Warner Bros. has put together an impressive cast for The Batman, and here's every actor who's joined the DC film so far. Easily one of the most anticipated upcoming superhero movies, The Batman is a chance for the studio to take the Caped Crusader's story in a new direction, and it seems a lot of people in Hollywood want to be a part of it.
Bruce Wayne hasn't had a solo movie since the third and final film in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises in 2012. After a few live-action appearances in team-up movies set in the DCEU, Bruce will take the spotlight in The Batman. Directed by Matt Reeves, The Batman will see a new actor take on the role of Bruce Wayne, thus replacing Ben Affleck.
The Batman won't be another re-hash of Batman's origin story, but it will show the character become DC Comics' greatest detective. The film, which is set for a 2021 release, is expected to feature various members of Batman's rogues gallery and other characters associated with Gotham City. Casting is still underway, but several major Batman characters have already been cast.
Robert Pattinson
Warner Bros. announced in summer 2019 that Robert Pattinson had been cast as the new Batman for Matt Reeves' film. He's now the sixth actor to don iconic cape and cowl of the Caped Crusader in a live-action movie since 1989's Batman. At 33, Pattinson will also become one of the youngest actors to play Bruce Wayne on the big screen. Pattinson is mostly known for his portrayal of the vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight series, so there was a degree of surprise from some fans when it was revealed that Pattinson would play Batman. However, Pattinson's more recent films have shown various sides of the actor that indicate that Pattinson can make viewers forget Twilight.
What should be expected of Pattinson's take on Bruce Wayne? According to the actor, his version of Batman is not a real hero, and is a person whose "morality is a little bit off". Pattinson, who has already chosen his Batman voice for the new film, has begun training for the role.
Paul Dano
After Jim Carrey in 1995's Batman Forever, Paul Dano will become only the second actor to play The Riddler on the big screen. A big blockbuster film like The Batman is a different direction for Dano to be sure, considering that the actor normally appears in smaller films, such as Little Miss Sunshine and Prisoners.
His character, Riddler, is a notable antagonist of Batman, and a character that feels like a good fit for a movie that will explore the detective side of the Dark Knight. In DC Comics, Riddler is a career criminal with an unorthodox method of committing crimes. Fueled by his obsession with puzzles, Edward Nigma enjoys making things interesting for his biggest enemy, Batman. In each of Riddler's schemes, he leaves clues and riddles for people to solve, forcing Batman to get to the bottom of the mystery if he has any hope of putting villain behind bars.
Jeffrey Wright
When it was reported that Jeffrey Wright was being eyed for the role of Commissioner Gordon in The Batman, it became apparent that the new movie wasn't going to be in DCEU canon, since Gordon was played by J.K. Simmons in Justice League. Wright, who is currently starring in HBO's Westworld, has had key roles in movies in the Hunger Games and James Bond franchises. Wright won an Emmy and a Tony Award for his performance in Angels of America.
The casting was confirmed near the end of October. It was rumored for months that Wright was Matt Reeves' first choice for the character, who has long been one of Batman's most important allies in the comics. Over the years, the Gotham City police commissioner has developed an understanding with Batman. Gordon knows that Batman, though a vigilante who operates outside of the law, is the protection that Gotham City needs from people like the Joker, Penguin, Bane, Riddler, and more.
Zoe Kravitz
Zoe Kravtiz will portray Catwoman aka Selina Kyle in The Batman. The 30-year-old actress, who is the step-daughter of Jason Momoa, has appeared in both Fantastic Beasts movies, all three Divergent films, and Mad Max: Fury Road. Interestingly, this won't be Kravitz's first time playing Catwoman. She voiced the character in the 2017 animated film, The Lego Batman Movie.
It's unclear where Catwoman will fit into The Batman, especially since Selina Kyle has never been firmly positioned on the side of the heroes or the villains. As an anti-hero and a notorious thief, Catwoman is often a target of Batman, while also being the object of his affection. Catwoman is a bit of a mixed bag, as she could be an enemy, an ally, a love interest, or all three at the same time. She could end up forcing Batman to sharpen his detective skills, since she's been known to be a little less than trustworthy. A plot twist could easily turn her from friend to foe, or vice versa.
Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell is in talks to play Penguin aka Oswald Cobblepot, so the casting hasn't been made official just yet. Penguin, one of Batman's biggest foes, hasn't graced the big screen in over twenty years. The last time was in 1992 when the character was brought to life by Danny DeVito in Batman Returns, opposite Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight.
Penguin is a criminal mastermind and one of the leading figures in organized crime in Gotham City. Recognized for his short stature and beak-like nose, Penguin is a well-dressed, business-like villain who prefers not to get his hands dirty. As one of Batman's most clever opponents, Penguin is perfectly capable of matching wits with the Caped Crusader.
Andy Serkis
Andy Serkis is set to play Alfred Pennyworth in The Batman. As the actor who played Ulysses Klaw in Black Panther and Avengers: Age of Ultron, Serkis joins a growing list of actors with both Marvel and DC roles under their belts. Years ago, Serkis was, for the most part, associated with motion capture work, including his portrayal of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings series and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy, in which Reeves directed the last two installments. But in recent years, Serkis has picked up a number of major live-action roles.
As is the situation with Jeffrey Wright, The Batman is shaping up to be a film that's completely ignoring DCEU continuity, since Alfred was previously played by Jeremy Irons in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. Regardless of The Batman's connection to the DCEU, Serkis is sure to have an important part in the film. Alfred is the legendary butler of Batman, and Bruce Wayne's most trustworthy friend and confidante.
