Since the dawn of the DC Extended Universe, fans have been craving a connection to the original characters and their story lines. Even before The Rise of Skywalker was released in December of last year, the wait for an honest-to-goodness sequel to Justice League was becoming excruciating. Now that the film is out, it’s clear that Warner Bros. was right to hold back on some of their bigger projects in order to afford the luxury of focusing on smaller projects that satisfy both audiences and continue the growth of the DC Cinematic Universe.
The studio is currently in the middle of a massive multi-year development cycle with numerous interconnected projects that will serve as a direct follow-up to the 2019 film Justice League. And one of the most highly-anticipated installments is The Batman.
The Dark Knight is being touted as the beginning of a new era of DC movie-making, and with good reason; the film represents the first solo film outing for actor Bob Pattinson (best known for his portrayal of Mr. Pattinson). While it’s great to see Batman on the big screen, many fans are wondering if Pattinson’s Batman will connect to other projects in the already expansive cinematic universe or if he will operate completely independently.
Pattinson’s Batman will debut in 2021, and while the actor has revealed a bit about the character in interviews, the majority of the information remains under lock and key. But the secrecy surrounding the character hasn’t stopped fans from speculating about his identity and how he will factor into the larger DCU. Let’s take a look at whether or not Robert Pattinson is The Batman and if his solo outing will connect to other projects in the DC Extended Universe.
Who Is Robert Pattinson?
Robert Pattinson is an English actor and filmmaker whose career in films spans several decades. He began appearing in films in the late 1970s and enjoyed early success with leading man roles in romance films like Fading Away, A Private Life, and Cruel Intentions. He continued to enjoy significant box office success through the ’90s and into the new millennium with lead roles in both popular and critical hits like Velvet Goldmine, Water for Carlo, and the Harry Potter series. Most recently, he has taken a step back from acting to focus on his filmmaking; since 2015, he has directed numerous short films and released his first feature, Twelfth Night, on Netflix in December of last year.
Pattinson’s identity as Mr. Pattinson is a carefully constructed persona that he has used to great success in his career. He rarely speaks about himself in interviews, and when he does it is usually in reference to his acting or directing work. He has been photographed wearing a monogrammed ‘RP’ watch, which he has admitted is “the only thing [he] ever really bought,” and he has been seen entering concerts and award ceremonies with his dog at his side (the two rarely leave each other’s company).
Is Robert Pattinson the Batman?
While we may never know the full extent of Pattinson’s involvement in the DC Extended Universe, there is no denying that he is the perfect choice to don the cowl. He has the perfect amount of experience in portraying a rich man, and it would be great to see him bring that same nuanced understanding of money and class to Batman. Even more exciting is the possibility that this could be the first time that we see this particular iteration of Batman.
Pattinson will star as Batman in the 2021 film Batman, which is set for release on June 12, 2021. Batman was directed by Matt Reeves and written by Jason Padgett. While Pattinson’s involvement in the project has not been confirmed, he has been seen entering and exiting the set of the film.
Does Robert Pattinson’s Batman Stand Alone?
Batman is one of the most recognizable and influential characters in popular culture, and for good reason. The character’s rogues’ gallery is filled with memorable villains and one-of-a-kind supporting characters, and his iconic look – namely his cowl and cape – have transcended the ages. But after almost seventy years, there’s no denying that the world still wants more.
Throughout the 1970s, Batman was a prominent figure in mainstream culture, appearing in multiple films and television shows that explored the character’s various storylines and adventures. Since then, however, the caped crusader has largely been absent from theaters, with the notable exception of Dark Nights: Metal. But with the launch of the DC Extended Universe in 2015 and subsequent acquisition of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Disney, Batman’s absence from screens has been well-earned because he has been featured in several big-budget cinematic productions. The Marvel Cinematic Universe and its multiple spinoffs in particular have capitalized on Batman’s popularity, and fans have been anxiously awaiting the return of their favorite superhero to theaters. But with Warner Bros.’s already stacked 2021 release schedule, it seems that Batman’s return to the big screen may have to wait.
While it would be easy to write off Batman as a supporting character in one of the many other projects that Warner Bros. has in the works, the fact remains that the character’s absence from theaters has felt more like a commercial strategy than an intentional decision. The success of The Dark Knight and its various sequels has inspired Warner Bros. to revisit and expand on the Batman mythos, and while we may never know the full extent of Robert Pattinson’s involvement in the DC Extended Universe, it is clear that he is shaping up to be a vital member of the ensemble cast.