A look behind the scenes of ‘The Batman’ reveals the intensity with which the confrontation between the Dark Knight and the villain was experienced
When Paul Dano, immersed in the role of the enigmatic Riddler, asked Matt Reeves: “Was it too much? Did I cross the line?” The director of “The Batman” could only smile and respond: “It’s incredible. Let’s do another take.” How many times was this exchange repeated? You will be surprised to know.
“The Batman”: The Magic Behind the Scenes in Arkham
Let’s imagine that we are a bat on the ceiling of the stage where the Dark Knight meets Enigma. Through a glass window, we see the tension between these two characters as Batman searches for answers and Riddler delights in his mind game. This intense and emotional scene was not recorded in a couple of hours. Not even in a full day. It took two full days and between “70 and 80 shots”as shared by director Matt Reeves.
The final showdown between the hero (Robert Pattinson) and the villain (Paul Dano) in “The Batman” left many viewers on the edge of their seats. This iconic scene, where both characters communicate through a glassnot only explored the villain’s scheming mind, but hinted at the possibility of the Riddler discovering that Batman is, in fact, Bruce Wayne.
The emotional magnitude of the Riddler is remarkable. In his conversation with Batman, he confesses not only to have been inspired by the Dark Knight, but also believes that they are both on the same team. This revelation, and Batman’s refusal to accept it, drives the Riddler to an extreme emotional range.
Each shot showed a different facet, from a knowing smile to a burst of anger. “Paul loves to explore. He’s obsessive that way,” Reeves commented. The director even confessed that, sometimes, he held back his laughter while listening to Dano’s variations, always wondering when that unexpected change would come.
The Legacy of “The Batman” at DC
Although DC Studios has plans in place for a new DC Universe under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran, “The Batman” is not far behind and expands its own universe. Beyond his impressive performance as the Riddler, Paul Dano takes his passion a step further by writing an origin comic about his character titled “The Riddler: Year One.”
But that’s not all, Colin Farrell, playing The Penguin, will be the protagonist of a series that will premiere on Max. Additionally, another series focusing on Arkham Asylum is in development. For the most fans of the saga, the wait continues, since “The Batman – Part II” is scheduled for release on October 3, 2025, confirming the return of both Pattinson and Reeves.
A cinematographic legacy in the making
‘The Batman’ is not just another film in the extensive DC universe. It represents a new beginning and the promise of a cinematic legacy. The relationship between Batman and Riddler in this installment is just a preview of what is to come. With deep characters and mystery-filled plots, fans can look forward to more installments that unravel the dark secrets of Gotham and its residents. With Reeves at the helm, the next decade promises to be golden for the lovers of Dark Knight stories.
So, the next time you see Batman and Riddler facing off in Arkham, remember that behind those minutes are two days of pure passion and artistry. And for those who want to relive the experience or those who haven’t enjoyed it yet, ‘The Batman’ is available to stream on Max.
