Matt Reeves’ new Batman movie starring Robert Pattinson may have found its first villain and Commissioner Gordon.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Jonah Hill is in talks to play either The Penguin or The Riddler in the new flick. However, THR reports the talks are “at an early and sensitive stage” as the actor and the studio reportedly can’t seem to agree on which character he’ll play, so there’s a chance they might not reach an agreement.
Variety also reports, “Producers had long wanted Hill for the project, but casting decisions were put on hold until the role of Batman was filled. The deal hasn’t closed and sources say it could still fall apart, but both sides are engaging on Hill joining.”
Back in January, Instagram user @TheMainManCreation made this picture to show what Hill would like as the Penguin, and he looks pretty bloody awesome!
Meanwhile, THR also reports Westworld’s Jeffrey Wright is in the running to play Commissioner Jim Gordon.
It’s unknown at this stage whether Gordon will be police commissioner or a detective at the Gotham City Police Department.
In recent years Gary Oldman played the role in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, while J.K. Simmons briefly played the character in Zach Snyder’s Justice League. The OC’s Benjamin McKenzie also played Gordon as a young detective in Gotham.
If Wright does land the role it’ll make him the first person of colour to play Commissioner Gordon in a live-action movie. Before Wright was rumoured to star, Mahershala Ali was believed to be the top choice for the role according to ScreenRant.
The Batman is rumoured to be more of a detective-noir style film that still takes place in the DCEU and will see a number of villains pop up. It’s set for release on June 25, 2021.