful. Reaction to Pattinson’s potential casting earlier this month waslargely positive, and indeed Pattinson is an actor who has proven more than capable at handling a variety of different characters.
Say what you will about theTwilightfranchise, but its two stars—Pattinson andKristen Stewart—used their success off those films to launch into fascinating careers. Each was able to get challenging independent films likeClouds of Sils Maria,Good Time,Personal Shopper, andThe Lost City of Zmade with their global recognition instead of simply moving from franchise to franchise. It’s also interesting to see both actors return to blockbuster filmmaking at the same time. Stewart stars in this year’sCharlie’s Angelsreboot, and in addition toThe BatmanPattinson is next set to leadChristopher Nolan’s new movieTenet. He’ll next be seen onscreen later this year inThe WitchdirectorRobert Eggers' new filmTheLighthouse, which drewrave reviews from Cannesearlier this month.
Speaking of which, since Pattinson is the man to leadThe Batmanbut is also about to embark on production ofTenet, production onThe Batmancould be pushed back a bit from the fall 2019 start-date. The film will no doubt still hit its June 25, 2025 release date.
Story details forThe Batmanare firmly under wraps, but the movie is said to find the Caped Crusader in his formative stages, and indications are that he’ll be squaring off againstPenguin and Catwoman as the main villains. Expect more official word soon as the casting process continues on after this lengthy—and worthwhile—search to find the right Batman.
