Yesterday, we wrote about how Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult were screen testing for the role of Batman in the upcoming superhero reboot film from writer-director Matt Reeves. Well, those tests happened and we have a winner — Robert Pattinson. Nicholas Hoult, please pick up your runner-up gift bag on the way out.
Deadline is reporting that Warner Bros. quickly made the choice to cast Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, after watching the screen tests yesterday. While there’s no contract in place, at this moment, it’s being reported as a mere formality, as it’s likely that the actor will sign on for at least three films. Additionally, there’s a reported chance we’re going to see an origin story again. Are we going to see Batman’s parent killed for the umpteenth time? It’s possible.
Reeves has finally, officially, for real this time, secured his Batman actor and the world can now move on to the hard work of trashing the decision again (as many already did when it was announced that Pattinson was the front-runner). Of course, around these parts, the idea of Pattinson donning the cowl and cape is actually celebrated, as the actor has turned from the heartthrob from the “Twilight” films into one of the best actors working today. If you don’t believe us, at least give “Good Time” or the recent “High Life” a look-see.
The new reboot film is said to take the character back to his younger days, breaking away from what Zack Snyder attempted to do with Ben Affleck in ‘Batman v. Superman’ and “Justice League.” Reeves wants to focus on a Bruce Wayne that is in his superhero prime, and thus was always looking for a younger actor to play the character. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that Pattinson is “too young” for the role. Pattinson will be 35 when the film is released, meaning he’ll be older than Christian Bale was when “Batman Begins” was released (31) and almost the same age as Michael Keaton when “Batman” arrived in 1989 (37).
READ MORE: Batman Returns Returns? The Penguin & Catwoman Rumored To Face Robert Pattinson’s Batman
With the major casting out of the way, we can move onto the rest of the supporting characters that will likely show up. Got any ideas for Alfred or the rumored villains, Catwoman and Penguin? Josh Gad should probably get on the phone, if he hasn’t already.
“The Batman” (or whatever it ends up being called) will arrive in theaters in June 2021.
Update: THR’s newsletter has a fascinating bit about how the Batman casting came to be, in terms of deals that were pre-negotiated even before the final decision was made. Here’s an excerpt.
The [two finalists, Robert Pattison, and Nicholas Hoult] were also told that they would have to screen and costume test. It’s here that the deals for both actors were hammered out. Salaries, bonuses and even sequels are pre-negotiated for the screen test process under the conceit that the role is each actor’s, provided they lift their contingencies (fancy agent talk for passing the tests; it’s like selling a home where you still have to pass a home inspection and other things). In the end, of course, only one actor does.
In this case, Pattinson and Hoult both conducted their tests last week, the week of May 20. Reeves and Warners muckety mucks took this week to mull over their choices, informing the actors (or their camps) only last night. Pattinson’s deal went into effect as soon as the decision was made.
