We are still over two years away from filmmaker Matt Reeves’ upcoming ‘Batman’ film. We aren’t even sure if there’s a script that’s ready to go yet. However, that doesn’t stop fandom (and many, many superhero movie blogs) from speculating about who is going to wear the cowl as the World’s Greatest Detective. While we know for sure that it won’t be Ben Affleck, a name that does keep popping up in chatter is Armie Hammer. And it appears that his publicity tour for the upcoming “Hotel Mumbai” has turned into the “I Swear I’m Not Batman” tour.
In interviews with both Vulture and USA Today, the actor minces no words when talking about potentially starring as Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, in Matt Reeves’ film.
When asked by someone if he knows about the rumors about him being up for “The Invisible Man” lead (another role he knows nothing about), Hammer said, “Because I get asked about that, and also about Batman: ‘Are you gonna do Batman?’ I’m like, ‘No …’ They’re like, ‘Are you gonna do the Invisible Man?’ And I’m like, ‘Who is making these calls?! No!’”
READ MORE: ‘The Batman’: Armie Hammer Refutes Rumors That He’s Playing The Caped Crusader
He’s then asked point blank if he’s going to star in either film, whether as the Invisible Man or as Batman, and Hammer plainly states, “But, no, neither.”
Another interview has also shown up where the actor is trying valiantly to talk about his terrorist attack film “Hotel Mumbai,” but yet again has to discuss Batman. And this time, Hammer goes a step further to say that not only is he not signed on to be the superhero, but no one has even talked to him about it. But if they did…
He revealed, “Yeah, that’s the problem: I’ve never been approached, but if I was, I would jump at the opportunity. You can only say ‘no’ or ‘yes’ to projects you’re offered.”
Okay, okay. We get it, he’s not going to be Batman. That is, unless Matt Reeves asks. Interestingly enough, Hammer was already cast as Batman once before in the shelved George Miller-directed “Justice League: Mortal.” So, it does make sense that his name constantly gets mentioned with the upcoming film.
But regardless of that outcome, the actor is asked about his favorite iterations of the caped crusader. And unsurprisingly, he’s fans of most of them (oddly leaving out Val Kilmer…), even George Clooney and his infamous suit.
READ MORE: No More Batfleck: Ben Affleck Literally Says, “I’m Not Batman.”
“They’re all such different animals, which is great,” said Hammer. “Michael Keaton was obviously my first Batman, but the Christian Bale version was also absolutely incredible. But no one will top the Batman nipples that George Clooney had.”
TL;DR – Armie Hammer isn’t the new Batman. No matter how many times you ask. So, maybe, just maybe, we can put this rumor to bed and let the man talk about other films?
