According to an exclusive from Deadline, there is a rumor floating around that Jonah Hill is in discussions to be cast as a villain in the relatively upcoming The Batman film, where Robert Pattinson will star in the title role. No deals have currently been signed to add Hill, but Deadline adds that it's "what we are hearing at this minute." While many online have speculated Hill would play Penguin, both Collider and The Wrap are reporting a source as saying the Mid90s director is in talks for the role the Riddler.
Variety adds that Hill was long coveted by producers of the film, but that all other casting had to take a backseat until the lead/title role was filled. They add that negotiations with Hill could still crumble, but that both sides are currently engaged to make this a reality.
In other casting news, Westworld's Jeffrey Wright might be playing Commissioner Gordon in the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Soon after news of Wright possibly joining the movie broke, Variety's Justin Kroll tweeted that Mahershala Ali was previously being eyed for the role of Gordon.
Fun little fact to all the BATMAN news, prior to going out to Wright, Mahershala was in line for the role...and then BLADE came around
The Batman will be directed by Matt Reeves. Reeves assumed directing duties from Ben Affleck back in 2017, and he has been developing the movie ever since. As for his resume, he previously directed Cloverfield and the last two sequels for the Planet of the Apes franchise.
As it stands The Batman is set to come out on June 25, 2021. Filming is set to begin in late 2019 or early 2020.
So, in other words, they still have a little time.
