The Batman: What does Robert Pattinson’s casting mean for the DCEU?

British actor Robert Pattinson has recently been cast as the younger version of the Caped Crusader in The Batman but what does it mean for the DCEU as a whole?

With the most recent casting of Robert Pattinson for Matt Reeves’ The Batman as part of the (DCEU) DC Extended Universe, Worlds of DC or whatever official title Warner Bros. may eventually end up calling this franchise there lies a vague picture that is not yet clear. As the World’s Greatest Detective, what does it mean for the DCEU?

That is hard to answer based on a lack of details, but there can be some fairly poignant theories, which can be shed based on available information and what is known so far. It is clear, allegedly Ben Affleck may not return to the role of Batman in the DCEU. There are of three scenarios playing out for this film. Release dates are fast becoming less of a commodity in the film industry, but do also determine reactions from audiences. The main factors that also relate to the timing of a film’s slate are tentpoles in regards to content i.e. IP and marketing.

If Reeves’ own interpretation of Batman with Pattinson in the role is able to go no previous actor who played Batman, hypothetically, has gone and the film is able to supersede Michael Keaton and Christian Bale, then it would arguably be the best depiction of the Batman since 1992s Batman Returns and possibly 2005s Batman Begins.

If that is the case, then you may run into the best case scenario where it is a no-brainer and Warner Bros. grants a green-light to a trilogy of prequel Batman films set within the early years of the DCEU, and as hypothesized previously, it will be much like in the vein of the X–Men prequels such as First Class, Days of Future Past, Apocalypse, and which has since concluded with Dark Phoenix released in June 7.

However, fans may have to brace themselves for a Man of Steel scenario where the naysayers do not resonate with Pattinson’s Batman and the film underperforms that may mean that Warner Bros. may have to go back to the drawing boards and improve upon the sequel if they decide to greenlight it. This all depends, of course, on production budget, marketing, among other key factors. Without a shadow of a doubt, the next Batman project will be nowhere near Suicide Squad numbers. The average Bat movie cost over $135 million to make. Adjusted for inflation, that would be under $280 million today if produced during the late 80s (I know mind-boggling.)

Now if there is the worst case scenario wherein no matter how much behind-the-scenes meddling the head honchos do with Reeves’ The Batman, which, according to We Got This Covered is rumored to be influenced by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s Batman: The Long Halloween with Catwoman, The Penguin and Firefly, Two-Face and the Mad Hatter invited to the party, this could easily be a mess. This all depends on Reeves’ interpretation of Batman, what Pattinson can deliver that matches with the Apes’ director in his vision and spectacle.

The reveal of so many villains should be taken with a pinch of salt due to the source. Although we do need to take into consideration one of those sources, albeit Geeks WorldWide, which so far has been accurate – anything can be changed from any point between the writing of the script until the final cut of the film. Characters may be dropped; there could well be just only three villains instead of six, maybe even just two Big Bads and one supporting antagonist.

Going back to Reeves’ direction, being a character arc, it could either go two ways with multiple villains involved, either the story is a noir-driven, procedural drama with unique takes on The Bat’s rogue’s gallery or it can be a cerebral and plot–contrived mess. In terms of the likely scenario of what Pattinson and his casting could mean for the DCEU is that at least one sequel can be given the go-ahead if the film is either a success or it underperforms. But what are your thoughts on the matter? The Batman set for release on June 25, 2021.