At the beginning of May, news was widely reported that Robert Pattinson (known for playing Edward in the Twilight saga films) would be the new actor to play Batman in The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves.
However, information later emerged suggesting that Pattinson did not yet definitively have the role and was still competing against Nicholas Hoult in a test conducted by Warner Bros.
It has now been officially confirmed through Deadline that Warner Bros. chose Robert to play Gotham City's vigilante. It was also confirmed that the actor will play the character in a new film trilogy, with the first scheduled for 2021. Many people praised the actor's selection, believing he could portray the character very well.
Pattinson is a strong choice. He certainly was at the center of a famous franchise before in the Twilight Saga, and afterward he used the time to show his versatility as an actor in films such as High Life, and he is already starring in a role in Christopher Nolan's next film.
Not everyone was enthusiastic about the choice, however, with some starting petitions to remove the actor from the role. In their view, this would avoid repeating the same mistake as "Batfleck."
The new trilogy's universe may expand further
More possible details about Matt Reeves' plans for the Dark Knight's adventures were also reported in a Forbes article about Pattinson's casting. Villains such as Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman would appear in this new trilogy, along with other villains and mobsters — including additional characters such as Commissioner Gordon, Alfred, and potentially Robin. No actors have yet been confirmed for these other roles, but the information should eventually arrive soon.
The Batman will premiere in theaters on June 25, 2021.
