After various delays and a longer-than-expected shooting schedule, fans have been eagerly awaiting any news about the upcoming film The Batman. Although Warner Bros. has been keeping a tight lid on things, leaked merchandise from the movie provides a very interesting new look at the movie and some of its most anticipated characters.
The leaked image, courtesy of Twitter account Robert Pattinson Photos, apparently shows a tie-in calendar for The Batman. While there are several images worth exploring in the art, the one that is getting the most attention from fans is the image of what appears to be classic DC villain the Riddler, played by Paul Dano. In a drastic departure from other versions of the character, the Riddler seems to be wearing a leather mask with a patch over the mouth, a pair of eyeglasses, and a heavy coat.
Along with the stunning images of the Riddler, the calendar also gives a few colorful glimpses at the hero, highlighting Robert Pattinson's look as Batman. There also appears to be a poster for the movie featuring Batman's profile hanging above the city of Gotham while the new design for the batmobile is displayed in the foreground.
The Batman will be the latest attempt to bring the Caped Crusader to the big screen, with Matt Reeves directing the newest adaptation. The movie is said to focus on the early days of Batman's career as a vigilante hero in Gotham while some of his most famous enemies begin to step out of the shadows. Along with Pattinson as Batman and Dano as the Riddler, the movie boasts an amazing cast that includes Andy Serkis as Alfred, Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle, Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, and Colin Farrell as the Penguin.
As interesting as the other images are, the look at the Riddler is the real focus here, with social media already debating the character's new costume. Many are pointing out the seemingly clear inspiration the outfit takes from the real-life serial killer known as the Zodiac Killer. This feels in line with the suggestion that the new film's version of the Riddler will be a serial killer within Gotham City, which points to the darker take on the material.
It is hard to say how the costume will look on the big screen based on this grainy image, but it is no doubt intriguing. Some fans might have been hoping for a more familiar look, but it's nice to see the filmmakers are willing to take some risks and deliver a fresh new take with The Batman.
The Batman is expected to hit theaters on March 4, 2022.