Jonah Hill in talks for villain role in "The Batman"

According to multiple reports, Jonah Hill is in negotiations to join "The Batman" as a villain. The Matt Reeves-directed take on the Caped Crusader is scheduled for release in June 2021 with Robert Pattinson in the titular role.

While it is unknown which villain Hill would play, a few options have already been presented by fans and commentators. The Penguin has been the most popular theory, but The Riddler has also been in the conversation.

With the new standalone film set to be a noir tale focused on Batman's skills as a detective, a character like The Penguin would suit Hill's acting style well. The two-time Oscar-nominee has a wide range with roles from "Superbad" to "The Wolf of Wall Street", and portraying an eccentric, clever villain could prove to be a dream come true. Joaquin Phoenix's performance in "Joker" as, well, Joker has received awards-worthy praise and another celebrated performance by Hill could aid DC's attempted bounce-back following multiple disappointing releases.

How advanced the negotiations are is unknown, but it seems pretty legitimate with the amount of reputable outlets reporting on the deal.

Robert Pattinson has been entrusted with the keys to the franchise after Ben Affleck's turn as an elder, "war-torn" Batman was met with mixed reactions. Following a rise to fame as apart of the "Twilight" franchise, Pattinson has proved to have serious acting abilities in a string of applauded performances, including the upcoming A24 production "The Lighthouse".

If, or seemingly when, Hill comes aboard, "The Batman" will instantly become one of the most anticipated upcoming films. There has been clear excitement, but it feels as if fans are more cautious with DC productions prior to release. Matt Reeves has showcased his abilities as a visionary director with "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" and "War for the Planet for the Apes", and with him also taking over screenwriting duties, it's safe to say the film is in safe hands.

I'm pumped for this movie. I think Robert Pattinson was the right choice, and with the rumored detective-noir theme, it could be a welcomed take on Batman. I've wanted an Arkham Asylum-based movie ever since the release of the the "Arkham Asylum" video game, so hopefully that's something we'll see implemented.

As far as the Jonah Hill rumors go, please bring him on. Hill is one of the most talented people working in film right now; "Mid-90s" convinced me that he can do no wrong. If Matt Reeves is aiming for a realistic take similar to Christopher Nolan's trilogy, The Riddler would make the most sense for Hill. The only appearance by The Riddler on the big screen was in 1995's "Batman Forever" when Jim Carrey put his spin on it. While The Penguin could definitely make for an intriguing character, it just feels like The Riddler could prove to be more interesting and "real". If Batman is going to be on the case solving crimes this time out, The Riddler dropping clues all around Gotham would be the perfect way to execute it.

Whatever Matt Reeve's and the studio decide to do I'll support, and it's not like my opinion is going to change anything. I've been a fan of every Batman appearance since "Batman Begins" with the exception of "Justice League", so it's not like I'm expecting that to change. Yeah, I liked "Batman v. Superman", sue me.