Batman solo movie: Guess which MAJOR villain is set to return? No, it’s not The Joker

THE BATMAN solo movie will see the return of Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin, according to alleged sources.

By George Simpson, Senior Film and Arts Reporter

16:53, Mon, Jan 14, 2019 | UPDATED: 17:07, Mon, Jan 14, 2019

Christian Bale on Ben Affleck as Batman

Much mystery surrounds Warner Bros’ new Batman solo movie, which is being written and directed by War For The Planet Of The Apes’ Matt Reeves. It’s almost certain that Ben Affleck is out and a younger actor will be brought on focusing on the Caped Crusader’s early years. As for the villain, We Got This Covered’s sources claim that Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin will be one of the main villains in the movie. Originally the fish-loving baddie was set to appear in Margot Robbie’s Birds of Prey, but apparently, Reeves has asked to have The Penguin in his movie.

So just who could play The Penguin?

Well, Frozen’s Josh Gad certainly appears keen, having previously posted pictures of the character without context on his social media.

Meanwhile, Jonah Hill could be a top contender, seeing as both Reeves and Harley Quinn star Robbie both started following him on social media in a very short space of time.

Certainly, either actor would fit the role perfectly – one that hasn’t been played in a live-action movie for over 25 years.

ben affleck as batman

Batman solo movie: Guess which MAJOR villain is set to return? No, it’s not The Joker (Image: WB)

batman and penguin

Danny DeVito played The Penguin in Batman Returns (Image: WB)

Danny DeVito famously played The Penguin in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, while Robin Lord Taylor currently portrays the character in the TV show Gotham.

The rumour that The Penguin will be a major villain in the Batman solo movie was previously claimed by Variety’s sources.

Last Summer Justin Kroll tweeted: “Take this with a grain of salt as things are constantly changing in the DCEU but I'm hearing the Penguin is possibly the choice to play the main villain in THE BATMAN.

“Sources add even if Reeves decide to go another route the studio could then make him the main villain in Birds of Prey.”

jonah hill and josh gad

Jonah Hill and Josh Gad are rumoured to be in the running to play The Penguin (Image: GETTY)

“Reeves is still working on the script, so that could always change but of the multiple BIRDS OF PREY scripts submitted, one does have the Penguin as the main heavy.

“Either way, it seems Warner Bros wants this character cast in the universe sooner rather then later.”

Considering the latest on this, it sounds like The Penguin is being held for Reeves’ Batman.

The Batman solo movie is expected to start shooting later this year.