The second trailer for The Batman has been released and was met with huge fanfare, highlighting characters like The Penguin, Selina Kyle and especially The Riddler.
Although Riddler actor Paul Dano's face was mostly hidden, he was still the main focus for the first minute of the trailer. Things get quiet at the one-minute mark when Batman visits his foe in Arkham Hospital, and in a slow and twisted voice, Riddler says, "I've been trying to reach you." Batman stares back menacingly before punching the glass that separates them and yells back at him, contradicting Riddler's soft tone with his rage.
This moment is shot from over Riddler's shoulder, and since Batman is on the other side of the glass and punches it as he yells, it's hard to hear exactly what he says. Fortunately, since The Batman is the kind of movie that will be studied and analyzed by fans before being released, people quickly figured out what he angrily asks The Riddler: "What have you done?!"
Because Batman was a bit difficult to understand, it could be a cause for concern for fans about how he will speak throughout The Batman. The character typically sounds dark and menacing as opposed to the suave-sounding Bruce Wayne. While actor Kevin Conroy nailed the caped crusader's voice in animation and video games, recent live-action interpretations have been mixed when it comes to the vocal delivery.
One of the few things from Christopher Nolan's highly influential Dark Knight trilogy that hasn't aged well is Christian Bale's raspy growls when speaking as Batman. Bane's voice in The Dark Knight Rises also wasn't easy to understand since his mouth was covered by his signature mask throughout the entire film. Batman's voice did improve with Ben Affleck's portrayal of the character in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League by using a voice modulator, making him both intimidating and easier to understand.
Luckily, for those who were worried about not being able to understand Robert Pattinson's Batman in that moment with The Riddler, his voice sounds clearer throughout other moments in the trailer, such as when he delivers his catchphrase, "I am vengeance!"
Since Bruce Wayne is one of the most famous people in Gotham, he also has one of the most recognizable voices in the city. So when he becomes the Dark Knight he will need to change his voice in order to conceal his identity and also intimidate the criminals he confronts. His heated anger at Riddler in The Batman trailer indicates that something sick and sinister has fallen upon Gotham.
The Batman is finally ready to hit screens and is scheduled to premiere on March 4, 2022.