More details have been shared about The Batman, including what audiences can expect from Robert Pattinson's portrayal of the iconic vigilante in the upcoming film.
In an official synopsis for The Batman released by Warner Bros., Pattinson's performance as the Dark Knight is described as a "raw, intense portrayal" of the character. Pattinson's Batman is further described as a "disillusioned, desperate vigilante" who is conflicted between "[balancing] rage with righteousness." The rest of the synopsis aligns with this grittier interpretation, describing the film as an "edgy, action-packed thriller," with mention of a "ruthless serial killer," who is presumably The Riddler played by Paul Dano.
The Batman's latest trailer, which was released at the 2021 DC FanDome event, shows off this edgier take on the character in action. In addition to a darker adaptation of The Riddler, who might just be The Joker in disguise, according to some theories, the trailer also showed off a visibly darker bat signal. Seemingly embodying the film's overall tone, the signal is described by Pattinson's Batman himself in the trailer saying, "It's not just a signal; it's a warning."
Some fans have speculated that The Batman might even be a sequel to 2019's Joker from director Todd Phillips, as both films feature similarly grim and grounded takes on the iconic comic book characters. What's more, both films are set outside of the DC Extended Universe, with The Batman director Matt Reeves seeming to take a similarly character-driven approach to Batman as Phillips did to The Joker. There are even several frames in the trailers for The Batman which may reference the same Thomas Wayne and Gotham City from Joker.
Featuring a more inexperienced Dark Knight and the inclusion of several members of his infamous rogues' gallery, The Batman appears to be influenced by several comic book storylines set early on in the Caped Crusader's crimefighting career, such as Year One and The Long Halloween. Meanwhile, the more recently published DC Black Label book Batman: The Imposter is also suspected to include some clues as to The Batman's interpretation of the character.
The full synopsis for The Batman can be read below:
"The Batman is an edgy, action-packed thriller that depicts Batman in his early years, struggling to balance rage with righteousness as he investigates a disturbing mystery that has terrorized Gotham. Robert Pattinson delivers a raw, intense portrayal of Batman as a disillusioned, desperate vigilante awakened by the realization that the anger consuming him makes him no better than the ruthless serial killer he's hunting."
The Batman arrives in theaters March 4, 2022.
Source: Warner Brothers Entertainment