Persistent rumors have pegged Jake Gyllenhaal to don the cape and cowl for The Batman, succeeding Ben Affleck as the Dark Knight, but the Oscar nominee says that's not the case.

While talking with CNA Lifestyle, the actor was asked if he will become the "next Batman." Gyllenhaal laughed before saying, "Wow, that's a very difficult question." He then replied, "The answer to that question is 'no.'"

RELATED: Batman Movie is Going "Really, Really Well," Says Matt Reeves

Although it's long been speculated that Affleck will soon exit the DC Extended Universe after appearing as Bruce Wayne in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League, his future as the Caped Crusader remains unclear. He was originally attached to co-write, direct and star in a Batman solo movie before exiting in the first two capacities in January 2017, to be replaced behind the camera by Matt Reeves.

While the War for the Planet of the Apes director has had to endure rumors about his own future with the DCEU, he recently assured that development of The Batman is going "really, really well."

More recently, a rumor that the movie would be set in the aftermath of the death of Robin, whose costume is displayed in the Batcave in Batman v Superman, was debunked.

KEEP READING: A Complete History of Ben Affleck Playing (and NOT Playing) Batman