The long-awaited blockbuster, The Batman, is finally arriving in Australian cinemas on 3 March and that means it’s time to reacquaint yourself with the key characters dominating the screen.
In this latest rendition of the cult classic, the story picks up in Gotham City as a sadistic serial killer known as Riddler (played by Paul Dano) leaves a series of cryptic clues about his next move. Forcing Batman (played by Robert Pattinson) to dive into Gotham’s corrupt underworld, he must build new relationships to stop Riddler’s terrifying plan and bring justice raining down on him.
Just like other iterations of the Batman saga, The Batman is set to be grungy and dark, with plenty of clandestine meetings in dark alleys (and a hint of sexual tension in Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman). Superhero movies were made for the big screen, with special effects, fight scenes, and detailed costumes that are best enjoyed when watched on a screen the size of your house. There’s plenty to be excited about in The Batman, but for now, we want to reintroduce you to four main players set to appear in the film.
Bruce Wayne (aka Batman)
Bursting back onto our cinema screens with a dark and broody rendition of Batman, Pattinson is a natural choice for the role of Bruce Wayne and our favourite vigilante bat, bringing just the right amount of strength and angst to the role.
Most recently, Batman was played by Ben Affleck and Christian Bale and, in both instances, we saw a burly billionaire playboy grappling with his past trauma and overcoming it all to become an equally broody yet iconic vigilante for Gotham City. It’s been speculated that Pattinson may bring a more empathetic version of Wayne to The Batman, which is also hinted at with the slighter frame and less “trendy” hair seen on Wayne at the beginning of the film’s trailer.
Regardless, The Batman will centre Wayne as he once again dons his cape and mask to take down the crazed serial killer threatening to take down the city, one high-profile politician personality at a time. Joining forces with his traditional allies (Catwoman and GCPD’s James Gordon) along the way to save the day.
Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman)
Selina Kyle (and therefore Catwoman) doesn’t always make an appearance in Batman movies, but we’re so glad she is this time — played by Zoë Kravitz, no less. Catwoman has a checkered past and is considered a villain in the DC Universe, so it’s always tricky to figure out whether she’s more interested in killing Batman or falling in love with him. She’s stealthy, agile, and a martial arts expert, and only time will tell whether she plans to use those talents for good or evil. One thing that is guaranteed? Some serious sexual tension with Batman on top of tall buildings.
Lieutenant James Gordon
In the Dark Knight era of Batman movies, we see James Gordon (played by Gary Oldman) quickly climb the ranks from police sergeant to commissioner. In The Batman, we’re picking up somewhere in the middle, with Lieutenant Gordon (this time, portrayed by Westworld’s Jeffrey Wright) in the earlier stages of his career, before he’s charged with protecting Gotham City.
The trailer tells us that the secret informant/vigilante/cop relationship is very much alive and well in The Batman. It opens with the infamous Bat-Signal Gordon uses to summon Batman to a secret location to either deliver or receive information regarding the latest villain to threaten Gotham.
Edward Nashton (aka The Riddler)
Every superhero movie must have a Big Bad, and in The Batman, that’s The Riddler. Privately going by the name Edward Nashton in The Batman, Riddler is a serial killer and terrorist who uses puzzles and torture methods to grip Gotham and take down the city’s elite. It’s this vendetta against the city and the richest people who occupy it that makes him hate Bruce Wayne (and therefore, Batman), who he’s convinced thinks he’s better than himself.
Nashton grew up in an orphanage and was ostracised by his fellow children because of his intense love of puzzles and riddles. In The Batman, this love of riddles becomes his signature, as he tries to reveal the very real corruption that makes the rich, richer (and the poor, poorer) in Gotham City.
The Batman is available to watch only in cinemas from 3 March, 2022.
