Rob Pattinson will be the new Batman! Yep, the 27-year-old British actor will don the cowl on the big screen in next year’s blockbuster, which already has a release date: May 21, 2021.
It’s fitting that the man who will play one of the most influential characters in modern pop culture would also step into the role of a fictional superhero, what with his deep connection to both literature and films. And, of course, he has to grow a mustache.
The 2021 Batman features a completely new look for the Dark Knight as director Matt Reeves attempts to modernize the character for present-day audiences. While most of the film takes place in an imaginary world called Gotham, parts of it will be set in the real city of London.
The new Batman will be introduced to the world in the upcoming Batman Episode 2 trailer, which will drop on March 18, 2021. The trailer will give fans their first real look at the new movie and its villain, The Riddler (played by François Truffaut).
The Making Of The New Batman
Theatrics aside, it’s important to remember that this is still the same Batman we’ve always known and loved. He’s been fighting crime as long as anyone can remember and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. But as great as he is, there’s always room for improvement.
In many ways, the new Batman represents a modernization of the character for modern audiences. Gone are the dark times and the bright yellow outfit. In its place is a sleek black suit with an armored vest, a darker complexion, and no grinning skowl.
This isn’t the first time Reeves has tackled a major relaunch of a comic book character. In 2018, he directed A Wrinkle In Time, which reimagined Meg Murry as a superhero called “Megawaite.” Similarly, Nicolas Cage’s role in 2002’s adaptation of Daredevil wasn’t exactly meant to be taken seriously, but it helped pave the way for future installments of the series.
But while Nic Cage’s version of Daredevil was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek take on the character, Reeves’s Batman is being treated more like an adaptation of a graphic novel than a simple comic book movie. And, in fact, one of the most interesting aspects of the film is its reimagining of Batman’s supporting characters as superheroes as well.
Thanks to a new costume design from visionary costume house Jeeves, which is designed by Hollywood royalty Nolan Walsh, Kate McKinnon will be performing an impression of the Joker’s infamous laugh as Harley Quinn. And what’s good for Harley is good for Batman as well, as he’ll finally get to show off his playful side.
A New Approach To An Old Friend
While Batman has been fighting crime for more than 70 years, his greatest nemesis is still the same: the Joker. From the moment they first appeared on the big screen in 1964’s Dark Knight, the Joker and Batman have been enemies. But as great as the Joker has been at messing with Batman’s head, he’s never really managed to completely get under the Dark Knight’s skin. Still, the two have managed to keep a sense of friendly rivalry.
Although it’s been more than half a century since Batman first appeared on the big screen, the superhero’s influence over popular culture hasn’t faded. Just look at the countless imitators that have cropped up since the character’s debut. There’s also a popular YouTube channel called “Mystery Box” that documents strange collectibles, many of which connect to Batman and/or his enemies.
And now that Batman is entering a new era of his existence, his greatest enemy is also changing with him. The Joker’s twisted brand of comedy will be a challenge to keep up with, but Reeves and company should be able to pull it off.
An Opportunity To Impress Young And Old
With the new Batman, Matt Reeves is looking to reinvent the DC superhero for contemporary audiences. While the filmmakers acknowledge the influence of Heath Ledger’s stylings as the Joker in the previous Batman installment, they had bigger fish to fry. Namely, making sure that Batman was a convincing character for today’s audiences.
“We were influenced by contemporary culture,” said Reeves. “But at the same time, we wanted to stay true to the spirit of the character.”
While some might compare the new Batman to a modernized Ironman, it’s actually more similar to the classic Scarlet Pimpernel. Like the Royal Marine in the 1998 movie, the new Batman will be a fearless defender of justice, striking down his foes with stylish efficiency.
Whether they’re a child or an adult, everyone’s favorite masked vigilantes are sure to make fans feel as young as ever.