Robert Pattinson is the latest actor to wear the Batsuit, following in the footsteps of Christian Bale and Ben Affleck.

The first trailer for The Batman has been released, showing a dark and gritty Gotham and revealing the villains of the film, The Riddler and Catwoman.

Continuing the story of one of DC Comics's most famous creations, The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson as the caped crusader, is directed by Matt Reeves and is set for release next year.

For the first time, fans can catch a glimpse of Paul Dano's Riddler and Zoe Kravitz's Catwoman as well as Batman's new Batmobile and Batcycle.

The two-minute video, which premiered at the virtual DC FanDome convention, is set to Nirvana's haunting 1991 track Something In The Way.

The trailer kicks off with an anonymous villain taping up a victim's head. Although his identity is obscured by a gas mask, it seems likely it's The Riddler.

"No more lies" is scrawled across the duct tape in red marker pen.

A distorted voice, thought to be that of The Riddler, reads out a rhyme: "From your secret friend. Who? Haven't a clue? Let's play a game, just me and you".

The same voice is later heard saying: "If you are justice, please do not lie. What is the price for your blind eye?"

The Riddler is a criminal mastermind who loves to incorporate word plays and puzzles into his evil schemes.

Director Reeves has previously said Dano's Riddler will "blow people's minds".

The supervillain was played by Jim Carrey in 1995's Batman Forever.

A second of Bruce Wayne's foes, Catwoman, is also seen abseiling into a glass-ceilinged building and breaking into a locked safe.

Catwoman was played by Halle Berry in the 2004 movie Catwoman and by Michelle Pfeiffer in the 1992 film Batman Returns.

While the caped crusader's butler Alfred Pennyworth doesn't make an appearance in the trailer, the voice of Andy Serkis who plays him can be heard commenting on Batman's celebrity status.

James Bond and Westworld star Jeffrey Wright also features as Gotham City's police chief, Commissioner Gordon.

The trailer ends with Batman beating up a gang of thugs, and telling them: "I'm vengeance."

Twilight star Pattinson will follow in the footsteps of Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, Val Kilmer and George Clooney in playing the Dark Knight.

The movie began filming in Glasgow earlier this year but was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The trailer says the film is "currently in production", however Reeves has confirmed that only around 25% of the movie has so far been shot.

The Batman was due for release in June 2021 but is now expected to arrive in October 2021.