For the past 77 years, Batman has reigned supreme over the world of comic book movies. As a character, the caped crusader stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of both quality storytelling and likeability.
The constant battle with his own humanity and the struggles of being mortal in a world of gods have given the Batman franchise longevity unlike anything else before or after his creation in 1939.
It comes as no surprise that both Warner Brothers and DC Comics look to take another dive into the cinematic world of the dark knight in 2020 and here are 10 reasons why everyone should be excited for another round in Gotham city.
Warner Brothers Course Correction
So it is safe to say that Warner Brothers have struggled as of late, with the constant threat from and success of Marvel Studios along with a continually changing corporate structure, the studio has had more misfires than hits. However, if the more recent additions to the DCEU are anything to go by it is evident that the current course correction is working.
With more focused and independent stories like Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Shazam, and The Joker, Warner Brothers seem to have more success outside of a unified universe and if the same style of focused and independent storytelling can be applied to The Batman then we may just have ourselves another hit to add to the ever-growing list.
The Score By Michael Giacchino
For those who do not know, Michel Giacchino is the mastermind behind the academy award winning score for Disney's Up. He's worked with Matt Reeves on five separate occasions and has a proven track record at being able to tackle a varied array of styles and genres.
Over the past few years he has lent his talents to likes of Jurassic World, Planet Of The Apes, Spider-man Homecoming and Bad Times At The El Royale just to name a few. Giacchino is an insane and versatile talent who is more than capable to tackle the dark undertones that Reeves is sure to bring to the latest incarnation of The Batman.
The Rogues Gallery
Batman's rogues gallery has arguably the best variety of villains that any comic book superhero has to offer and for this reason, the possibilities are endless.
Rumor has it that Reeves is already looking to recruit several villains to tackle the dark knight, reminiscent of the star-studded Batman:Forever (1995) and Batman and Robin (1997).
The Joker is truly the clown prince of crime, scoring more on-screen movie appearances than anyone else but it is the more underutilised villains like the Riddler and the Penguin that could bring something different to this latest addition. With their less than favorable previous appearances forever looming, this could be an opportunity to test Batman in ways we could only ever imagine and give the caped crusader more than he bargained for.
Matt Reeves
Matt Reeves as a filmmaker is one that is proven to take risks. With a back catalog that includes the hugely successful reinvention of the Planet Of The Apes franchise and the first entry into the Cloverfield franchise, we're able to see a through-line showing Reeves's ability to utilize a wide array of film making techniques.
With support from the creative teams involved Reeves was able to take experimental technology and breathe life into the characters and worlds he created and for The Batman, it will be interesting to see what he can do with an already much-loved character as well as Gotham itself and the action that is sure to follow.
The Joker
In a world where even the clown prince of crime is cashing in on his own solo cinematic endeavor, it's impossible to ignore the success and coverage that a film as such as The Joker has brought to the franchise.
Thanks to Warner Brothers taking a more relaxed approach and allowing filmmakers more creative freedom we have been given one of, if not the greatest R rated comic book movie to date.
What this means for The Batman is that hopefully studio executives allow Reeves and company the same privileges and to really dive into the lore and not shy away from some of the darker themes and risk-taking that comes with them.
The Supporting Cast
With the start of production fast approaching, Matt Reeves is having the time of his life announcing and confirming his supporting cast and it's hard not to jump on board the hype train.
So far Reeves has enlisted the likes of Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwomen, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, Paul Dano as The Riddler and Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon and it's heavily rumored that none other than Colin Farrell will play The Penguin. How can the world not be excited?
It is clear that although these actors/actresses may not be the first choices for many fans, most can agree that there is thought and care being put into the casting process and it only creates more intrigue as to what can be expected from this stellar lineup.
Batman's Legacy
Since his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 there have been 9 live-action incarnations and countless animated versions of the caped crusader. Each actor has brought something new to the role keeping it fresh and new and it is this legacy that will continue to drive the Batman forward.
To be Bruce Wayne/Batman is something nearly everyone wants, and when given the opportunity actors take the role very seriously because of the incredible history of the character. So knowing that the source material is held with such a high regard nobody knows what's to come with the next rendition and future additions to the mythos of Batman.
Batman Noir
For years the world's greatest detective has been deprived of a chance to really explore his ability to investigate crime in Gotham’s underworld.
In several interviews, Reeves has confirmed that this new tale will favor Batman’s detective skills over his brawn, showing us a side to him that is yet to be portrayed on the big screen.
It is an exciting premise that the Arkham trilogy of video games has explored more and more with great success and could give the fans something unique and unseen in the cinematic world or Batman.
Robert Pattinson
When first announced, Robert Pattinson was evidently not the first choice of a very vocal internet fandom, however, since June of 2019, the idea and confirmation that the Twilight star will don the cape for the foreseeable future is one that has since settled.
Pattinson is a solid performer and his proven track record with the likes of The Lighthouse (2019) and The Rover (2014) shows us that he is more than just a one-trick pony.
There was a time when the idea that Mr Mom (1983) actor Michael Keaton being cast to play Batman was scoffed at by most but he has since proven to be the defining incarnation of the cinematic Dark Knight so who is to say that Pattinson can't surprise us all?
The Release Date
June 25th, 2021 may seem like it is pretty far away, however, it can be argued that this is a good thing.
The idea that the film has been in pre-production for a lengthy amount of time shows that both Warner Brothers and Matt Reeves are taking this movie extremely seriously. Better to make an audience wait for a truly polished film that everyone can be happy with rather than something rushed like the universally panned Suicide Squad (2016).
A longer wait shows that WB and DC Comics no longer fear the Marvel Studios juggernaut and feel in direct competition with them and are locked in on doing the Batman justice.