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Why The Batman will be a crime thriller unlike anything we’ve ever seen before

By Michael Johnson

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 17: Robert Pattinson attends the Dior show, during Paris Fashion Week - Menswear F/W 2020-2021, on January 17, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 17: Robert Pattinson attends the Dior show, during Paris Fashion Week - Menswear F/W 2020-2021, on January 17, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images) /
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Marvel, superheroes, Batman, The Batman
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: A Riddler costume from the 1995 Batman Forever film worn by Jim Carrey and designed by Rob Ringwood and Mary Vogt is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /

Riddler aka The Holiday Killer?

Several Batman comics served as inspiration for Matt Reeves’ upcoming film. One of them being Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s The Long Halloween. The 13-issue story follows Batman searching for the Holiday Killer – a serial killer who kills on holidays. With Reeves’ desire to make this a noir-inspired mystery, there’s no greater arc to borrow from.

The Riddler being the primary big bad makes sense. Imagine Paul Dano playing a murderous Edward Nigma, who sees himself as Gotham’s savior – a villain who’s not a villain at all in his own eyes. Instead, he may very well be someone who believes he kills those responsible for Gotham’s corruption. And we could see a story unfold where Riddler kills during the holiday seasons and packages them up as gifts for Gotham PD; who knows?

However, instead of being looked at as the hero for “cleaning up” Gotham – he’d be rightfully vilified for his heinous crimes. Gotham PD is too slow to catch him, of course, but perhaps the city’s intrigue (and fearfulness) when it comes to the Batman is what will really get to him. Perhaps that is what makes him calls out Batman, and his riddles will undoubtedly leave clues as to why he kills and forces Bruce to question everything. Will Bruce have to unmask himself, or will he uncover the identity of The Riddler first?

Riddler will force Bruce to put on the detective cap and dive deeper into Gotham. In turn, he’ll discover more about his own lineage. The suspects will probably be Oswald, Selina, and Falcone – none will be the assailant. Meanwhile, Edward Nigma will use his intellect and whatever else it takes to keep the Batman and the GCPD on their toes — unless, by chance, he’s not the only killer.

Whatever happens, The Riddler will undoubtedly be a compelling antagonist, ensuring that The Batman could end up every bit as intriguing as The Long Halloween.

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The Batman hits theaters Oct 1, 2021— let’s hope the days ahead fly by. Are you looking forward to it? Let us know in the comments below!

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