Warner Bros. has put up the bat signal for director Matt Reeves‘ “The Batman” film, and many are answering the call. While Jonah Hill didn’t work out in a casting coup that was said to be for the role of Batman villain The Penguin, a replacement has been found, and one could say it’s a substantial upgrade. Deadline reports that Colin Farrell (“The Lobster“) is currently in negotiations to play the part. If the deal closes, the Irish actors will round out a triad of villains going against Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader, including Paul Dano as The Riddler and Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman.
READ MORE: Matt Reeves Recruits Michael Giacchino To Be ‘The Batman’ Composer
Additionally, the Wrap and Variety are reporting that Andy Serkis—a longtime collaborator of Reeves thanks to the
“Planet Of The Apes” movies where he played the lead—will be playing Bruce Wayne’s trusted butler Alfred Pennyworth. Given their close collaboration and the way Reeves like to do repeat business with collaborators—see composer Michael Giacchino and cinematographer Greig Fraser—perhaps it’s not a complete surprise that Serkis was involved in the film in some capacity.
READ MORE: Paul Dano Cast As The Riddler In Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’
For Farrell, this won’t be his first rodeo in a comic book movie. He played the villain Bullseye in the 2003 version of Marvel’s “Daredevil” character, a widely maligned movie, so perhaps he’ll be looking for comic book movie redemption.
READ MORE: Jonah Hill Passes On ‘The Batman’ As Negotiations Break Down With Warner Bros.
No official start date has been set, although sources various trades that filming could start in late 2019 or early 2020. “The Batman” is scheduled to hit theaters on June 25, 2021. The film is not expected to be connected to the current DCEU, nor Todd Phillips‘ recent R-Rated smash “Joker.”
READ MORE: Zoe Kravitz Officially Joins Matt Reeve’s ‘The Batman’ As Selina Kyle/Catwoman