Josh Gad opens up about Penguin role in new 'Batman'

First it was Robert Pattinson to play the caped crusader, and now there’s another official piece of news about the new Batman movie. But this one might disappoint fans.

Josh Gad – he of Frozen and Beauty & the Beast fame – has finally confirmed after much speculation that he will NOT be playing the part of the Penguin in the new movie.

In a post on Twitter, the Book of Mormon actor said, “as much as I have LOVED torturing you all with teasing you about the Penguin, I feel like it’s time to tell you...I’m NOT actually playing this character.”

He went on to thank his followers for all the amazing fan art that they’ve created of him playing the role.

The rumours have been swirling about this casting since back in 2017, in part at least stoked by Gad who posted an enigmatic tweet on his feed of the DC villain.

Read more: Josh Gad hints at The Penguin role in DC's The Batman

But it was a Batman devotee who simply asked, “Hey @joshgad are you the ???? #TheBatman” which eventually led to him spilling the beans.

As yet, Robert Pattinson is the only casting announced for the new incarnation of the DC legend. Matt Reeves is attached to direct and the working title is still The Batman.

Read more: Robert Pattinson ‘the new Batman’

Reeves told the Hollywood Reporter, "It's very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale." Adding, "It's told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it's going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional. It’s more Batman in his detective mode that we’ve seen in the films."

The part of Oswald Cobblepot is one of the DC fan favourites. Danny DeVito made the part of The Penguin his own when he cast opposite Michael Keaton in Tim Burton’s Batman movies. Before that it was Burgess Meredith, who made the villain so flamboyant back in the 1960s TV show. As yet it is unclear, whether the character will feature new film.