When Heroes Get Reboots: The Batman Phenomenon
Few fictional characters have experienced as many celluloid reboots as Batman. “Each era of Batman has been very distinct from what came before,” notes David Craig and Lewis Knight, exploring how the franchise has survived multiple decades and numerous Hollywood stars. But with DC diving into the multiverse, “things are soon to become more complicated,” they warn.
Decades in Gotham: The Beginnings and the Rebrands
Though Batman’s film career technically started with two 15-part serial films in the 1940s and a spin-out from the 1966 campy TV series, the modern Batman film phenomenon took shape with Tim Burton’s 1989 eponymous masterpiece. “The film starred Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne and Jack Nicholson as his arch-enemy the Joker,” Craig and Knight remind us. “While it isn’t hugely faithful to the comic books, it has nevertheless remained a fan favourite.”
- Batman (1989)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
- Batman Forever (1995)
- Batman & Robin (1997)
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
- Justice League (2017)
- Joker (2019)
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
- The Batman (2022)
- DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
- The Flash (2022)
- Batgirl (2022)
A Gothic Chapter: Tim Burton’s Era
Tim Burton gave the franchise a distinct gothic tone that seemed perfectly suited for the brooding superhero. His sequel, “Batman Returns,” added more layers to this universe, most notably Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman—arguably the most iconic take on the femme fatale in film history. “Danny DeVito also stars as Oswald Cobblepot, better known by his criminal alter ego The Penguin, who must be stopped from hatching a sinister plan that puts thousands of lives at stake,” the duo add.
The Schumacher Shake-up
Joel Schumacher’s takeover marked a sharp turn in the franchise’s style. In “Batman Forever,” Jim Carrey’s larger-than-life portrayal of The Riddler resonated with fans, despite the change in tone. However, his next film, “Batman & Robin,” is infamous for leaning too much into the cartoony aspects, making it a low point for many.
Reimagining Batman: The Dark Knight Trilogy
Christopher Nolan’s arrival breathed new life into the franchise. “The rebirth starts here!” say Craig and Knight. His trilogy is lauded for its gritty realism, breaking away from the previously fanciful versions. “The Dark Knight” in particular, featuring Heath Ledger’s unforgettable Joker, is “widely heralded as one—if not the—greatest Batman movie of all time.”
The Extended Universe Conundrum: Batman Joins the DCEU
In “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” Ben Affleck’s initial casting as Batman stirred quite a controversy. “Ironically his performance would go on to be well-liked by most die-hard DC fans,” mention the journalists. He returned in “Justice League,” which had its own share of production troubles but ultimately gave fans what they craved—a Zack Snyder cut.
The Multiverse Twist: Batmen of Different Eras Collide
“The upcoming Flash movie starring Ezra Miller is set to change all that, with two Batmen announced for the cast,” say Craig and Knight, hinting at the complexities that the multiverse will introduce. Michael Keaton is returning, potentially passing the baton back to his 1989 portrayal.
The Latest Arrival: The Matt Reeves Trilogy
Robert Pattinson is the latest actor to don the cowl, in a trilogy helmed by Matt Reeves. Set outside the mainline DC Extended Universe, this iteration promises to bring a fresh perspective to the iconic character.
Not Just the Caped Crusader: Other Batman Films
From animated classics like “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” to the comic relief provided by “The LEGO Batman Movie,” the Dark Knight’s presence is felt across a variety of mediums and tones. Even “Joker,” Todd Phillips’ unique take on Batman’s arch-nemesis, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Gotham’s lore.
Looking to the Future: New Kids on the Gotham Block
With Leslie Grace cast as Batgirl in an upcoming HBO Max special, and Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne after “The Flash,” the DC universe isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
So there you have it—the Dark Knight’s journey from the silver screen of the 1980s to the complex multiverse of today. As the cape turns, one can only wonder what’s next for this ever-evolving superhero. Will Keaton become the central Batman of the DCEU? Will Pattinson’s younger, grittier Batman resonate with audiences? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the world can never have too much Batman.
