Ragesh Dipu
Warner Bros. has closed the deal for Robert Pattinson to play the Caped Crusader in Matt Reeves’ upcoming superhero film ‘The Batman.’ Pattinson had been shortlisted along with Nicholas Hoult for the iconic role. Warner Bros. was torn between Pattinson and Hoult because the casting is crucial for the future of Warner Bros./DC Universe, reports Deadline.
Pattinson replaces Ben Affleck who played the superhero in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, ‘Suicide Squad,’ and ‘Justice League.’ Earlier, Affleck’s name was also attached to the project as director. But the Oscar winner walked out of the franchise soon after the lukewarm response and negative reviews received by ‘Justice League.’ The 2016 movie, ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ also left the fans disheartened.
Matt Reeves, who is known as the director of the last two movies of ‘Planet of the Apes‘ franchise, took over the project after Affleck’s exit in January 2017. The upcoming Batman movie is his most secretive project to date. He has reportedly been developing it for the last two years. According to The Wrap, Reeves has described the project as a “defining” and “very personal” story about the protector of Gotham City. He also made it clear that ‘The Batman’ is not an origin story in the vein of Frank Miller’s comic book franchise ‘Year One.’ Reeves also serves as the producer for ‘The Batman’ along with ‘Planet of the Apes’ producer Dylan Clark.
Pattinson’s recent movies include ‘High Life,’ ‘Good Time’ and ‘Water for Elephants.’ The ‘Twilight‘ star’s upcoming movies are ‘The Lighthouse’ and ‘The King.’ The actor is also known for movies like ‘Life,’ ‘The Lost City of Z’ and the ‘Twilight’ franchise. He will also be seen in the lead role of Christopher Nolan’s upcoming spy thriller ‘Tenet‘ alongside Kenneth Branagh, Michael Caine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Dimple Kapadia, and Clémence Poésy.
Pattinson joins the elite club of ‘Batman’ actors which includes Affleck, Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Adam West, with the official confirmation of Warner Bros.
‘The Batman’ is the first instalment of Matt Reeves’ Batman trilogy for Warner Bros. According to a Deadline report, Reeves needed an actor in his 30s to portray Bruce Wayne in his the formative stages of Batman. “It’s very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale,” Reeves is quoted as saying by Comicbook. “I hope it’s going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional,” he added.
‘The Batman’ will enter pre-production phase this summer. Warner Bros. has lined up the DC Comics movie for a June 25, 2021 release.
