Is Robert Pattinson the new Batman? Fans delight in rumors about a new Caped Crusader
Holy ... Patman?
Has Robert Pattinson been anointed the new Caped Crusader in the upcoming film "The Batman"?
Variety broke the story late Thursday, saying Pattinson was set for the upcoming superhero film to be directed by Matt Reeves.
Other outlets weren't so sure Pattinson's cape was a done deal. Deadline reported casting had come down to Pattinson or Nicholas Hoult, with the jury still out, while The Hollywood Reporter says future Batmans considered included Armie Hammer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
USA TODAY has reached out to Warner Bros. and Pattinson's representative for comment.
"The Batman" was originally intended to star and be directed by Ben Affleck, who played the superhero in three DC films. But in January, Affleck officially stepped down, saying he "couldn't crack it."
"I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter, but just couldn’t come up with a version, I couldn’t crack it,” he said on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." "So I thought it was time to let someone else take a shot at it. They got some really good people, so I’m excited.”
"The Batman" would be one of the rare popcorn movies Pattinson, 33, has led since leaving the "Twilight" franchise behind in 2012. Since playing vampire Edward Cullen, a role that won him millions of fans worldwide, Pattinson has embraced edgier, art-house fare, working with directors like Claire Denis ("High Life") and David Cronenberg ("Maps to the Stars," "Cosmopolis").
An answer is surely soon to come. Pattinson is expected to hit Cannes Film Festival Sunday for director Robert Eggers' "The Lighthouse," co-starring Willem Dafoe.
Meanwhile, fans delighted in the "Patman" brouhaha.
Time to officially dub the upcoming Batman as #Patman
— Alessio pasquali (@Warmustbeend123) May 17, 2019
Moments after my brother told me Robert Pattinson is now The Batman!!! LOVE THIS CASTING 🙌🙌🙌
-Angel😇 pic.twitter.com/FQzcU2t4I6— GOAT Movie Podcast (@GOATfilmpodcast) May 17, 2019
I like Robert Pattinson for Batman more than Nicholas Hoult or Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Dude’s become a really interesting actor and I think he’ll nail it.
— ViewerAnon (@ViewerAnon) May 17, 2019
If anyone is mad about Robert Pattinson being Batman they most likely have not seen any of his work outside Twilight. To those people I implore you, watch Cosmopolis, watch The Rover, watch Good Time. He is a top five actor. This is an inspired choice!!!
— Shahan Khilji (@ShahanKhilji) May 17, 2019
Okay, Robert Pattinson as Batman is awesome. I’m in.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) May 17, 2019
Although not everyone was thrilled.
Robert Pattinson as Batman??? This exactly why Marvel is better in every way smh pic.twitter.com/TC8WLzEGNh
— Gio Ochoa (@LeGioOchoa) May 17, 2019
"The Batman" is set to hit theaters on June 25, 2021.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Robert Pattinson the new Batman? Fans delight in rumors about a new Caped Crusader