OPINION: The Potential Behind Matt Reeves’ The Batman
Who is the best Batman? There have been multiple people who put on the cape and cowl, but what if the best is just around the corner? There is a lot of controversy around the choice, but Robert Pattinson has the potential to be the best and most unique Batman we have had yet. Batman is one of the most popular fictional characters of all time, so it’s important when we get new incarnations of the character.
In May 2019, it was confirmed that Robert Pattinson would play Batman in director Matt Reeves’ upcoming film, The Batman. The film is an adaptation of DC Comics’ The Long Halloween story. Matt Reeves stated that we will see Bruce Wayne in his second year as Batman while he deals with the corruption in Gotham City. Notable villains from the Batman rogues gallery that have already been confirmed to appear, include Catwoman, The Penguin, and Riddler. The Batman is currently set for a release of March 2022, after being delayed more than once.
If Robert Pattinson’s Batman isn’t well received, things could get terrible pretty fast. Robert has finally shaken off quite a bit of the hate from Twilight with his recent films. With this being a big character to take on, this will probably be the movie to define his career. The amount of hate he would get if the movie isn’t good would be unimaginable. Matt Reeves is also set to direct two more films in his Batman trilogy, which is a bold decision on his part.
The idea that this film will be unsuccessful, from what has been gathered, is incredibly difficult to believe. Everything Matt Reeves has said regarding this film is perfect. We have never gotten a Batman movie that focuses on Batman’s detective side, which is a huge aspect of his character that Matt Reeves has stated multiple times, this film will incorporate. Reeves also stated that his Gotham City is going to be filmed in multiple locations combined with computer generated images (CGI) to ensure that it doesn’t feel like a city we can recognize from the real world. The Riddler, played by Paul Dano, feels reminiscent of the Zodiac Killer, which is unique but still in line with his character. Reeves also declared that the Batman suit will be built by Bruce Wayne himself, showing us that this version has the wit that he should have.
One argument people have is that Robert Pattinson does not have the muscular physique to play Batman. This incarnation of Bruce is in his second year as Batman, so he still makes mistakes and is still developing this career. Pattinson’s Batman is also very detective heavy, so he probably won’t be getting into too many fist fights. If this isn’t enough to convince you that he still is in good shape for this version of the character, in the trailer we see Batman brutally beat up a thug.
This film will be career changing for Robert Pattinson no matter what outcome we get. The care put into this film by Matt Reeves and the actors that he is so very confident in, really shows. He clearly understands Batman as a character, and also that Gotham City is just as much of a character in the Batman mythos as Bruce Wayne. Batman is in incredibly safe hands. If you are still hung up on Robert Pattinson’s skill based on his portrayal in Twilight (as a character he regrets playing), will you at least give this interpretation a chance?