It’s been a long time coming, but the wait for the next installment of the Batman family film is almost over. Today, Warner Bros. released the first trailer for The Batman, and it shows us exactly what to expect from the upcoming movie. Joining a host of A-list stars including Ben Affleck, Emily Blunt, and a mysterious Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson), the trailer sets the stage for what is sure to be a summer blockbuster.
The Dark Knight Returns
For those not in the know, the phrase “The Dark Knight” refers to the comics character created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger back in 1939. Known for his stylings, distinctive bat ears, and penchant for sticking up for the little guy, the Dark Knight was originally considered a comic book parody, but over the years he has transcended his roots and become a pop culture icon.
The success of the Dark Knight franchise is undoubtedly a result of director Christopher Nolan’s vision and execution. His trilogy of Batman movies—The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, and The Dark Knight Trilogy—is still considered by many to be the gold standard of comic book adaptations. The Dark Knight Rises, in particular, was acclaimed for its complex narrative and stunning visual effects, winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director (Nolan).
A Stylin’ Superhero
As we mentioned above, one of the most prominent features of the trailer is Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of the famous masked vigilante. The British actor took the role of the Batman in the upcoming film because, as he put it, he was “drawn to the character’s stylin’ superhero appearance.” If we are to judge by his previous works, then Pattinson certainly fits the bill. In fact, it seems that he may even surpass the hype surrounding his big-name co-stars, with many praising his performance in Water For Elephants as the best that actor Ben Affleck has ever given.
A Bittersweet Time
While fans of the Dark Knight will no doubt be happy to see him grace the big screen one last time, it is important to remember that this will be the last installment in the Batman franchise. As a result of the Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of the comic book giant, Marvel, a large percentage of the movie’s revenue will go to fund the creation of new Marvel movies, which will now be competing for audiences’ attention in the coming months and years. Although Christopher Nolan is no doubt relieved that his epic movie trilogy will have some (albeit short-lived) commercial value, the filmmaker has made it clear that he wants to move on to other projects.
It is therefore critical that we as fans recognize the important contribution that the Dark Knight has made to popular culture, and try to ensure that his legacy does not get short-changed by overexposure. Fortunately, with the upcoming release of The Batman just around the corner, moviegoers will have the opportunity to see how Christopher Nolan finishes his trilogy, and sets the stage for the next generation of heroes, which may even include Robert Pattinson.