With rumours still swirling that Ben Affleck may soon be departing the role of Batman in the DC Universe, particularly on the heels of sour reviews for his performance in Justice League, it has been reported that Jake Gyllenhaal is already being lined up to replace him.

According to Collider journalist John Campea, Gyllenhaal has met with director Mark Reeves, who is attached to direct a Batman solo vehicle. But he pressed that Gyllenhaal's involvement in the project is far from a done deal.

"That is the name that was floated," he said. "There has been some conversations, but it's not a sure thing this is happening. It's not a lock, it may not happen."

Gyllenhaal is no stranger to superhero rumours, having once been lined up to replace Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 2 after he was waylaid by a back injury. He was also one of many actors to audition for Batman Begins, ultimately losing the Caped Crusader role to Christian Bale.

But Gyllenhaal has appeared reluctant to step into long-running franchises in recent years, previously shutting down rumours linking him to Marvel.