The last Batman film was released in 2012. And it looks like it’s high time for a new installment for everyone’s favorite caped crusader.
With this comes the clamor for finding the next lucky actor who gets to don the iconic cape and drive the Batmobile. So, who’s the most probable choice to play Batman in the hero’s upcoming new films?
Top Choices
Pattinson appears to be a popular choice to play the next Batman among film critics and commentators
Twilight fans can rejoice because their beloved Edward Cullen aka Robert Pattinson might be starring in another high-budget fantasy film series once again. According to reports from Variety, the British actor is currently the ‘top choice’ for the role in Matt Reeves’ upcoming films.
But he isn’t the only one being considered. In fact, there’s a long list of actors who might clinch the role from the 33-year-old should he not make the cut. There’s his fellow Brit, Nicholas Hoult, best known for his roles in the X-Men films and other action movies.
Also in the running is American actor Armie Hammer, who’s currently in-demand after his critically-acclaimed performance in the film, ‘Call Me By Your Name’. Not but not the least is the British actor and screenwriter, Aaron Taylor Johnson, who starred in Avengers: Age of Ultron some years ago.
Plans for a new Batman film were announced back in early 2019. It’s pegged to focus on a younger Bruce Wayne with the last Batman actor, Ben Affleck, being asked to hang up his cape after years of playing the DC Comics hero.
Production Troubles
Reeves replaced Affleck as the director of the upcoming Batman film
Apparently, the 46-year-old Affleck was actually slated to take on the helm as director, writer and even co-star in the much-anticipated film. Unfortunately, he had to step down from his position and was ultimately replaced by the more experienced director Reeves.
He is known for directing other successful film franchises like the Planet of the Apes sequels. Reeves is also the mind behind the action horror hit, Cloverfield. The director also expressed his excitement for the project saying how he’s always loved Batman’s story since he was a child.
The film is set to be released in June 2021 with filming scheduled to go into gear by late 2019. There’s no final word yet about who’s playing the role of Batman but a decision can be expected anytime soon given the film’s production schedule.
All the Other Batmans
Michael Keaton and Bob Kane on the set of Tim Burton’s Batman films
The caped crusader has a long history on both the silver and small screen. His story’s first live-action adaptation came in 1966 when actor Adam West first played the role in the Batman television show.
Since then, the character has been played by a slew of famous actors. Some of the most memorable ones are Michael Keaton, who received acclaim for his performance in Tim Burton’s reimagining of the hero’s story in the late 80s and early 90s. There’s also Christian Bale’s darker, more serious take on the role in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.