Paul Dano to play Riddler in Matt Reeves’ The Batman

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Riddle me this! Who has starred in such films as THERE WILL BE BLOOD and LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, and will soon be featured as The Riddler for Matt Reeves' THE BATMAN? If you've guessed actor Paul Dano, give yourselves a gold star! And while you're at it, feel free to climb down off the torture device I've prepared for you. Mwuahaha!

According to reports, Dano's version of the character will be named Edward Nashton, which as many of you will know is a departure from the quiz-happy hooligan's comic book name, Edward Nygma. In the past, the giggling conundrum criminal has been played by Frank Gorshin and John Astin for the 1960s Batman TV show, and by Jim Carrey in Joel Schumacher's BATMAN FOREVER (1995).

Dano joins the cast after it was previously announced that Robert Pattinson (HIGH LIFE, THE LIGHTHOUSE) would suit up as the Batman, with WESTWORLD's Jeffrey Wright making the Gotham City scene as Comissioner Gordon, and Zoe Kravitz slipping into the purrfectly perilous role of Selina Kyle / Catwoman.

Yesterday, it was revealed that MANIAC actor Jonah Hill was no longer in talks to join the cast of THE BATMAN. Before exiting the project, many had believed that the SUPERBAD alum would play either Penguin or Riddler for Reeves' Bat-film. Now, with Dano ready to sling an exorbitant amount of enigmas at the Caped Crusader, it would appear as if the project has revealed their primary villain. Riddle me this, though. Is a Penguin announcement still forthcoming? Or have the unveiling of both Catwoman and The Riddler satisfied Reeves' need for sinister scoundrels?

Much of Reeves' plans for THE BATMAN remain a mystery at this time, though the WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES director has teased that his film will of course do justice to Batman's reputation as the World's Greatest Detective.

It’s very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale. 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 than we’ve seen in the films. The comics have a history of that. He’s supposed to be the world’s greatest detective, and that’s not necessarily been a part of what the movies have been. I’d love this to be one where when we go on that journey of tracking down the criminals and trying to solve a crime, it’s going to allow his character to have an arc so that he can go through a transformation.

I don't know about you, but I'm excited to hear that The Riddler is officially a part of the mix for THE BATMAN. With Selina and Edward now confirmed, it sounds as if Reeves' Bat-film will feature two of the Masked Manhunter's more layered villains. Furthermore, I can now envision Reeves' version as an all-out comic book thriller as opposed to a colorful capes and cowls circus of catchphrases and Bat-related credit card schemes.

Let us know what you think of Paul Dano's casting in the comments section down below.