Well, this certainly isn’t like any other live-action Batman movie we’ve seen. The first trailer for The Batman was revealed at the DC FanDome virtual convention, giving us a much better look at Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader, as well as an idea of who the primary villain is.
We already know that Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz), Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell), and Riddler (Paul Dano) will figure into the movie. However, based on this first trailer, it looks like Riddler will be getting the most screentime of the three. In the two-minute clip, it’s shown that Riddler is leaving a trail of bodies with notes and coded messages to Batman, indicating the villain is obsessed with him. The Riddler also seems to be painting Batman as a “liar” and seeking to expose him.
It’s refreshing to see the trailer center so heavily on Riddler and that this portrayal is being taken in a much different direction than the only other big-screen Riddler fans have seen (Jim Carrey’s in Batman Forever). This take on the character is dark, demented, and murderous. Dano is no stranger to this sort of role.
There’s plenty else to see in the trailer, including a gang of thugs wearing facepaint that seem somewhat reminiscent of a certain Clown Prince of Crime, as well as several other characters you’ll meet in the film. Of course, there’s lots of Bruce Wayne brooding going on too, because what’s a Batman movie without that? In face, Warner Bros. released a trio of stills pulled from the trailer that show Bruce off perfectly. We don’t get too much of Wayne talking, however, save for one particular line delivered after brutally dispatching a criminal.
Director Matt Reeves also had plenty to say about what to expect the film. It’s important to note this is not another Batman origin story. Instead, it finds him in his second year as the Dark Knight as the Riddler’s murders are being carried out. Selina is not yet Catwoman in the film, and Cobblepot is not the criminal kingpin he will one day become–he also hates being called Penguin, which is a staple of the character.
Given that this is just the first look at The Batman, there will be plenty more for director Matt Reeves to share in the coming months–especially given that only 25-30% of the film has been shot so far. It’s expected to resume shooting next month. It suffered a delay of a few months, as well, though its new date does fit the material.
The Batman is currently scheduled to hit theaters on October 1, 2021. For other news out of FanDome, take a look at our breakdown of the Zack Snyder’s Justice League trailer, as well as a new look at Wonder Woman 1984.
