Will Robert Pattinson's 'The Batman' take the superhero back to its roots?
The Caped Crusader is coming back to clean the foul streets of Gotham City.
After Zack Snyder’s doomed 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice', a lot is riding on Matt Reeves' 'The Batman' as Robert Pattinson fills the well-worn shoes of Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale and Ben Affleck.
The film promises to bring a younger Bruce Wayne into focus and, with the working title 'Vengeance', is likely to explore the time when he first became a vigilante. The new Batman film also brings hope for the revival of Warner Bros’ struggling extended universe of DC superhero movies.
While more details of the movie are being kept under wraps, there are murmurs that the story reimagines Bruce Wayne in the younger years of his life and it would be set in Arkham Asylum, where Batman will fight his way in a Raid-style thriller.
With all the little tidbits that have come our way, it's safe to say that the movie aims to take Batman back to its roots.
A natural detective
It is often forgotten that Batman never really had a superpower but began as a self-trained crime-solver. He often counted on his ability to combat crime with the help of his high-tech gear, martial arts, and ultra intelligence. His special gear for fighting crime is often stored in his utility belt. It is highly likely that the new film brings back that essence of the character.
Calling the film a “very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale,” writer-director Reeves told The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it’s going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional. It’s more Batman in his detective mode than we’ve seen in the films. The comics have a history of that. He’s supposed to be the world’s greatest detective, and that’s not necessarily been a part of what the movies have been.”
He also confirmed that multiple villains will be plucked from the franchise and buzz is that supervillains Penguin, Catwoman and Riddler star in the movie.
Lean machine
In his first appearance in the comics, Batman wore a bulletproof vest under his suit and had purple gloves. He also wore a standard belt with a round buckle. The superhero has always been known for his slim and athletic body, and even though he is known for his acrobatic maneuvers, strength and resilience, he never had a beefed-up look.
Before the filming, reports say Pattinson has been struggling to bulk up as the billionaire hero.
According to inside scoops from Grace Randolph, a comic book writer, the actor is “having a little bit of trouble" bulking up. “It is impossible for him to fully bulk up,” she commented, adding, "It’s hilarious, they are like, ‘Maybe if we gave him a few more weeks, he might bulk up’.”
If that remains the case, the makers might have to accept a skinny Batman, won't they? That again takes the character back to how it was first written.
Blue-grey Batsuit
In the Golden Age comic books, Batman had a black-and-blue costume with a yellow belt and purple gloves. Later, his costume became visibly bluer. And in the Silver Age comics written in the 1960s, a gold oval with the Bat symbol was added to the costume. Then came Adam West's Batman, where the blue shade was lighter in tone as compared to the comical version.
In the 1986's 'The Dark Knight Returns' phase, the Batsuit evolved into a Golden Age and Adam West-mix where the mask and colors were similar but the yellow circle was gone and it had a larger Bat logo.
The Christopher Nolan movies took inspiration from the black-and-grey suit and introduced a darker version of Gotham's Knight.
With the new DC movie, the vigilante might go back to its first interpretation if the blue-grey costume comes back into play.
Thanks to a tweet, there are rumors circling on how Batman's suit will be “a modernized take on the Adam West costume, incorporating blues and greys, but no longer yellow.” Reportedly, it will feature white eyes. While there is no confirmation, Pattinson did try the Batsuit in the final stages of his audition and wearing it was quite “transformative, powerful and astonishing” for him.
Ever since Robert Pattinson was finalized as the lead, there have been mixed reactions with fans blatantly labeling him “not fit” for the part. But the actor seems hardly concerned as he feels lesser expectations gives him a chance to surprise viewers.
Growing up in England, he watched Tim Burton's 'Batman' movies and the world's greatest detective slowly became the only comic book character he always loved.
An unusual superhero, Batman is known for his wealth, wit, physical strength, intelligence, and passion. Not just admirable and inspirational, he is the first superhero who is relatable.
Perhaps, this rendition of Batman will bring the nostalgia of childhood comics and, if blended with the right elements, it could be pure magic.