The Batman is set to introduce a new version of The Dark Knight to DCEU fans, and he will be portrayed on the big screen by Robert Pattinson.
Directed by Matt Reeves, the film will follow the Caped Crusader during his second year as Gotham's protector, meaning that villains like the Penguin and Catwoman have yet to debut as their usual dangerous selves. The trailer for The Batman suggests that the origin stories of the aforementioned villains will be featured, with Paul Dano's Riddler serving as the chief antagonist.
Details about the future of The Batman franchise remain scarce, which isn't surprising due to the fact that the film has yet to release in theaters.
Now, it seems that Pattinson's version will stick around for a while, as evidenced by a new report.
ROBERT PATTINSON'S MAJOR DEAL WITH WARNER BROS.
The Hollywood Reporter shared that The Batman star Robert Pattinson has signed a production deal that encompasses every Warner Bros. division, namely Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Television, and HBO Max.
The outlet revealed that the deal represents Pattinson's first producing endeavors while also taking into account a wide range of release platforms, from television to film to streaming services.
Alongside the announcement, Pattinson unveiled an official statement to express his excitement to the new deal:
“Warner Bros Pictures and HBO have always been synonymous with groundbreaking filmmaking. I’m thrilled to be working with them to discover the most exciting new voices in film and television and help bring their visions to life. I’ve loved working with the studio over the years and have so much respect for their dedication, their willingness to take chances and their desire to push the envelope creatively.”
In a joint statement, Warners’ president, Courtenay Valenti, and New Line’s president, Richard Brener, said that they are “incredibly impressed” with Pattinson's vision for “identifying dynamic new filmmakers:”
“We have been incredibly impressed with Rob’s eye for identifying dynamic new filmmakers. Additionally, he is continually nurturing exciting story ideas into compelling screenplays. We are so excited that Warner Bros. and New Line will be his home and that we get to benefit from his creative, commercial passions.
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR ROBERT PATTINSON'S BATMAN
Robert Pattinson's new deal with Warner Bros. presents exciting possibilities for The Batman franchise and his storied acting career. The actor is venturing into new opportunities by incorporating producing endeavors into his resume, and this could hint that he will soon add The Dark Knight film to his producer credits.
While this development doesn't guarantee a sequel for The Batman, this still points to Pattinson's stint in Gotham not being his last. The trust that Warner Bros. has for the actor means that there is a strong working relationship between the two entities that transcends not just films but television and streaming services as well.
HBO Max has already greenlit a Gotham-centric series revolving around year one of the Caped Crusader's exploits in Gotham, and this new deal could tease the potential appearance of Pattinson's Bruce Wayne in that series. There's also a chance that more spinoffs will be announced, thus creating a dedicated universe for Matt Reeves' iteration of Batman that will be completely separate from the DCEU.
The Batman premieres in theaters on March 4, 2022.
