Photo: ‘The Batman’/Warner Bros.
As one of the world’s most popular superheroes, Batman has been through a long history of big-screen appearances. The DC comic book character has been played by numerous actors, including Adam West, Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, George Clooney and Ben Affleck, across more than a dozen films. The character’s latest big-screen appearance was in Todd Phillips’ Joker, where child actor Dante Pereira-Olson portrays a young Bruce Wayne years before he becomes the Dark Knight.
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After a series of films in which Ben Affleck portrayed the character, including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League, the time has come for someone new to step into Batman’s boots. The upcoming superhero film The Batman will still take place within the DC Extended Universe, connecting with films such as Justice League, but the titular character will now be played by Robert Pattinson.
While Pattinson’s career began with the big-budget fantasy romance series Twilight, he has also made a name for himself by pursuing more independent films. The 2008 comedy/drama How To Be, directed by Oliver Irving, earned Pattison critical praise for the lead role of Art. 2017 crime thriller Good Time, directed by Josh and Benny Safdie, earned him further praise, as did Robert Eggers’ 2019 psychological horror film The Lighthouse. Until signing on to The Batman, Pattinson made a point of refusing to appear in franchise films after Twilight because he believes that they can cause actors to lose their sense of identity.
With Robert Pattison taking over for Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman, it is only fitting that a new director also step up to bring this new version of the character to the screen. Director Matt Reeves is a Hollywood veteran, but he has yet to direct a comic-book film. His standout films include the 2008 monster flick Cloverfield, as well as two films in the Planet of the Apes series: 2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes. This filmography showcases Reeves’ ability to create large-scale and action-packed films which also tell an intimate and emotional story. This pedigree seems like a perfect fit for the emotionally turbulent heroics of the Batman character.
While tackling a character and mythology with such a long history, Reeves and Pattinson seem committed to delivering an authentic, but also original, story. Screenwriter Mattson Tomlin claims that the film’s script is heavily influenced not only by decades of comic book history, but also Batman: The Animated Series. The Grammy-award winning series aired throughout the early 90s and is responsible for creating a number of characters and storylines which have persisted in Batman lore into the modern-day.
Reeves also spoke about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the film. Shooting has been placed on hiatus until the pandemic has ended, leaving only about one-quarter of the film shot. This pause in production has actually been helpful, as it gives Reeves a chance to reflect and dwell on his vision. However, Reeves also talks about a tragedy brought on by the virus, as a member of production died from COVID-19 complications. Andrew Jack, a dialect coach who has previously worked on and appeared in several Star Wars films, died from COVID-19 complications shortly after The Batman went on hiatus.
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On the other side of the camera, Robert Pattinson will be filling the shoes of legendary Batman actors such as Michael Keaton and Christian Bale. While this may be a daunting task for some, Pattinson enjoys the challenge. In an interview with GQ, Pattinson discussed the Batman legacy and how his version of the character will differ from past films’. Pattinson explained, “it’s fun when more and more ground has been covered. Like, where is the gap? You’ve seen this sort of lighter version, you’ve seen a kind of jaded version, a kind of more animalistic version. And the puzzle of it becomes quite satisfying, to think: Where’s my opening?” With a recent string of mind-blowing roles, it seems likely that Pattinson will find a space to fit his own interpretation of the Dark Knight.
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Alongside Pattinson, The Batman is also set to feature a star-studded supporting cast, made up of Batman’s iconic rogues gallery. Andy Serkis, who worked extensively with Matt Reeves on his Planet of the Apes films, will be playing Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth. Serkis recently told LADBible that the film will be “darker” and “broodier” than previous incarnations and that the emotional connection between Bruce Wayne and Alfred will be at the center of the film.
Actress Zoë Kravitz is set to co-star as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, a burglar and love interest to Batman for many years in the comics. The character was previously portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer in 1992’s Batman Returns, and Kravitz will now be filling her shoes.
Jeffrey Wright will appear as Commissioner James Gordon, Batman’s closest ally and confidant within the Gotham City Police Department. The role has previously been filled by actors such as Gary Oldman and J.K. Simmons, making Wright the first African American actor to portray Gordon.
Many versions of Batman have appeared on the big screen. While some adaptations have been more well-received than others, each has been unique in its own way. With plenty of talent on both sides of the camera, it seems very likely that Matt Reeves’ The Batman will be a success when it hits theatres on October 21, 2021.
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Thomas McNulty believes in thorough research and ethical journalism with a keen awareness of Hollywood trends and news. Thomas likes to look at the bigger picture of where the industry is heading with all forms of entertainment, including movies, TV shows, books, video games and live entertainment that are forms of art and should be treated as such. By drawing connections between these various pieces of entertainment, we are able to come closer to understanding society as a whole. Thomas believes in writing for a publication that promotes ethics and morality and that is why he has chosen Hollywood Insider as the right platform to advocate for positive entertainment.
