Robert Pattinson Says ‘The Batman 2’ to Start Filming at the End of the Year: The Story Is ‘Very Cool. It’s Very Exciting’
Robert Pattinson revealed at the world premiere of “Mickey 17” in London that “The Batman: Part II” will begin production at the end of this year.
Pattinson kept plot details confidential while speaking to Variety on the film’s red carpet at Leicester Square, but he said: “I think at the end of the year? And I know what it’s about but I can’t tell anyone, but it’s like, it’s very cool. It’s very exciting.”
More from Variety
In Academy Award-winning “Parasite” director Bong Joon Ho’s latest film, Pattinson stars as Mickey Barnes, a future pastry chef who becomes an “expendable” employee on a space mission. His job requires the ultimate commitment — to die repeatedly, being “reprinted” after each death.
The film also involves a love story between Mickey and Nasha (Naomi Ackie), with the narrative exploring themes of human identity, survival and class disparity. It is based on Edward Ashton’s novel “Mickey7” but takes significant departures from the source material.
On the red carpet, Pattinson discussed the unique challenges of playing dual roles as Mickey 17 and 18, saying: “You’re basically doing the same as you would do in front of a green screen… You’re kind of imagining the other character there, but you’re just hoping you did it right.”
Director Bong told Variety: “It’s a sci-fi film with alien planets and creatures, but the one thing that was really new to me was the love story between Mickey and Nasha, between Rob and Naomi. That was the biggest new challenge for me with this film.”
“Rob plays Mickey 17 and 18, and especially with 18, just the explosive energy and the madness in his eyes, I can’t even like imitate that those eyes that he gave for his performance, it was quite surprising and so memorable,” Bong added. The director also said he was working on his next project, which is an animated film targeting a 2027 release.
Ackie, who plays Nasha, revealed she brought her own humor to the role through improvisation, including ad-libbed swear words. She praised the technical sophistication of scenes involving multiple versions of Pattinson’s character, which utilized face-swapping technology with body doubles.
Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo portray what Collette describes as an “insane narcissistic” couple who oversee the expendables operation from luxurious pink and gold quarters, while the rest of the crew exists in industrial conditions. Collette praised Bong’s directing style: “He’s unbelievably prepared… but within that, he allows the actors so much freedom.”
“Mickey 17” opens worldwide March 7 from Warner Bros.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
