The decision to redesign the Riddler as a dark, gritty villain in Matt Reeves’ The Batman will ultimately make the film better. After Ben Affleck’s exit from the DC Extended Universe, Matt Reeves was brought in to direct the upcoming 2022 film. Starring Robert Pattinson as a young Bruce Wayne who is only two years into his career as The World’s Greatest Detective, a serious Riddler could be the perfect antagonist.
The trailer for the film which dropped in August of last year showcases a Riddler who is quite different from the character’s previous portrayals on screen. In the past, the character has been shown in a particularly comedic light reminiscent of the Silver Age of comic books in the 1960s. That much was particularly true of Jim Carrey’s portrayal in 1995’s Batman Forever, bright green tights and all, reeks of camp. However, Reeves’ rendition of the character, portrayed by Paul Dano, is a formidable threat to the citizens of Gotham.
Reeves’ version of the Riddler will make The Batman a better film because it will amplify his strengths as a director. Coming off the rebooted Planet of the Apes trilogy and Cloverfield, Reeves has proven his ability to handle dark, world-threatening themes. Dano’s Riddler will bring these themes to the forefront as a villain who, as shown in the trailer, is willing to go as far as murdering the city’s mayor. With an inexperienced Batman as Gotham’s only hope, the stakes will immediately be raised. Accordingly, this will allow Reeves to boost the film’s use of thrill and suspense that made his previous works successful.
The Batman also allows for viewers to see a much-beloved character in the Riddler in a new way. The Riddler as shown in the trailer is not overly energetic and cartoonish. Rather, the character wraps up his entire body to hide his identity and challenges Bruce Wayne to deadly challenges. Up to this point, the closest viewers have gotten to a serious Riddler are his appearances in the Arkham franchise of video games. Again, this redesign plays to the strength of Reeves, who could use the villain’s actions to create an engaging and empathic Batman. Additionally, the use of Dano’s Riddler will allow Robert Pattinson to tap into the detective side of the Batman character, which is historically overshadowed by the vigilante side in film and television.
The film will also feature other famous members of Batman’s rogue’s gallery, including iconic villain Penguin, Catwoman, and the Falcone crime family. Riddler stands above the standard, organized-crime-focused villains Batman will have faced due to the unique nature of his crimes. This complete change in tactic will force Pattinson’s Batman to learn as he goes. Usually, viewers can expect Batman to outsmart the villain; but, with a brand-new Dark Knight and a unique bad guy, the door is opened to creating truly tense scenes.
The Batman has great potential with Riddler’s redesign. Some viewers may not be as optimistic about turning the Riddler into a serious, threatening adversary. However, Matt Reeves’ experience directing dark, suspenseful thrillers should bring nothing but confidence. Under his direction with these bold new choices, the Caped Crusader may just reach the highest critical acclaim he’s had in years.
