'The Batman' halted as Pattinson tests positive
Actor Robert Pattinson has tested positive for COVID-19, news media reported Thursday, halting production of his film “The Batman” and highlighting the industry’s struggles to get back to business.
Warner Bros. said in a statement that “a member of ‘The Batman’ production” in Britain had tested positive for the coronavirus but did not give a name.
Variety, the Hollywood Reporter and Vanity Fair all cited sources saying the person who tested positive was Pattinson, the film’s star.
Warner Bros. and Pattinson’s representatives did not return calls seeking comment. It was not clear to what extent Pattinson may be exhibiting symptoms.
Filming of “The Batman” had resumed north of London only three days ago after being shut down in mid-March along with dozens of other projects around the world.
Movie and TV production has been slow to start up again in the U.S. under safety procedures that include testing, quarantine and social distancing on sets.
Some productions, including Universal Pictures’ “Jurassic World: Dominion,” have restarted in London or in Eastern Europe, while the cast of the “Avatar” sequel is back at work in New Zealand, where the coronavirus has been kept in check.
‘The Batman’ has about three months of material left to shoot, according to Hollywood trade outlets. Its release was pushed back earlier this year from June 2021 to October of next year.
