Well, it’s now official: Robert Pattinson is the new Batman.

If you remember, earlier this month saw reports that the Twilight star was in advanced talks to sign on as the Caped Crusader in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, and now it’s finally official.

Courtesy of Variety, Pattinson has signed on the dotted line to play the World’s Greatest Detective, beating out competition from the likes of Nicholas Hoult and Armie Hammer. In fact, it’s believed that the casting process came down to Pattinson and Hoult, with the decision now made on who will tackle the cape ‘n’ cowl after Ben Affleck departed the role earlier this year.

Having just turned 33 years of age, Pattinson will be the youngest actor to play the Dark Knight on the silver screen. As for when things will get rolling, pre-production on The Batman is expected to commence this summer ahead of a June 2021 release.

Away from Twilight, Pattinson has impressed many with his turns in the like of The Lighthouse and High Life, and he’ll next be seen in Christopher Nolan’s The Tenant.

As for The Batman, the Planet of the Apes’ franchise’s Reeves is currently finalising his story and script for a film that is rumoured to feature Penguin and Catwoman as the two main villains. That said, certain other reports claim that the picture may actually feature up to six bad guys in various roles of prominence.

Expect more on The Batman as the film continues to develop.