Jeffrey Wright explains how the Caped Crusader and Jim Gordon will operate during the beginning of their relationship in The Batman.
"My Gordon is very much partnered with Rob’s [Robert Pattinson] Batman," Wright told Total Film. "And so there is, as Gary Oldman once described it, very much a Watson to the Batman’s Holmes in our storytelling. He’s still Lieutenant. He’s not Commissioner yet. So it gave the character the opportunity to really dip his hands into the muck, and be up to his elbows, and be very much in the thick of things."
Jim Gordon has been one of Batman's most trusted allies throughout the Dark Knight's history, often circumventing the law and breaking rank to side with the vigilante over his own GCPD. Gordon's a fixture in most Batman incarnations, and he usually faces a crisis of conscience, torn between his respect for the badge while knowing how ineffective the proper way of doing things can be in a place ruled by darkness. The two have had many rooftop conversations about Gotham City or the latest rogue wreaking havoc and have built trust between them.
Wright has previously stated that his Jim Gordon does more than light the Bat-Signal. As he's a lieutenant and not yet the commissioner, he could have the opportunity to work alongside Batman in a different way. This seems to fall in line with the different approaches to the cast of characters featured in the film. Alfred, Catwoman, the Riddler and the Penguin each have their own unique journeys in the new story. Pattinson even described the film as "a really, really unusual Batman story."
Other Bat-centric aspects of the story will see new interpretations. The 4k image of the iconic Batsuit shows in detail how it stands apart from previous incarnations with its armor plating and a stylized cowl. The Batmobile in the film has been likened to a muscle car, though this is Batman in the early stages of his career where he's still defining who he is and perfecting the items he uses in his crusade.
There will also be a Gotham PD spinoff series for HBO Max that will follow Jim Gordon's time in the police force and serve as a prequel to the film. Not much is known about it at this time, but in true Gotham fashion, it will delve into the corruption that plagues the city.
Directed by Matt Reeves, The Batman releases in theaters on March 4.
Source: Total Film magazine