WHILE a deal has not yet been made and it is unclear if there is an offer on the table, Robert Pattinson is a top contender to play Batman in Matt Reeves’ upcoming DC movie for Warner Bros.

It is also unclear who else is on Reeves’ short list, but other names that have been floated alongside Pattinson’s over the last month have been Armie Hammer, Nicholas Hoult and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Reeves, who was behind the recent “Planet of the Apes” trilogy, took over helming duties on the superhero stand-alone after Ben Affleck stepped away from the director’s chair in 2017. Affleck would later step down as the Caped Crusader altogether, a situation which allowed Reeves to revise the script for a younger Bruce Wayne.

While little is known about the plot of “The Batman,” Reeves has talked about the long-gestating project in previous reports. “You can’t have Batman without a villain,” he said. “There will be a rogues gallery.” The filmmaker also said January that the casting process would begin shortly.

Reeves will produce “The Batman” with his “Planet of the Apes” collaborator Dylan Clark.

The 32-year-old Pattinson is no stranger to franchise fare, having starred in the incredibly popular “Twilight” film series. But, as of late, the British actor has gravitated toward smaller-budgeted and art house features, such as his most recent release, Claire Denis’ “High Life.” He will next be working with Warner Bros. on Christopher Nolan’s new movie.

Not everyone was excited by the thought of the “Twilight” actor donning the iconic suit.

“Robert Pattinson as Batman?” one person tweeted. “This is exactly why Marvel is better in every way.”

Already petitions have been launched calling for Pattinson to be replaced before he’s even been officially cast.

“Don’t make the Batfleck mistake again,” one petition implores.

That, of course, refers to the controversy behind Ben Affleck taking over the role in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Suicide Squad” and “Justice League” — a selection that did not go over well with some DC Comics devotees.

But there is also plenty of support for Pattinson, with some pointing out there was similar hoopla surrounding Heath Ledger’s selection as the Joker in “The Dark Knight.”

That performance earned Ledger, who died in 2008 from an accidental overdose, a posthumous Oscar.

“The Batman” is set for a June 25, 2021, release. (SD-Agencies)