Here’s How ‘The Batman’ Will Differ From ‘The Dark Knight’

Fans of the DC Extended Universe are used to change, but recent reports about a Joker standalone blindsided fans yesterday, and director Matt Reeves continued the trend today. The Batman helmer hinted his project was originally pitched as a standalone, and the film will differ tonally from other solo films like The Dark Knight.

Reeves appeared on Kim Masters’ podcast The Business (via Screen Rant) recently, and the director opened up about how The Batman will differ from The Dark Knight.

“The Dark Knight, which I think is an incredible movie, the thing that really resonates about that is The Joker … his story and that performance, and everything about the filmmaking that relates to that character – it’s his (Heath Ledger’s) movie,” Reeves explained.

“I think Christian Bale is great, but I think that that movie movie really resonated with everyone because of that character (The Joker), its portrayal, and the way that the movie presented his unsettling perspective and the way that crashed up against Batman,” the director continued. “I think I am interested in being even more inside of Batman.”

If you took time to watch Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight films, you will understand what Reeves is saying. Heath Ledger’s take on the Joker stunned audiences worldwide, and the actor remains closely tied to the DC icon even after his tragic passing. The Joker’s bit in Nolan’s franchise turned the villain into a leading character, but Reeves will turn all of his focus towards the Gotham hero himself.

There is little known about what The Batman will be about, but fans are wondering whether Ben Affleck will even be part of the standalone. Reports about the Joker’s solo film have suggested a new actor will come in to play the villain while Jared Leto carries the Joker’s mantle within the DCEU.

The Batman could tap a new actor to play Bruce Wayne if it’s fully situated outside of the DCEU, but there are questions regarding how Reeves’ film will be tied into pre-existing continuity. After all, San Diego Comic-Con did list The Batman as part of the DCEU’s schedule, but things change quickly whenever DC Films is involved.

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