New Batman movie: Everything thing we know about Robert Pattinson’s role

After #Batfleck stepped down from his involvement in the new Batman solo film, there were a lot of questions about where the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) was going next. Shortly after that, Henry Cavill stepped down as Superman, leaving us questioning if there will ever be another DC movie in general.

Now not only do we know who will fill Affleck’s director shoes, but also who’ll take over the cowl of the vigilante. Robert Pattinson has officially been cast as Batman, though to anyone who’s been following him in recent years, this didn’t come as a surprise. It’ll still be a couple years before we see the Caped Crusader return to the big screen, but we know a lot so far.

Matt Reeves is directing

Reeves took over after Affleck stepped down and will also be writing the screenplay and coproducing with Dylan Clark. Clark & Reeves worked together on War for the Planet of the Apes, so they do have big budget blockbuster experience.

Robert Pattinson is Batman

After the social media rumor mill named RPattz as first choice for the Dark Knight role, we were shocked when Armie Hammer (Call Me By Your Name) was also rumored to be considered for the role. Nicholas Holt (X-Men franchise) was also announced to be under consideration. Finally, we breathed a sigh of relief when it was confirmed in May that Pattinson will be inheriting the cape & cowl.

Pattinson has been on a roll the last few years, with acclaimed turns in films like Good Time, High Life, and The Lighthouse. He also gave a wonderfully charismatic performance in Tenet, which was directed by Dark Knight mastermind Christopher Nolan. He will no doubt bring a unique flair to the superhero that we have seen in dozens of different forms.

Lots of villains

Pattinson isn’t the only promising star attached to The Batman. Zoe Kravitz will star as Catwoman, the ambiguous thief who catches Batman’s eye, and Paul Dano will appear as the Riddler, a twisted criminal with a penchant for puzzles. Dano’s appearance in the trailer is especially exciting, as he seemingly took inspiration from classic serial killer films like Se7en and Zodiac.

While Catwoman and the Riddler look to be the main antagonists, Batman will also have to contend with the mobster Carmine Falcone (John Turturro) & the aspiring mastermind known as the Penguin (Colin Farrell). Both characters have appeared on film before, but they look as though they’ve been completely reinvented.

It will begin a new trilogy

Although it’s impossible to confirm if there will be a sequel before a film has even started shooting, Matt Reeves has plans to use this film as the beginning of a new Batman arc. He wants to focus on making a strong beginning and is keen to expand into a trilogy if the studio allows it.

If Reeves is successful, this will be only the second trilogy to feature the same actor playing Batman. Michael Keaton ditched the role after two appearances, and Ben Affleck walked away after the mixed reception to Justice League. Hopefully Pattinson will be able to join Christian Bale as one of the most beloved Dark Knights of all time.

It’s a detective story

Unlike other Batman films that focus on the “fighter” part of the “crime fighter” title, Reeves is working on a noir-style film set in the 90s more focused on the superhero’s detective skills – a more intimate version of the character than we’ve seen in recent years.

This is evident in the trailer, which borrows imagery from classic neo-noir like The French Connection & Chinatown, as well as the aforementioned David Fincher films Se7en & Zodiac.

COVID-19 delays

The Batman, like most Hollywood productions in 2020, has had some problems. Reeves began filming in January 2020, but was forced to shut things down in March when several cast members contracted COVID-19. The film resumed production in May, but was again delayed when Pattinson announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

The release date for The Batman has been delayed as a result of these delays. The film was originally set for release on June 25, 2021, but was pushed back to October 2021, and then again to March 4, 2022. In the interest of safety, fans will have to wait to get their first taste of Pattinson as the Caped Crusader.