It’s official: We have a new Commissioner Gordon. While it seemed like a done deal previously, The Batman director Matt Reeves has confirmed that Westworld star Jeffrey Wright is set to play the distinguished member of the Gotham City P.D. Taking to Twitter, a man of few words, Reeves had this to say.
“Tweet! #Gordon,” Reeves said. Previous reports from industry trade publications had stated Wright was in negotiations to take on the role as Batman’s trusted ally in the film. Though, prior to now, it hadn’t been revealed that the deal had closed. Wright has some big shoes to fill, as he’ stepping into a role that many great actors have filled in the past. Most recently, Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons took on the role, for a brief period, appearing in Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
Robert Pattinson, known best for his role in the Twilight series, but who has also had a great run in some well-respected indies as of late, is set to take on the role of the Caped Crusader/Bruce Wayne in the film. Beyond that, Zoe Kravits has been cast as Catwoman and Paul Dano will portray the Riddler. Jonah Hill was, at one point, eyed to possibly play Penguin, but those talks fell through.
Reeves has been attached to write/direct the movie since early 2017. Prior to that, Ben Affleck, who had been playing Batman, was set to helm The Batman. Ultimately, Affleck walked away, first from the movie, then from the role altogether.
Warner Bros. and Reeves are keeping pretty quiet on the details, but we know the movie will feature a host of villains from the pages of DC Comics.
“It’s very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale. It’s told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it’s going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional.” Reeves said a previous interview with THR. “It’s more Batman in his detective mode than we’ve seen in the films. The comics have a history of that. He’s supposed to be the world’s greatest detective, and that’s not necessarily been a part of what the movies have been. I’d love this to be one where when we go on that journey of tracking down the criminals and trying to solve a crime, it’s going to allow his character to have an arc so that he can go through a transformation.”
Production is expected to begin early next year. The hope is that this will kick off a new trilogy, though one that will likely take place outside of the currently established DCEU since Batfleck is the version of the character that exists in that universe.
The Batman is set to hit theaters on June 25, 2021.
So what do you think? Is Jeffrey Wright the correct man for the job? Who else do you want to see join the cast? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook and Twitter.
