Could This Be Your Next Batman?

Man of Steel is barely out of theaters, but plans for the sequel are already in full-force. At Comic-Con last weekend, Warner Bros. revealed that the film's follow-up would be a Superman-Batman mash-up, and it looks like the studio already has a Dark Knight in mind: Tyler Hoechlin, star of MTV's Teen Wolf , is reportedly being considered for the part.

Hoechlin's representatives have yet to confirm or deny the rumor, but seeing as filming is expected to begin in early 2014, it shouldn't be long before the studios announce their final casting choices. Still, Hoechlin may very well be one of several actors vying for the coveted role, just as Henry Cavill went up against Armie Hammer, Matt Bomer, and many others a few years ago before landing the role of Superman.

If Hoechlin is picked for the part, it'd be an interesting choice, considering that he's relatively unknown apart from Teen Wolf. He gained prominence as a teen for an acclaimed supporting role in 2002's Road to Perdition and a recurring part on 7th Heaven, but has only appeared in a few movies since. (See baby Hoechlin below in Perdition.)

Yet Henry Cavill was barely a blip on Hollywood's radar when he was cast as Superman, and while Man of Steel received middling reviews, most criticisms were for the film itself, not Cavill's performance. Now, Cavill is an in-demand actor, and if Hoechlin is indeed chosen as the next Batman, he could very well follow suit.

The Man of Steel sequel, possibly titled Batman vs. Superman or Superman vs. Batman (original, Hollywood!), will be directed by Zack Snyder and written by David S. Goyer. It's set for a 2015 release.

Image: DreamWorks