Tag Archives: Batman

Sony teases Batman-themed limited-edition PS4 ahead of ‘Arkham Knight’ release

Image cache, News, Technology, , , , , , , , ,

Sony’s got a new PS4 SKU in the works. No, it’s not quite as fancy (or incredibly rare) as the previously released 20th Anniversary console, but it’s something! Especially if you’re a fan of the Caped Crusader. To celebrate the upcoming summer release of the third and final entry in the Batman: Arkham video game trilogy, Sony is producing limited edition hardware featuring custom artwork. For $449.99, you can get the steel grey PS4 with a custom Batman: Arkham Knight faceplate, a matching steel grey DualShock 4 wireless controller, and of course a copy of Arkham Knight. Sony will also be selling an Arkham Knight bundle that includes the title and a standard jet black console and matching controller for $399.99. Both bundles will launch alongside the game on June 23. Preorder today.

[Via PS Blog]

First look: Ben Affleck is Batman

Image cache, Movies, , , ,

Following all the fanfare that came with the big announcement that Ben Affleck, the man who played Matt Murdock in the ill-fated Daredevil, would suit up to embody Bruce Wayne/Batman in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel, here it is, our first look at the man in the cowl standing next to director Zack Snyder’s incarnation of the Batmobile.

“Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry [Cavill]’s Superman,” Snyder said in a statement in August when the casting announcement was made. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”

Affleck’s Batman certainly looks older and significantly bigger than Christian Bale’s Dark Knight in this picture Snyder tweeted out to his followers and the world this month. (This image, taken with his Leica M Monochrom digital camera, followed a tease of the Batmobile which can be seen here.) Pictured is a very moody Batman indeed and thanks to the Internet, the Sad Batman meme is born.

The still untitled Man of Steel sequel starring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor, and Alfred Pennyworth hits theatres May 6, 2016.

Ben Affleck is Zack Snyder’s Batman in ‘Man of Steel’ sequel

Movies, News, , ,

At Comic Con Zack Snyder formally announced that a Man of Steel sequel is in the works and that it will pit Henry Cavill’s Superman against a new Batman. After completing Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, Christian Bale publicly stated that he has laid the cape and cowl down to rest. So who would step into Bale’s shadow to become the next Bruce Wayne?

Ben Affleck.

Yes, the man who once played the super hero Daredevil in the widely dismissed 2003 flick about blind lawyer Matt Murdock and who even dressed up as Superman as actor George Reeves in 2006’s Hollywoodland, Ben Affleck is Batman. After losing his way in Daredevil and Gigli, Affleck turned his career around by becoming a filmmaker and directing critically acclaimed movies like The Town and Argo. He also happened to star in those movies and if you ask me he did a fine job all the way around. But the question remains: can he step into a super hero suit and make viewers forget his ill-fated turn as the blind red crusader? The Internet reacted quite negatively to the news, but I say let’s give him a shot. As long as Matt Damon is Robin.

Warner Bros’ press release reads: Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which he established in Man of Steel.

Snyder notes, “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”

Also, we now have a date for the Man of Steel sequel: July 17, 2015.

Comic Con: Zack Snyder teases ‘Man of Steel’ sequel featuring Batman (!)

Movies, News, , , , , , ,

During the Warner Bros. panel at Comic Con, Man of Steel director Zack Snyder announced that another Superman movie is in the works, and most titillating, the Man of Steel sequel will reintroduce Batman into the mix. In a press release Snyder said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”

At the panel Synder had actor Harry Lennox (who played General in Man of Steel) read an excerpt from the comic book The Dark Knight Returns: “I want you to remember, Clark, in all the years to come, in your most private moments, I want you to remember, my hand, at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you.” And then the logo formed on the giant screen behind him. Cue insane applause and cheers from the crowd. (Note: Snyder says the upcoming pic will not adapt that comic but will use it as a springboard to tell a new story.)

With Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy complete, Warner Bros. and Snyder’s crew are looking for a new Batman to step into the iconic role and join Cavill’s Superman “in one explosive new film.” I mean, the simple yet powerful logo hanging here says it all. This is going to be epic in ways it’s currently hard to imagine. Personally I’ve been holding out for a Batman versus Superman flick since the ’90s and now the pieces are finally in place. Snyder, bring it.

Synder is directing and co-writing the story with David S. Goyer. Production begins next year with a tentative Summer 2015 release. Official PR is after the break. Continue reading Comic Con: Zack Snyder teases ‘Man of Steel’ sequel featuring Batman (!) →

Prepare to RISE with this Dark Knight trilogy trailer

Movies, Video, , ,

The day has finally come. Christopher Nolan’s final chapter in his Batman saga–The Dark Knight Rises–is out now. Brush up on the action that unfolded in the previous films and get hyped for what’s to come by watching this extended trilogy trailer. It includes scenes from all three Nolan Batman movies and will get you up to speed before you head out to a theatre near you.

