Robert Pattinson Tests Positive for COVID-19, Leads to Pause in 'The Batman' Filming

By Madelaine D. First Posted: Sep 04, 2020 09:48 AM EDT

Robert Pattinson, who plays the role of "Batman" to his new movie, tested positive for COVID-19, halting the shooting of the film again.

The shutdown of "The Batman" production comes just days after the movie had restarted following the coronavirus lockdown. The pause in filming was confirmed by Warner Bros, according to US media.

Robert Pattinson Tests Positive for COVID-19, Leads to Pause The Batman Filming

(Photo : Andrew Toth)
Entertainment Weekly's Must List Party At The Toronto International Film Festival 2019 At The Thompson Hotel TORONTO, ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER 07: Robert Pattinson attends Entertainment Weekly's Must List Party at the Toronto International Film Festival 2019 at the Thompson Hotel on September 07, 2019 in Toronto, Canada.

Warner Bros has revealed that a crew member tested positive for the virus and is now self-quarantining. But it did not reveal the person's identity.

"A member of The Batman production tested positive for COVID-19 and is now isolating in accordance with established protocols. Filming is temporarily paused," a spokesperson of Warner Bros said.

Eventually, it was reported that it was lead actor Pattinson that had the positive test. The British actor caught the virus days after the shooting resumed in London and after six months of delay in filming "The Batman," as per the Vanity Fair.

According to BBC News, "The Batman" is initially due for release in June 2021, but has been delayed to October 1, 2021.

According to Daily Mail sources, the pressure landed on the 130-strong production crew to keep the blockbuster movie on track because any delays could result in a massive cost for Warner Bros.

The insider said the production staff is working around the clock to still get things moving and allow some filming to take over.

"Anything that can be shot and does not involve Pattinson will now go ahead. That includes scenes with his body double. The goal is to get as much done as possible before he returns, and the hope is that none of the other actors get the virus," the insider told Daily Mail.

Another insider on the Leavesden studio set said that the cast and crew of "The Batman" were unaware of who had the virus until the Vanity Fair reported that it was Pattinson that has tested positive for COVID-19.

"Through other high sources that Pattinson was the person who became sick," as per the Vanity Fair.

In early 2020, Director Matt Reeves began filming with Pattinson in the lead role as the "Caped Crusader." But by mid-March, the production was put on hold as the pandemic swept the country.

Reeves previously said that they had at least another three months of shooting, and he is hoping to finish filming by the end of 2020.

In late August, the first trailer dropped for fans showing Dark Knight taking on Catwoman and The Riddler. Pattinson faces off against Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz) as he catches Catwoman in the middle of a crime.

Meanwhile, Universal Pictures revealed that they have extensive measures to ensure that the set will remain virus-free. These safety measures include routine temperature checks and renting a hotel for the cast and crew for 20 weeks.

"Twilight star" Pattinson follows the footsteps of Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, and George Clooney in playing the role of Batman, the Gotham City superhero.