Robert Pattinson set to become the next Batman

The Twilight actor is set to take over from Ben Affleck

Robert Pattinson is reportedly set to become the next Batman. AP

Robert Pattinson is reportedly in talks to become the next Batman.

The Twilight actor is said to be taking on the role of Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves' forthcoming installment of the superhero series, set for release in 2021.

While a deal is not yet fully finalised, Pattinson is said to be top choice to replace Ben Affleck, who starred as the Caped Crusader in three DC films.

Ben Affleck, left, and Henry Cavill in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Clay Enos / Warner Bros Pictures via AP Photo

Warner Bros. are yet to comment on reports, but according to Variety, pre-production on the film is set to begin this summer, meaning a deal is imminent.

Reeves, the filmmaker behind the last two Planet of the Apes films, has been developing the project since taking over directing duties from Affleck in 2017. He will produce The Batman alongside Planet of the Apes co-director Dylan Clark.

Pattinson, 33, is best known for his lead role as vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight series. Since the franchise came to an end in 2012, Pattinson has turned to arthouse cinema.

But The Batman would see his return to the big screen, making him one of the youngest actors ever to take on the role, second only to Christian Bale, who was 31 when Batman Begins was released in 2005.