Matt Reeves' take on the Caped Crusader will not be an origin story in The Batman. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the character first debuted all the way back in 1939. Since then, he has been adapted for screens both big and small by a myriad of actors. The translations have ranged from knowingly campy to extremely gritty. Most though, are not without their dedicated fans. The cape and cowl was most recently worn in theaters by Ben Affleck. Affleck played the role in both Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and again in Justice League. Though he was previously attached to co-write, direct, and star in a standalone outing, plans ultimately fell through. Reeves went on to assume the former two positions, promising a return to the character's younger days and a more noir tone.
Who would end up taking over the role, however, was the source of much speculation. Though numerous actors were reported as under consideration - with even more putting their names forward - it ultimately came down to Nicholas Hoult (X-Men: Dark Phoenix) and Robert Pattinson. After a number of screen-tests, including some in full Batsuit, the Pattinson was officially cast as Batman. The announcement has since been met with much derision from those unable to forget his role in the Twilight films, but also a wave of passionate and high-profile support.
Details regarding the plot, however, continue to be much more scarce. A new report from THR, though, documents Pattinson's journey to landing the role. In the report, it's revealed Reeves' film will not retread Batman's well-worn backstory, nor will Bruce Wayne be the season crimefighter embodied by Affleck. Instead, the new incarnation of the character will fall somewhere in between. He won't be completely green, but will still be finding his rhythm as he ventures toward becoming the genius detective that fans know him to be. What mystery will drive the story and need to be solved, however, remain firmly under wraps.
Pattinson won't be the only incarnation of character coming to screens in the near future. It was recently announced that Game of Thrones' Iain Glen would be playing Bruce Wayne in Titans season 2. The former Twilight actor, meanwhile, can next be seen in The Lighthouse and as the lead in Christopher Nolan's mysterious new project. Filming on The Batman is expected to begin in December or early next year.
The news regarding the film's plot, however, lines up with rumors that The Batman will contain multiple villains, including Penguin and Catwoman. Equally, some reports suggest Robin will make an appearance. Although one or even all of them may still have their origins play out on-screen, the implication further seems to be that stranger, more savage foes than traditional mob bosses are already running rampant in Gotham City when The Batman picks up.
It is probably the best decision that could be made for the film. After all, after half a century of adaptations, everybody is no doubt familiar with Bruce Wayne's tragic origins by now. As with Spider-Man and Uncle Ben in the the MCU, the scenario has been played out so many times that to include it would feel superfluous to the runtime. The death of Thomas and Martha Wayne is definitely an important chapter in Batman's life, but the memory of it is enough, at this point, to spur Bruce into action without the need to see pearls dropping once more to the ground when The Batman finally hits theaters.
Source: THR
