Robert Pattinson's Road to Becoming Batman

The past few years, we have known that director Matt Reeves has been hard at work on his script for the upcoming Batman movie that he will also direct. Originally, the plan was to have Ben Affleck play the caped crusader, but as we got to see Affleck in the role in other films, and no one was super thrilled, including Affleck, plans changed. The studio rethought the plan for their superhero franchise future, and Reeves redirected his plan for the Bruce Wayne he wanted to bring to the screen, looking for a younger actor to play the part in this origin story.

So in April of this year, Reeves and other execs on the project brought in Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult to read for the part. Reeves is said to have diligently watched each of the actors’ catalog of films to see their acting range, and while it is said that Hoult’s role in the X-Men movies didn’t hinder his chances on getting the role, the fact that Pattinson has never been in a superhero movie did appeal to the studio, as he felt like a clean slate for the project.

Fast forward to two weeks ago at the Cannes Film Festival, Pattinson was walking the carpet for the premiere of his period-drama, The Lighthouse. While speaking with reporters and guests, one fan said, “I heard you were the new Batman.” Pattinson only smiled, and did not reply. It wasn’t quite true yet, but it was about to be. Pattinson was later flown to Los Angeles to try on the bat suit for director Matt Reeves, and solidified his role in the comic universe.

The reaction has been mixed, as to be expected from fans of such an historic role and franchise. I’m excited for the reboot, and I’m excited for Pattinson. I think he is a really great actor, and I think he will bring the solemn, brooding sophistication to the role that it needs.

The Batman is set to hit theaters June 25, 2021, so we’ve got a long two years to go, but stay tuned to GeekTyrant for all your news and updates along the way.

What do you think about Pattinson in the role?