• Several outlets are running this rumor today, and we’re not sure who was the first, but it’s again become one of those hot stories that gets started in one outlet and spreads like a virus across the media (not unlike the one we started up ourselves above!). Anyway, Liz Smith, The Internet Movie Database, and Mr. Showbiz are all reporting that Ben Affleck is a “major contender” for the lead role in the next Batman movie. No word is given on the source, though we THINK this all originated from Liz Smith.

As those of you who stop here regularly know, we’ve reported this rumor often in the past, but no decisions have been made by Warner Brothers regarding the path of the next movie OR who’s going to take over the role. We’ve also heard that Dave Boreanaz (TV’s “Angel”) is possibly being fitted for mask and cape as well. He’d do fine, too, we think. We just hope that they don’t bring Joel Schumacher back. For the love of God.