2017 is a huge year for superhero films, and the first of many adaptations hits theaters later this month when The LEGO Batman Movie premieres. The project is a spinoff of 2014's widely successful LEGO Movie, centering around Will Arnett's humorous take on the Caped Crusader. Directed by Chris McKay, LEGO Batman looks to be equal parts spoof and homage, if its many amusing trailers and TV spots are any indication. Though some have doubts the LEGO Batman schtick can sustain a feature length film, the marketing hints at a strong and satisfying story about working with others, which should be entertaining.
The ensemble cast is a who's who of A-list talent. Joining Arnett in key roles are Michael Cera (Robin), Ralph Fiennes (Alfred Pennyworth), Zach Galifianakis (the Joker), and Rosario Dawson (Barbara Gordon). There are also a number of cameos planned, as the film features several characters from the Batman mythos. While the full list of supporting players will likely have to wait until the movie comes out, there has been one late confirmation for the cast: Chris Hardwick.
The stand-up comedian and frequent Comic-Con Hall H panel host broke the news during an episode of his Comedy Central show @midnight (via Comic Book), suggesting he may have multiple parts:
"I may have done a couple voices in this movie... Okay, I am in this movie. I'm very excited about this."
Now that Hardwick's involvement is official, fans will be trying to figure out which character he's voicing. A strong possibility is Green Arrow, who Hardwick portrayed previously in the LEGO Dimensions video game. While Batman is obviously the focus of The LEGO Batman Movie, promotional materials have hinted at appearances from Bruce Wayne's fellow Justice League members, including Oliver Queen. Regardless, viewers should not expect Hardwick to play a main character. After all, this is the first time this information has been made public, so it's unlikely Hardwick has a big presence in the film. Still, it will be fun to hear him in LEGO Batman, even if it's just for a line or two.
Warner Bros. has done an admirable job promoting LEGO Batman, and now people just have to wait and see if it can be a worthy successor to the original LEGO Movie. It's expected that it will win the box office during its opening weekend, beating out the likes of Fifty Shades Darker and John Wick: Chapter Two. As the first high-profile animated film since Sing debuted back in December, it should do very well commercially as it plays to the underserved family demographic. If WB is to keep their burgeoning LEGO film franchise moving forward, however, they need LEGO Batman to be a critical hit as well, and right now there's a good chance that happens.
NEXT: LEGO Batman Movie Play Sets
Source: Comic Book
