Earlier today, I flippantly suggested that casting for “The Batman” could be coming at any moment, considering how the film is scheduled to begin production in early 2020. And as if I had the ability to predict the future, THR is reporting that Paul Dano has been added to the cast, and almost assuredly means that Jonah Hill is likely gone for good.
THR is reporting that Dano has been cast as Edward Nygma, aka The Riddler, in Matt Reeves’ upcoming film “The Batman.” It’s not news that Riddler was going to be one of the villains of the film, as Hill was reportedly eyeing that role for himself if he was able to come to terms on a deal with Warner Bros. However, considering that appears to be dead in the water, WB has quickly moved on and found Dano to take on the iconic role.
READ MORE: Jonah Hill Passes On ‘The Batman’ As Negotiations Break Down With Warner Bros.
Dano is probably best known for his film work in projects like “There Will Be Blood” and ‘Little Miss Sunshine.” However, the actor is no stranger to other quality films, such as “12 Years a Slave,” “Ruby Sparks,” and the offbeat “Swiss Army Man.” In fact, if you want to see Dano play someone deranged and broken, look no further than his harrowing role in “Prisoners.”
“The Batman” isn’t the first live-action project to feature Riddler in a role. Obviously, the ‘60s ‘Batman’ series and subsequent film featured Frank Gorshin as the enigmatic troublemaker. Jim Carrey also took on the role in the oft-maligned “Batman Forever” film directed by Joel Schumacher. And most recently, Cory Michael Smith donned the green suit as The Riddler on the Fox series “Gotham.”
“The Batman” is set to begin filming in early 2020 and will be released on June 25, 2021.