While the website's report cautiously notes that "the script is still being written, so nothing has been submitted formally to reps and actors ... (and) director Zach Snyder is only just beginning to look at actors," it throws some high-profile names into the mix.
THR's sources believe that Gangster Squad co-stars Ryan Gosling, 32, and Josh Brolin, 46, are among a list of "top names surfacing at this stage" who are reportedly being sought to play Batman.
True Blood star Joe Manganiello, 36, is also said to be a contender, along with Matthew Goode, 35, of Watchmen fame. While The Hobbit's Richard Armitage, 41, and Pacific Rim star Max Martini, 43, are also reportedly names being thrown around for the new Batman.
British tabloid The Daily Star also recently claimed that Armitage has been linked to the Batman role "after impressing movie bosses in The Hobbit".
"Richard is in with a real shout," the tab quoted a source as saying.
"He is well liked and has the skills to portray the dark and light in the Wayne/Batman character."
According to THR, Brolin remains the "frontrunner" at this stage.
But wait, there's more ...
According to the website's "numerous sources", "this Wayne/Batman will be in the late 30s or around the 40 mark ... established and rugged" (in line with Frank Miller's classic comic book series The Dark Knight Returns). The sources also note that the sequel will reportedly not tell the character's origin story.
Website Batman On Film also recently claimed that Warner Bros is reportedly seeking a "grizzled" actor in his mid-40s to play Batman in the Man of Steel sequel.
"This new Batman will be a grizzled veteran who has been on the job, if you will, for several years," noted the report.
Meanwhile, Armie Hammer recently ruled himself out for the role.
"I'm not actually a big fan of superhero films," he told Metro. "If you have a guy who is supposed to be invulnerable, then what's the point?"
Hammer's next project will see him star alongside Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's The Man From UNCLE.
"I think if Henry and I did that film and then a superhero film straight after, people might start to wonder about us," he joked.
The superhero sequel - rumoured to be titled Batman vs Superman - is slated for release in 2015, with production expected to begin next year.
Make what you will of THR's speculation.
Stay tuned for updates.
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