‘The Batman’ Movie Rumor Mill Hints at ‘Year One’ Storyline, New Actor, and Possible Villain

The Batman fanfare is generally quiet—until now. Matt Reeves’ upcoming DC project is still in development, with multiple confirmations stating that the director will not have Ben Affleck back to don the Dark Knight’s cowl. Instead, Reeves plans on going for a younger Batman, hence the search for a new Caped Crusader actor who’s significantly younger than Affleck. Jake Gyllenhaal was reportedly Reeves’ first pick to play Batman. But now that he’s crossed over to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play villain Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home, there’s a new void.

After news about the change in Batman’s age and Gyllenhaal switching teams broke, things have simmered down, and no new details for The Batman came out—even during the San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend. Now, however, another tidbit from the rumor mill appears to hint at where the story for Reeves’ DC film might be going.

According to Revenge of the Fans, Reeves reportedly met with Boardwalk Empire’s Jack Huston to consider him for a Batman role. This seems to hint at the director’s desire to portray a much younger Dark Knight. However, it also looks like Huston isn’t in the running for the role anymore. It’s because Reeves decided to change the setting of his story, with themes from that of Frank Miller’s “Batman: Year One” comic book storyline. Similar to how Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice drew inspiration from Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns,” so does Reeves wants to adapt for The Batman.

“Batman: Year One” followed Bruce Wayne’s first foray into being the Batman, with him returning to Gotham City to purge it from its corrupt police system and the scum of the streets. Should Reeves push through with this adaptation, it wouldn’t be the first. Christopher Nolan also borrowed some key themes of “Year One” for use in Batman Begins.

Reeves, on the other hand, isn’t done with having Huston in the film. Revenge of the Fans also says that the actor is now being considered for the role of Harvey Dent AKA Two-Face—another rumor that puts the character as one of The Batman’s antagonists (or would-be foe, considering the timeline).

It’s important to take this with a grain of salt until we hear from more reliable sources. But with everything that’s been plaguing The Batman‘s development, things could be more than what we’re currently thinking about.

Reeves might just pull a big surprise somewhere along the way.