The much-awaited DC movie, The Batman, is nearing its release, but Warner Bros. finds itself in a tricky situation. The film’s director, Matt Reeves, has created two distinct cuts, leaving the studio with a tough decision. Let’s delve into why Warner Bros. is in this predicament and how it could impact the future of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
Why Warner Bros. Is Unsure About The Batman
Recently, there has been a lot of negativity surrounding The Batman. Initially, actor Robert Pattinson faced criticism for not fully embracing the rigorous training required for the role. Additionally, rumors circulated about disagreements between director Matt Reeves and Pattinson. While these issues were eventually resolved, Warner Bros. is still left with two different versions of the film.
According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. conducted test screenings for two alternate cuts of The Batman to gauge audience reactions, and they now face the challenging task of choosing one. This decision-making process isn’t new for Warner Bros., which has a history of trimming down films or reshooting scenes. However, it could be a cause for concern among DC fans.
Exploring the Two Different Cuts of The Batman
Initially, Matt Reeves was granted creative freedom to craft a Batman trilogy that would redefine the character. Judging from the trailer, it appears Reeves has accomplished just that. However, Warner Bros. wanted to introduce a crucial character to connect the first film to the trilogy.
Rumors have circulated that Barry Keoghan, known for his role in The Eternals, might play a secret character in The Batman. Besides the Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman, Warner Bros. sought to include Batman’s iconic nemesis, The Joker, in the storyline.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that the repeated delays in the film’s production were due to Warner Bros.’ indecision regarding the inclusion of this mysterious character. The distinction between the two cuts lies in whether this new character will make an appearance, and Warner Bros. has finally made its choice.
Speculations Surrounding Barry Keoghan’s Role
While there is no official confirmation that Barry Keoghan will portray The Joker, it’s reasonable to assume that Matt Reeves and Warner Bros. are introducing a wildcard character into the mix. While any villain from Batman’s rogue gallery would suffice, the new supervillain must raise the stakes.
The Mysterious Character: Stanley Merkel
In The Batman, Barry Keoghan plays Stanley Merkel, a GCPD (Gotham City Police Department) officer. Keoghan is known for his roles in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and Marvel’s Eternals. In DC Comics, Merkel first appeared in Batman #405, where he fought alongside Jim Gordon and was a close friend to the commissioner.
Unfortunately, Merkel met a tragic end, as he was found hanging from a tree in front of Harvey Dent’s house, a victim of the Hangman. This suggests that characters related to Merkel from the comics might also make an appearance in The Batman, leaving fans hopeful for exciting developments.
Challenges Posed by Two Different Cuts
Having two different cuts of a film is not uncommon in the movie industry, as projects often evolve during production. However, this situation presents challenges for Warner Bros. With a star-studded cast and substantial investment in The Batman, the studio has already spent a considerable sum.
Now, with two fully developed cuts on their hands, Warner Bros. must allocate additional budget for the film’s production. The Batman is expected to have a budget of at least $400 million, considering both versions. The studio’s ultimate financial success will depend on the film’s performance and the choice they make for the final cut.
The Batman Cast and Release Date
The Batman boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle, Paul Dano as Edward Nashton, and more. The film is set to premiere on March 4th, 2022, and will be available for streaming on WB’s HBO Max platform as well as in theaters.
FAQs
- Is Robert Pattinson’s The Batman Canon?
- Yes, Robert Pattinson’s Batman is part of the DCEU and is expected to have connections with The Flash solo film.
- Will The Batman Be Connected To Joker?
- No, The Batman is not connected to Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker film; they exist in separate storylines.
- What Is The New Batman Film Based On?
- The Batman draws inspiration from DC Comics’ “The Long Halloween” storyline and explores Bruce Wayne’s early years as a crime-fighter.
- Is The Batman A Prequel?
- Yes, The Batman is set in Batman’s early years, depicting his journey as Gotham City faces turmoil.
- Who Is The Main Villain Of The Batman 2021?
- The Riddler, portrayed by Paul Dano, serves as the main antagonist in The Batman.
As Warner Bros. faces the challenge of choosing between two different versions of The Batman, fans eagerly await the film’s release, hoping for a thrilling addition to the DC Extended Universe. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting superhero venture.
