When it comes to The Batman, it seems like the most recent wearer of the cape and cowl was not considered to fill the famous Bat-boots once again.

When Matt Reeves was hired to write and direct the newest story for the Caped Crusader in 2017, he already had different actors in mind besides Ben Affleck, according to The Hollywood Reporter. After all, The Batman focuses on a Dark Knight around 30 years old, shying away from previous films that have either focused on his youthful origin story or a portrayed him as a seasoned crimefighter later in his career. Affleck's portrayal in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League is part of the latter bucket, making it clear the Oscar winner was aged out of returning to the role, leaving the door open for Robert Pattinson to become the next Batman.

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Rumors of Affleck's departure from the DC Extended Universe began to gain traction in February 2017. Though Warner Bros. and Reeves had vehemently denied that he would be replaced, sources said the director was eyeing a younger man to don the cowl. This was shortly after Affleck stepped away from directing before dropping out of the picture altogether.

Though Affleck is the latest of many actors to get vacated from the Batcave, his successor is receiving mixed reactions. While director Zack Snyder, who was responsible for bringing Affleck into the DCEU, has shown support for the re-casting, fans across the Internet have had a varied reception to the Twilight star becoming the next Batman. It serves as a mirror to what Affleck himself experienced when he was announced in the role in 2013, a clear display that no matter who ends up in the suit, casting the world's most popular superhero is always going to be a lightning rod.

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The Batman is directed by Matt Reeves, who will also produce alongside Dylan Clark. The film is scheduled to be released on June 25, 2021.