Robert Pattinson is reportedly in final negotiations to take on the role of the Caped Crusader in Matt Reeves' The Batman.

While the deal has yet to be finalised, "Pattinson is the top choice and it’s expected to close shortly," industry insiders told Variety. Pre-production on the movie, expected to hit cinemas in June 2021, is thought to be starting this summer.

Warner Bros. has yet to comment on the speculation.

Despite Variety's news piece, other industry publications aren't so sure about whether or not Pattinson's involvement in the movie is a "done deal". Deadline reported that the studio is trying to decide between the former Twilight star and Nicholas Hoult, while The Hollywood Reporter suggested Armie Hammer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are two of the other names linked to the part.

Whoever lands the role has some big shoes to fill. Ben Affleck was meant to be reprising his role in the movie, as well as directing it, but stepped down in January (19), after deciding he "couldn't crack it".

"I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter, but just couldn’t come up with a version, I couldn’t crack it,” he explained during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. "So I thought it was time to let someone else take a shot at it. They got some really good people, so I’m excited.”

Director Reeves is most famous for helming the last two Planet of the Apes movies.

While Pattinson is arguably most famous for playing vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight movies between 2008 and 2012, he has since starred in films including Good Time, The Lost City of Z, and High Life.

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