The question on every DC fans lips since director Zack Snyder announced plans for the next Superman film, which will feature Batman, is who will play the caped crusader? Christian Bale, who starred in the Dark Knight trilogy, is definitely out of the running as he has no interest in reprising the role.

Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling at a special screening of Only God Forgives at the BAM Harvey Theatre, New York.

Here's what we know about the film so far: Snyder announced at last month's San Diego Comic-Con that a sequel is in the works and will star Henry Cavill as Superman. The script is currently being written by David Goyer, who wrote Man of Steel. The film is due to be released in cinemas in 2015, with filming scheduled to begin next year. Owing to the film's tight schedule, reports are suggesting Snyder's casting decisions will be revealed in the next few weeks. 

However, fans should not get too excited as yet, Snyder has only started to consider casting decisions, according to sources speaking to The Hollywood Reporter. 

According to the same sources, Snyder is looking to find a slightly older Batman: an actor in his late thirties or early forties. 

A few top names are being bandied around including Josh Brolin (Gangster Squad); Ryan Gosling (who also starred in Gangster Squad); Joe Manganiello (True Blood); Richard Armitage (The Hobbit); Max Martini (Pacific Rim) and Matthew Goode (Watchmen).

Josh Brolin 
Josh Brolin at the L.A. premiere of Gangster Squad, held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

However, a number of insiders have said the rumours are ridiculous as the script has not even been written! One insider laughed "you might as well put Adam West in this list." 

Snyder's decision to feature the two superheroes in one film comes in the wake of rumours referring to a Justice League film. The DC version of an Avengers-like ensemble would feature the likes of Superman, Batman, The Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Aquaman. It has been suggested that the inclusion of Batman in the next Superman film is the beginning of a series of films which will eventually lead to the Justice League movie once the other character's backstories are revealed. 

 Richard Armitage
Richard Armitage at the London premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.