The trade reports that several of the top choices - including Jake Gyllenhaal, Joshua Jackson, Christian Bale, Cilian Murphy, and Eion Bailey - have already tested for the role. A casting decision is expected to be announced as soon as this week.

The rumored title for the film, "Batman: Intimidation Game," looks to begin filming this January for a 2005 release.

The trade also reports that a new draft of the "Superman" script, originally written by JJ Abrams, has been received and final meetings with McG will determine whether or not to go forward with production on the film. McG, who was originally recruited by the studio to direct the project, dropped out and was replaced by Brett Ratner. Ratner has since left the project due to budget clashes with producer Jon Peters, and now McG is back on board.

Meanwhile, the trade also reveals that the "Batman vs. Superman" project is still alive and may be done several years from now, after both of these two franchises have been resurrected.