The internet exploded last Thursday when it was reported that Robin Pattinson had been cast as the Dark Knight. The truth then came out that, while the former Twilight star was Matt Reeves’ top pick for The Batman, the actor isn’t locked down for the iconic role just yet. Further details have since surfaced though that clarify just how much care Warner Bros. is taking over finding their new Dark Knight.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that the casting process is still very much underway and the studio is currently in the middle of a rigorous vetting system that includes “screen tests, costume tests, readings, and meetings,” though specific details are not yet available. If Pattinson’s currently working his way through this obstacle course of auditions though, no wonder he hasn’t officially signed up for the part yet.
THR also reiterates that the reason for this intense process is because of how valuable Batman is as an IP to Warner Bros. Traditionally, of course, the Caped Crusader is a property so big and beloved he can trounce any other superhero movie at the box office – The Dark Knight made more money than Iron Man in 2008, remember.
Likewise, the trade suggests the studio wants to make sure they’re heading in the right direction this time after Ben Affleck’s tenure as Batman pretty much crashed and burned in public. To be fair, the actor ended up being hugely popular in the part, but the perceived quality of the films he starred in was the real problem.
While Pattinson is at the top of the pack, the rest of the shortlist of potential Batmans reportedly also includes Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Armie Hammer. If he doesn’t land the lead, Hoult is also apparently linked to the Penguin, who’s set to be the main villain of the movie. Whether it’s Battinson or not though, the next Caped Crusader will rise up to protect Gotham City when The Batman hits theaters on June 25th 2021.