DC FanDome just dropped the first full-length trailer for The Batman and it provides lots of new info for eager fans who have been waiting to see more. Pretty much everybody who's been hyped up as part of the film's cast gets a chance to shine in this glimpse, though perhaps "shine" isn't the correct term given how dark the whole thing is. But hey, it's Batman. It kind of comes with the territory. Director Matt Reeves seems to know that very well.
Fans will quickly pick up on how much more brutal this new take on the character is. This has been shown in previous trailers and previews, but that quality feels like it's been taken up a notch this time around. From the opening shot of a lone figure (presumably Paul Dano's Riddler) being rather violently arrested at an empty diner to a rather impressive sequence featuring Robert Pattinson's Bruce Wayne/Batman fighting through a wave of enemies illuminated only by the muzzle flashes of their assault rifles, this definitely isn't anybody's grandpa's Batman.
Aside from Pattinson and Dano, other big names get their own screentime during the trailer. Jeffrey Wright's Commissioner Gordon shows up briefly (and kind of looks like he's "watching" something). Andy Serkis also enjoys a few shots of his own as Batman's loyal butler Alfred, which is delightful for those viewers who may or may not have forgotten he was even in the movie (not naming names here). Another face that fans are sure to notice is Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, who seems to embody the role perfectly from the several spotlight moments she enjoys in the trailer.
But one particular character that deserves special mention is Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin. Audiences may remember hearing that he would be played by none other than Colin Farrell in The Batman. It's easy to forget because, looking at the villainous crime boss in the trailer, he absolutely looks nothing like the famous Hollywood hunk. But rest assured, that's absolutely the same Irish star who inspired more than a few sweat glands in 2004's Alexander. He looks like he's having the time of his life in this, which makes the wait for the movie itself all the more exciting.
Based on the trailer, The Batman absolutely appears to be going even harder on its promise for a more brutal and grittier take on the character than ever seen before on the big screen. This definitely isn't Adam West's Batman. However, some fans may be a little put off by some of the more cliche bits. Lines like "what's black and blue and dead all over?" almost make it feel like a parody while Pattinson's uttering of "vengeance" may seem a bit tired for long-time Batman fans.
But that's just a lot of nitpicking. All in all, this trailer is pulse-pounding and a real visual treat (provided it's viewed in a dark room). Just imagine telling somebody in 2008 that the guy from Twilight was going to not only be one of the most talented actors in Hollywood, but that he'd also play the Dark Knight himself. That will probably never get old.
The Batman will premiere exclusively in theaters on March 4th, 2022.
Source: The Batman|Twitter