The Batman: Robert Pattinson lined up to star as caped crusader in Matt Reeves film

Robert Pattinson has been lined up to play Batman in Matt Reeves' forthcoming superhero movie, which is scheduled for release on 25 June, 2021.

According to Variety, Pattinson is the top choice for the role. Pre-production is expected to begin this summer.

Speculation over who would take over as the caped crusader has been at frenzy point since Ben Affleck passed directing duties over to Reeves and also stepped down from the title role.

British actors Pattinson and Hoult were both early suggestions on several media and fan-made lists.

A coinciding report in Deadline said that Nicholas Hoult was also in the running, but both sources suggest that Pattinson is the strong favourite.

Reeves will produce The Batman with his Planet of the Apes collaborator Dylan Clark.

Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this year, Affleck explained why he was stepping down after playing Bruce Wayne in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League.

“I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter, but just couldn’t come up with a version, I couldn’t crack it,” he said. ”

So I thought it was time to let someone else take a shot at it. They got some really good people so I’m excited.”