Matt Reeves' Ben Affleck stepped down from directing and starring, Reeves took over, deciding to work on a new screenplay and give the project a new direction. With its intended release of June 25th, 2021 still a while off, details have started to filter down, but a fair share of speculation is possible.
The film will star Robert Pattinson as the titular Batman (aka Bruce Wayne) with Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon and Zoë Kravitz taking the role of Catwoman, Colin Farrell as the Penguin, Paul Dano as the Riddler, and John Turturro portraying crime boss Carmine Falcone. Peter Sarsgaard has also been added to the cast, but there has yet to be any confirmation as to who he may be.
With the casting announcements revealing an extensive use of Batman's rogues gallery, some have speculated that the new film may take story elements from writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sales' saga of DC Comic's Caped Crusader.
Cloverfield
The director's 2008's found footage kaiju film and viral marketing extravaganza, a monster rampaging through Manhattan. It is not hard to imagine that level of personal connection to be interjected into The Batman, especially with the complicated relationship shared between Batman/Bruce and Catwoman/Selina throughout the history of the comics.
Visually, the film is dark and frenetic. Reeves keeps the creatures obscured in darkness and shadow, often shown from a distance until it is absolutely necessary to make an appearance. This would work well with Batman's fear-driven combat style as he works his way through Gotham, fighting both a physical and psychological war against evil. Ramping into handheld camera work for close combat sequences will give a jarring effect perfectly appropriate for his strike-fast philosophy.
Let Me In
While many people make a story involving the Riddler — let alone one where the main character faces so many enemies — in which the hero must use his investigative prowess to figure out who is pulling everyone's strings. It is never entirely clear whether the intentions of Chloë Grace Moretz's vampire Abby are sincere or just beneficial to herself in the long run (or perhaps even a blend of both), something that could also be reflected in the link between Bat and Cat.
The Batman finds Reeves teamed up again with cinematographer Greig Fraser, who recently completed filming this year's the film noir study guide and deliver the dark palette associated with a Batman picture; however, if Let Me In is any indication, they may also giving the scenes where Wayne isn't behind the mask a distinct, lighter feel of their own.
Planet of the Apes
War for the Planet of the Apes were both critically acclaimed and received accolades for their stunning use of visual effects. Capitalizing on advancements in motion capture technology, Reeves was able to bring a level of realism to the story's fantastic subject. No word yet on whether the Penguin will be as physically deformed as some portrayals, but if that is the route gone, it is easy to assume the transformation will be intricate and outstanding.
Caeser, as portrayed by Andy Serkis, struggles with his desire for peace and knowing when the time is right to protect the innocent, even though he understands the darkness that resides in the hearts of others. If The Batman takes place early in the crime fighter's career, a similar level of hesitation and altruism wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. But even Caesar was pushed to the edge in Planet of the Apes and goaded into war by those around him. Bruce Wayne may put on the mask to be a symbol, but inevitably, he will be forced to be more than that to survive and save Gotham.
Reeves injects his films with a study of humanity in the face of disaster and monstrosity. This is a perfect match for Bruce Wayne's struggle with his true identity, especially when facing down as many villains as he will in The Batman. ed by so many high caliber actors, expect to find a nuanced character study blended together with a bombastic action epic.
