Though there’s still time yet for Warner Bros. to announce the triumphant return of Ben Affleck as the Caped Crusader, most fans have by now come to terms with the reality that Matt Reeves’ The Batman will probably see a different actor in the lead. And while a report from earlier this month alleged that we could find out who the new Bruce Wayne is by November, it’s now sounding like we may not even have to wait that long.
According to sources close to We Got This Covered, the lead for Reeves’ upcoming flick is expected to be announced some time in May or June. Of course, plans can always change, but if the recent rumor about shooting beginning in November is anything to go by, then it sounds like we’ll be getting roughly five to six months’ notice about Affleck’s replacement before he goes in front of the camera.
As for who the new Batman might be, we’ve also been told that the previously rumored Jack O’Connell is still in the running, but either way, it’s said that Warner Bros. is looking for someone in the 25 to 30 age range. This is because Reeves’ film will reportedly venture into the Dark Knights’ past, limiting the movie’s overlap with the character’s previous DCEU adventures in what will essentially serve as a soft reboot for the hero.
In any case, if the announcement of the next Caped Crusader is just a few months away, then perhaps it won’t be too long before we get some casting confirmations on the villain front. As it stands, it’s believed that the Penguin will be one of the main antagonists of The Batman, but only time will tell whether all of Josh Gad’s campaigning for the part has ended in success.