Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have been intensely (but not publically) contending for the role of Batman for quite some time now.
Last week, when asked to discuss the casting battle, Pattinson could only reply, “I’m sorry, but I absolutely can’t talk about that.” Today, Pattinson has reportedly won.
Image via Den of Geek
Deadline confirmed that Pattinson has now officially been cast as the next Batman. Warner Bros. approved of Pattinson inheriting the cape and cowl, even though the studio was torn between him and Hoult.
The Batman director Matt Reeves personally favored Pattinson but both actors recently screen tested for the role. Given that Reeves’ film will be a prequel to prior Batman actor Ben Affleck’s Batman v. Superman and Justice League, a younger Bruce Wayne will be needed. Both Pattinson and Hoult were ideal choices given their range and experience with blockbusters and character driven films.
Image via Looper
Reeves will be directing an entire trilogy that will be tied into, yet separate, from the rest of the DCEU, given its place in the cinematic universe’s timeline. It will be interesting to see how Reeves bridges his films and Pattinson’s younger Bruce Wayne with the jaded Batman that Affleck delivered with legendary performance. Batman comics such as Zero Year, Long Halloween, and Death in the Family would cover the events needed for this character arc very well.
In the meantime, it looks as though Pattinson can now call dibs on the claim, “I’m Batman.”
Featured Image via Awards Circuit