I just came out of the midnight show, and so I will leave you with this short and sweet and spoiler-free summation. The Dark Knight Rises is an undeniably satisfying conclusion to an epic trilogy.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ 13-minute featurette

Hilarity, Movies, Video, , , , , , , ,

In just over a week the epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy hits theatres. To catch up on Bruce Wayne’s story thus far and get a glimpse into where the upcoming movie will take the character, watch this 13-minute featurette featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and plot and character insight from the stars, producers, and special department heads. You’ll hear from director Chris Nolan, stars Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Michael Cane, Morgan Freeman, Marion Cotillard, producers, Emma Thomas, Jordan Goldberg, Kevin De La Noy, screenwriter Jonathan Nolan, production designer Nathan Crowley, special effects supervisor Chris Corbould, director of photography Wally Pfister, stunt coordinator Tom Struthers, and visual effects supervisor Paul Franklin.

“What we’re constructing here is a very, very elemental conflict between good and evil,” Nolan says of his final venture into the world of Gotham City. “Every great story deserves a great ending, and we’re really trying to be true to that.”

All in all this flashy clip doesn’t include any major spoilers, so it’s safe to watch before seeing the movie. Unless of course you want to go into this thing having watched none of the previously released trailers and casting scoops.

Other things you can do to help carry the time: the official movie website has been updated with a new synopsis and additional cast and crew information; and you can stream the entire 15-track soundtrack from trilogy composer Hans Zimmer at Empire. Also, after the break you’ll find a brief recorded interview with Nolan courtesy of Nightline and a very funny parody clip from Above Average featuring Batman, Bane, and 60’s Robin.

The Dark Knight Rises hits theatres July 20. Continue reading ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ 13-minute featurette →

Movie posters: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’

Images, Movies, , ,

The epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is less than a month away. What better way to spend these days leading up to arguably the most anticipated date of the summer than by gazing at a collection of dark, seductive posters that scream “RISE” and “THE LEGEND ENDS.” The image above is very reminiscent of the orignal TDKR poster that released last July; only this time fire has risen. In the gallery below you’ll find additional posters that highlight the three main contenders: Batman (Christian Bale), Bane (Tom Hardy), and Catwoman (Anne Hathaway). Will Catwoman aka Selina Kyle play a roll in the imminent downfall of the Bat? One of these posters is tipping the scale that way. See for yourself…

The Dark Knight Rises releases July 20.

Trailer #3: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’

Movies, Video, , ,

If the epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman franchise isn’t the most anticipated movie on your list (after The Avengers, of course), then you have brain damage and I urge you to visit a physician.

Here is the third and final theatrical trailer for The Dark Knight Rises. Though it mostly moves slowly through the beginning and middle, it manages to pack in tons of never-before-scene footage including multiple full body shots of Anne Hathaway’s Catwoman, even more of Tom Hardy’s villainous Bane (you can actually understand him here!), and glimpses of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard’s characters. And how bad-ass is that flying Tumbler? I mean COME ON!

Christian Bale returns as the Caped Crusader once more this July 20. You can catch this trailer on the big screen starting this Friday when it plays in front of Marvel’s The Avengers.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ prologue hits theatres December 16 (new movie poster enclosed)

Image cache, Movies, News, , , , , ,

Though the summer 2012 release of The Dark Knight Rises seems like it’s ages away, director Christopher Nolan wants to satiate eager fans now by releasing a 6-minute prologue into theatres later this month. The prologue, which will introduce Batman’s latest villain Bane (played by Tom Hardy) to moviegoers, will play in front of select IMAX screenings of Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol starting Friday December 16. Remember when Warner Bros. showed off the opening bank heist sequence from The Dark Knight in front of the Will Smith-starrer I Am Legend back in 2008? The studio is doing it again with Nolan’s final Batman movie in the Christian Bale-starring trilogy. This is being done for two reasons: one, it’s a great way to publicize the upcoming movie and get people talking about it; and two, the thrill and immersion of the early IMAX experience will make audiences opt for the pricier ticket when the film releases in full next year.

In an interview with EW, Nolan talked about how much his next film was actually shot in 70mm for IMAX. “We shot about twice what we did last time [on The Dark Knight], at least. Last time we were about 25 minutes [in IMAX]. Obviously, I haven’t cut [the rest of The Dark Knight Rises] yet, so I don’t know the exact running time, but I think we’ll be in the 45 to 50 minute range. Basically all the actions sequences, and some of the more large-scale other bits of the film that aren’t necessarily action. We even shot some dialogue scenes and some quite intimate dramatic scenes, which we haven’t done before. And so some of that will make its way into the film.”

I will reiterate that the prologue will only play in front of Mission: Impossible in select IMAX theatres. Look after the break for a listing of the theatres (provided by Deadline) and confirm with theatres that they’re playing it before making a purchase.

