Robert Pattinson To Star In Matt Reeves' 'The Batman' - Forbes

After months of speculation, endless rumors, and tense anticipation, Warner Bros. has their new Batman. Actor Robert Pattinson, best known for portraying Edward Cullen in the Twilight film series, has completed negotiations with the studio to assume the role as the Caped Crusader in director Matt Reeves' upcoming project The Batman, according to Variety.

Robert Pattinson stars in A24's "High-Life"

Source: A24

Variety previously broke the news Pattinson was in line for the part, while other outlets -- including The Hollywood Reporter -- reported Pattinson was the frontrunner on a list of contenders that also included Armie Hammer, Nicholas Hoult and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The final decision came down to Pattinson and Hoult, and after screen tests in-costume and some final considerations, Pattinson emerged victorious. While there's no official word from Warner or Pattinson's representatives confirming the deal, sources confirm Pattinson has signed up as the new Batman.

Pattinson's name has been circulating for almost four months, on and off, with some outlets claiming to have seen or been informed his name was on a list of actors under consideration for the role. When I inquired with multiple sources a few months ago about Pattinson as a contender, I was told it was just fan/press rumors, with other performers (notably, Hoult and Taylor-Johnson) suggested as top contenders instead. Likewise, for months I consistently heard Reeves was trying to keep the search to actors 25-30 years old, and that casting would likely fall within that range.

Robert Pattinson stars in A24's "Good Time"

Source: A24

Now, however, it's obvious those denials were probably a distraction to avoid the truth leaking too soon (although it's interesting Hoult's name was confirmed as a contender at that time). Soon, other names came to the forefront in press rumors, fan site speculation, and fan conversations about Batman casting, while Pattinson's name would pop up again on occasion. I even wonder if some of the other names floated the past several weeks and months might've been intentionally "leaked" to deflect attention from the actual finalists. That's pure speculation on my part, but it's consistent with other attempts by studios and actors to maintain casting secrets.

Regardless of why, I was obviously completely wrong when I reported -- again, based on assurances from many top sources -- Pattinson's name being in the mix, and the folks and outlets reporting his name were right.

This isn't the first time facts about the solo Batman project leaked out and were aggressively denied by sources, including the studio. When I and others started getting information from multiple sources that Ben Affleck was going to quit as writer and director on The Batman, I was assured by other highly placed sources Affleck wasn't going anywhere and the rumors of his departure were false... and then several days later, his departure was officially announced. Of course, plenty of actors who are up for parts or are already cast will deny it completely until it's officially announced, including for example DCEU star Jason Momoa when he was asked about rumors of his casting as Aquaman. Momoa even famously told MTV's Joshua Horowitz that if he was really cast as Aquaman, then Horowitz could punch him in the face.

Jason Momoa stars in Warner's "Aquaman"

Source: Warner Bros.

Studios obviously have to sometimes lie or otherwise deflect inquiries, to keep their secrets. When the secrets are about potential negotiations, then the potential for misinformation, denials, or "no comment" increases. So it's understandable that sometimes sources mislead and deny information that is factually true or true in part.

That said, it means obviously we are in a new era of reporting as well, and so I'll need to be more careful about accepting even strenuous studio denials, and more willing to run information I hear about possible casting and story elements regardless of denials or attempts to stall me running stories (since I've also been ready to break a story, only to get stalled by studios long enough for their preferred trade to break the story ahead of me). It's all part of the job and the game, and going forward we all have to accept the changing realities and respond accordingly.

With multiple villains appearing in The Batman -- I was told months ago that Penguin, Riddler, and possibly Catwoman are expected to appear, as well as other rogues and mobsters -- and additional characters including Commissioner Gordon, Alfred, and potentially Robin, we should be hearing additional casting information soon.

Ben Affleck as Batman in Warner's "Justice League"

Source: Warner Bros

The Batman isn't the only DC film we'll start hearing more about in the coming months. Besides Birds of Prey and Wonder Woman 1984, we continue getting casting information about The Suicide Squad as its development moves forward. Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, and Joel Kinnaman are returning to their roles from the first film alongside Idris Elba (whom I've heard could be playing Bronze Tiger), alongside Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher, David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man, with King Shark and Peacemaker also in line to appear on the team. Another character referred (for now) as The General (aka The Mayor) is also part of the mix, with Benicio del Toro in talks for that role. The story is inspired by John Ostrander's "Suicide Squad" comic book writing.

Supergirl is tentatively expected to start production in the first quarter of 2020, and I suspect we'll hear casting information start to circulate in a few months. Early 2020 -- most likely March or April -- is when The Batman is supposed to begin shooting, too, so now that Pattinson has been cast we should begin hearing additional casting reports soon.

For fans uncertain or outright opposed to Pattinson's casting, I'd remind everyone of the backlash when Ben Affleck was first cast as Batman. Everyone likes to pretend they were supportive at the time, but that's a myth. The truth is, a large segment of fans and outlets were enraged or skeptical, and I had to run articles at the time explaining why the backlash was wrongheaded. Affleck of course delivered a fantastic incarnation of the Dark Knight.

Ben Affleck as Batman in Warner's "Batman v Superman"

Source: Warner Bros.

Michael Keaton, too, was considered a shocking and bad casting choice back in the 1980s, causing a huge backlash. But he turned in an iconic performance as Batman. Heath Ledger's casting as the Joker in 2008's The Dark Knight was ridiculed by fans, too, at the time. The fact is, fan reactions to superhero film casting are often reactionary, misguided, simplistic, and flat-out wrong. Those who are similarly decrying Pattinson's casting should just be patient and go watch some of his recent indie film work, to get a better idea of his acting abilities.

I was a huge fan of Affleck's casting, and of his portrayal of Batman. I regret we never got to see him do more with the role, and I feel his work -- especially in Zack Snyder's terrific (yes, I know many of you disagree, but I'm right) Batman v Superman -- is among the best live-action superhero portrayals of any DC character. So Affleck will be sorely missed.

But I can also separate my disillusionment with Warner's handling of the previous DCEU and their treatment of Snyder et al (which I've addressed bluntly in previous articles), and the current situation in which Matt Reeves is bringing his own storytelling mastery to a new version of the Caped Crusader's world. Reeves was always my absolute top choice to take over Batman after Affleck departed (I began saying so years ago, even when Affleck was still on board to make solo Batman movies, since I knew eventually someone else would take over the franchise in the future after Affleck was finished with whatever he wanted to do), and I am certain Reeves will deliver an iconic Batman film. If Pattinson is his pick for Batman, then I trust him.

Check this space soon for more updates about the DCEU and other DC projects, including Wonder Woman 1984, Birds of Prey, and a lot more.

Box office figures and tallies based on data via Box Office Mojo , Rentrak, and TheNumbers.

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