Matt Reeves' The Batman is one of the most anticipated films of 2022. A large part of this is due to the film's exploration of the character in a timeframe that isn't explored often. However, like previous film adaptations, The Batman is also being inspired by some of the character's most cerebral and layered stories. For those that know said comics, some secrets may have been released in the trailers.
The Batman takes place during Bruce Wayne's second year as the Caped Crusader. That being said, there are still some influences derived from Batman: Year One. For starters, both the film and story showcase the character as a more aggressive and inexperienced hero. Visually, it's shown through Batman's suit, which feels very DIY and put together to provide protection and offense. The trailers also show Batman is taking on more gangsters and thugs than his colorful rogues gallery. Furthermore, Year One explores this darker era of Gotham, and the film showcases this noir style.
While there aren't many classic villains in The Batman trailer, the style that some are introduced calls back to Batman: The Long Halloween. Like Year One, it follows a younger, less-skilled Dark Knight who is understanding Gotham as it changes and gets more twisted. Both the film and the story showcase the origins of Catwoman and Penguin. While The Batman shows Selina Kyle far along in her transition into Catwoman, Oswald Cobblepot is presumably on his way to being the Penguin, as he acts more like a gangster in the trailers.
The Long Halloween also focuses on The Riddler for a short time as a victim spared by the Holiday Killer. The Batman looks to meld the psychotic murders of the Holiday Killer with the twisted questions of The Riddler to create a genuinely unsettling rogue. That being said, the conclusion of The Long Halloween may paint a picture of how The Riddler could use his skills to mislead authorities and kill again. While Batman's external threats will surely make things difficult for Gotham, the main character's real struggle is with himself.
Batman: Ego and Other Tales is a unique inspiration because it explores the idea of Batman being the villain. Taking a slightly literal look at Bruce's psyche, the story follows Wayne as his mind fractures, and his Batman persona becomes more aggressive and unhinged. Ultimately, the story explores why Bruce is just as important as Batman. Since Bruce is still learning his limits in The Batman, this story is a perfect foil to explore his logic and rage.
When it comes to major plot points, the inspirations may not tease precisely how the film will play out from the trailers. However, those well-read fans could infer how The Batman could end, more specifically with the fate of The Riddler. As inspirations, they may only aid in establishing a tone and finding compelling characters to interact with the Dark Knight, but The Batman will surely surprise fans once it releases, even those who've read up on his lore.
To see how these stories influence the film, watch Matt Reeves’ The Batman when it hits theaters on March 4, 2022.