The recently-concluded DC FanDome gave us a lot of new content, but more stuff about Matt Reeves’ solo film The Batman is what got me really excited.
The Beardict: 9 out of 10. The Batman DC FanDome Official Teaser gives us a feel of the crazy things our favorite caped crusader will get into in 2021. We finally see footage of Robert Pattinson as both billionaire Bruce Wayne and his crime-fighting alter ego, Batman.
Before we get into the reasons why I think The Batman (2021) will be awesome, here’s the trailer if you haven’t watched it yet (I know I’ve watched it at least ten times already hahaha):
Sign #1: That action-horror feel of the film
Past DCEU films involving Batman have been criticized for being all over the place, but this time around, it feels different. Director Matt Reeves seems to know what he’s doing with the character. When Batman faces off against the arrogant goon at the 1:35 mark, there’s a certain viciousness that strikes fear into the rest of his enemies. Batman is scary enough on his own, but having The Riddler as the main villain reinforces the atmosphere.
Sign #2: The Riddler as the big bad
“If you are justice, please do not lie. What is the price for your blind eye?”
The Riddler hasn’t had much cinematic exposure. Sure, he was one of the villains in Batman Forever (1995), but that Jim Carrey version was very comical and honestly forgettable. Here, he seems to be a sadistic serial killer who likes to play mind games. Since he also seems to be unhealthily obsessed with Batman, it’s imperative that they prevent his character from becoming just another Joker. I’m honestly not too worried about this because Paul Dano is a versatile actor.
READ MORE: Beardict – Joker Proves That A Film About A Comic Book Villain Can Be Oscar-Worthy
Sign #3 “I’m vengeance.” Robert Pattinson as Batman
R-Patz is dead. Long live Battinson!
It’s been 12 years since Twilight (2008) came out, but if you talk about Robert Pattinson in front of people nowadays, the first thing you would still here is “Didn’t he play that sparkly vampire, Edward?” However, this perception of him will change once The Batman succeeds. Why? Because he’ll prove to all non-believers that he can give justice to one of the most beloved pop culture characters of all time.
If you’ve watched him in his other films such as Water For Elephants (2011) and Cosmopolis (2012), you’d know that he always brings gravitas to his performances. In this trailer alone, he’s able to nail the Batvoice already, which is not a small feat. Just ask Christian Bale. LOL.
Sign #4 Unique take on origin story
Without a doubt, Christopher Nolan’s the Dark Knight trilogy is a masterpiece. Surpassing its level of quality would be quite the feat, and that is why The Batman is deviating from that formula and is not trying to be Batman Begins 2.0. The Riddler (Paul Dano) and The Penguin (Colin Farrell) are the adversaries, and frienemy Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz) is part of the story right away. Unlike the calm and confident Bruce Wayne that we’re used to, we get a more angsty version. It would also be interesting to know more about how they build the city of Gotham in this adventure, as we’ve been introduced to so many versions already, the last one from the fun Birds of Prey starring Margot Robbie.
READ MORE: Beardict – Birds of Prey: Long Live The Quinn
Sign #5 Really cool Bat equipment
It wouldn’t be the complete Batman experience without the gadgets he uses to fight bad guys. At 1:45 of the trailer, we are treated to a mini-montage. First, we see the Batmobile in action, starting up and chasing cars. Then, we see the bulletproof Batsuit armor (with the design reminiscent of the Arkham video game series) taking a shot straight to the chest. To cap it off, we witness Batman going through staircases with what seems to be the Batgrapple.
2020 may suck, but let’s certainly hope it’s already safe to go to cinemas next year. We need our Batman fix!
Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. The Batman directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Andy Serkis, Colin Farrell, Paul Dano, and Jeffrey Right is slated for an October 1, 2021 release date.
