Back in April, during Warner Bros.' CinemaCon presentation, studio CEOKevin Tsujiharaconfirmed thatBen Affleck’s stand aloneBatman Rebootreboot is happening, and will hit theaters sometime within the next five years.Affleckhas since teased that the script he co-wrote with DC Films’Geoff Johnsis complete, but we don’t have any story details thus far. It seems that a star of DC’s TV universe,Arrow’sStephen Amell, is lobbying to be a part of theBatmanmovie as the iconic villain The Riddler.
Last month, a report surfaced that theBatmanmovie won’t featuring the iconic character Red Hood, but that there would be a number oficonic villains.Ben AffleckandGeoff Johnsare reportedly trying to create the “definitive Batman movie” that will feature “just about every major bad guy you’ve ever wanted to see in a movie.” While The Riddler isn’t mentioned specifically by name in this report, it’s certainly possible he could be included, and, if that’s the case,Stephen Amellis throwing his hat in the ring to play him. Here’s what the actor had to say in an interview withCinePop, while promotingTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.
“I always get this question. I think all the superheroes are taken now. I’ll play The Riddler, okay? It’s a villain, but I like The Riddler.”
It’s worth noting that this spring’sBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicealmost featured a cameo appearance byThe Riddler, but that never happened. As forStephen Amell, he has long been vocal about wanting to be included in the DCEU, even hinting that he could play Green Arrow in theJustice Leaguemovies. However, Warner Bros. has long contended that they have no plans to cross over with the DC TV universe, with the studio castingEzra MillerasThe Flash, which didn’t sit well with fans ofThe FlashTV show who wanted to seeGrant Gustinappear in those movies.
Since Warner Bros. and DC aren’t including the TV universe into their ever-expansive movie world, it would be possible forStephen Amellto pay The Riddler, or for any other stars of shows likeThe Flash,Legends of Tomorrowor even Fox’sGothamto be brought in for much different roles in the DCEU. As for theBatman movie, there have been rumors that Warner Bros. is aiming for a 2018 release date, possibly beforeAquamanhits theaters on June 07, 2025. There have also been rumors thatSuicide SquadstarWill Smithmay also return for theBatman RebootasDeadshot, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet either. We’ll be sure to keep you posted with more updates on theBatman Rebootand the rest of the DCEU as soon as more information comes in.