Bonus! Check out the brand spankin’ new poster for The Dark Knight Rises above. It features the villainous Bane who seems to have “broken the Bat” just like he does in the comics. The tagline “The Legend Ends” serves as an antithesis to the movie’s title The Dark Knight Rises and so it breathes an air of mystery. Will Batman survive Nolan’s threequel? We shall find out on July 20, 2012. (Download the full-size poster here.) Continue reading ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ prologue hits theatres December 16 (new movie poster enclosed) →

Christopher Nolan & Tom Hardy on ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ villain Bane

Movies, News, , ,

In an interview with UK’s Empire magazine, director Christopher Nolan shared his vision for the latest Batman villain Bane and actor Tom Hardy expressed what it is like to play the “brutal” character. Here are the juiciest excerpts:

Nolan:

On Bane: “With Bane, we are looking to give Batman a physical challenge that he hasn’t had before,” says the film’s director, Christopher Nolan. “With our choice of villain and with our choice of story we’re testing Batman both physically as well as mentally. Also, in terms of finishing our story and increasing its scope, we were trying to craft an epic, so the physicality of the film became very important. Bane’s a very different kind of villain than Batman has faced before in our films. He’s a great sort of movie monster, but with an incredible brain, and that was a side of him that hadn’t been tapped before. Because the stories from the comics are very epic and very evocative — very much in the way that Bruce Wayne’s origin story is epic and evocative. We were looking to really parallel that with our choice of villain. So he is a worthy adversary. What Bane represents in the comics is the ultimate physical villain.”

About casting Tom Hardy in the role: “He has this incredible disjunct between the expressiveness of the voice and the stillness of the movement of his body. He’s found a way to play a character who is enormous and powerful with a sort of calm to it, but also is able to be incredibly fast at times. Unpredictable. He just has a raw threat to him that’s extraordinary. It’s a very powerful thing when you see it come together, beyond what I had ever imagined. That’s what you get from working with great actors.”

Tom Hardy:

On Bane: “He’s brutal, brutal. He’s expedient delivery of brutality. And you know, he’s a big dude. He’s a big dude who’s incredibly clinical, in the fact that he has a result-based and orientated fighting style. The result is clear. “Do you know what I mean? It’s: f**k off and die. Quicker. Quicker. Everything is thought out way before. He’s hit you, he’s already hit somebody else. It’s not about fighting. It’s just about carnage with Bane. He’s a smashing machine. He’s a wrecking ball. The style is heavy-handed, heavy-footed, it’s nasty. Anything from small joint manipulation to crushing skulls, crushing rib cages, stamping on shins and knees and necks and collarbones and snapping heads off and tearing his fists through chests, ripping out spinal columns. It’s anything he can get away with. He is a terrorist in his mentality as well as brutal action. So he’s horrible. A really horrible piece of work.”

About filming the fight scenes: “It’s very overwhelming. When you’re training in a rehearsal room you go, ‘Okay, I have a contact with seven people. This guy I chin, this one I slip and I punch, this one I pick up and suplex, this guy I kick in the face, and this one, he stops a hammer with his head. And then I meet Batman.’ That’s all alright in a rehearsal room, but then you add 1,000 people that are all dressed the same as the seven you’re supposed to hit — ’cause they’re all police officers — and I don’t know where my police officers are. But the stuntmaster’s like, ‘Don’t worry. They will find you.’”

About Christian Bale’s Batman: “He looks really intimidating! There’s a three-year-old in me that’s going, ‘Oh my God that’s Batman! That’s Batman and he’s going to hit me! But I love Batman!’ Then I look in the mirror. And I hit him back. Twice as hard.”

The Dark Knight Rises hits theatres July 20, 2012.

[Via Deadline]

First look: Nolan’s Selina Kyle revealed

Image cache, Movies, , , , , , ,

Here’s your first look at Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Rises. It serves as the second official sneak peek into the third and final act of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy; in the first Tom Hardy was transformed into the muscular Bane. Selina is obviously super sexy with her red lipstick, and she’s also amped for action on the Batpod and sporting futuristic-looking goggles with shining blue LED lights.

What’s most interesting to note, however, is not what you see in this picture but rather the title of it. At the official Dark Knight Rises website, the image is stored as “selina_kyle.jpg.” For those of you who follow the DC comic, Selina becomes the villainous Catwoman. Since the script is being kept under heavy wraps, no one knows how the story of Catwoman will be told in the film. However, one can make an educated guess based on the evidence provided thus far. Since the image here is labeled Selina Kyle, Hathaway will likely be introduced at this earlier stage in her life and over the course of the movie we will follow the events that lead to her becoming The Cat. Much like what Nolan did in The Dark Knight for the character Two-Face; in that movie we witnessed everything that led up to Harvey Dent’s decent to criminality.

Anyway this is all speculation. For now, eye the first look above, and then head over to the official movie site to download a larger, high-res version.

The Dark Knight Rises July 20, 2012.

Movie poster: The Dark Knight Rises [Update: teaser trailer inside]

Image cache, Movies, , , , , ,

Ahh yes. From the man behind Inception comes this poster for the third and final movie in Christopher Nolan’s imaging of the Batman universe, The Dark Knight Rises. Download the full-res image at the official website. Rumor has it that the first theatrical teaser trailer will play in front of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 this Friday, so stay tuned!

Update: Warner Bros. has uploaded the teaser trailer to the movie’s official Facebook page. Click the link to watch it in HD.

Update 2: Now it’s embedded below. You’re welcome.