Rumor: ‘The Batman’ Star Robert Pattinson In Talks To Lead Chloé Zhao’s Sci-Fi Western Take On ‘Dracula’

Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) speaks with Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) in The Batman (2022), Warner Bros. Pictures / Dracula appears in Marvel Fanfare Vol. 1 #45 (1989), Marvel Comics
Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) speaks with Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) in The Batman (2022), Warner Bros. Pictures / Dracula appears in Marvel Fanfare Vol. 1 #45 (1989), Marvel Comics

According to a new and oddly thematic casting rumor, Robert Pattinson may take a detour from his time as The Dark Knight to return to his blood-sucking roots – but not as Twilight‘s sparkling Edward Cullen, but rather the protoypical vampire himself, Dracula.

Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in Twilight (2008), Lionsgate

RELATED: ‘Twilight’ TV Adaptation Reportedly In Development With Involvement From Series Creator Stephanie Meyers

Announced in 2021 and set to be helmed by Eternals director Chloé Zhao, Uniuversal Studios’ upcoming take on the Bram Stoker’s gothic horror novel will reportedly see tell “a futuristic sci-fi western” story wherein its titular protagonist waking up in the 21st century.

Dracula rises on Neal Adams' cover to Tomb of Dracula Vol. 1 #1 "Dracula" (1972), Marvel Comics.

Dracula rises on Neal Adams’ cover to Tomb of Dracula Vol. 1 #1 “Dracula” (1972), Marvel Comics.

“I’m a huge fan of the book,” Zhao told Variety. “And I wanted to see what essence I can find [in Dracula], and then be able to reimagine this really beloved character I love so much.”

“Chloé’s singular lens shines a light on stories of the overlooked and misunderstood,” added Universal president Peter Cramer. “We are thrilled to be working with her as she reimagines one of the most iconic outsider characters ever created.”

Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) learns that The Riddler (Paul Dano) has uploaded a new video in The Batman (2022), Warner Bros. Pictures

Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) learns that The Riddler (Paul Dano) has uploaded a new video in The Batman (2022), Warner Bros. Pictures

RELATED: Riddler And Penguin Could Return For ‘The Batman – Part 2’ While Robert Pattinson Is Rumored To Make Appearances In Penguin’s HBO Max Series

Though developments on the project have remained entirely mum in the two years since its announcement, it seems Zhao and Universal may be making progress on its casting.

Sparkling right off Lionsgate’s recent announcement that a television reboot of the multi-billion-dollar Twilight franchise is in the works, noted film analyst and scooper Daniel Richtman (via World of Reel) has reported that Pattinson is in talks to play Dracula‘s lead role.

robert pattinson twilight

Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in Twilight (2008), Lionsgate

Given that Pattinson is still on track to reprise his role as Bruce Wayne in The Batman – Part 2, should this rumor actually come to fruition, it will be interesting to see what effects the actor’s schedule will have on the production of these two ‘batty’ outings.

As of this writing, Zhao’s Dracula is still in development and currently has no timeline for its release.

Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) speaks with Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) in The Batman (2022), Warner Bros. Pictures

Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) speaks with Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) in The Batman (2022), Warner Bros. Pictures

NEXT: J.K. Rowling Brushes Off Activists’ Calls To Boycott Upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ Max Series: “I’ve Taken The Precaution Of Laying In A Large Stock Of Champagne”

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