In terms of what a teaser trailer is required to do, the first footage of The Batman absolutely knocked it out of the park with fans getting a good vibe for the film's aesthetic and new characters.
With Matt Reeves (Let Me In, War For The Planet of the Apes) directing, it's clear that The Dark Knight is going in a new direction and while it's the cliche to say that every Batman film is 'dark,' this new take on the franchise is most definitely darker, thematically and visually.
In terms of its look, it's very likely that Reeves was influenced by David Fincher's work - especially Se7en and Zodiac - and that's clearly portrayed in the brief footage that we saw of The Riddler (Paul Dano).
After Jim Carrey's O.T.T and flamboyant take on the character in Batman Forever, it's clear that Dano's take on the character - named Edward Nashton in the new version - is going to be very different.
After all, we're first introduced to The Riddler as he leaves a dead body for the police to find with the words 'No More Lies' etched in wrapping that's left on the victim's body.
However, as is the norm with the character, The Riddler has also left a puzzle for Batman to solve.
The riddle, as written out in plain English, reads, “What does a liar do when he’s dead?”
Well, game designer and self-proclaimed puzzlecrafter Mike Selinker has found the answer after cracking the code.
The answer is 'He lies still'. Clever pun.
If you're curious to see Selinker's methodology, the below Twitter thread makes for fascinating reading.
As for The Batman, it's set for release in theatres on October 1, 2021.
In the new #TheBatmanTrailer, the Riddler leaves a card with the question “What does a liar do when he’s dead?” I could just solve it like a riddle (and did), but it’s a good opportunity to show how to solve a puzzle by brute force, so you’re sure of the answer. Here goes. (1/12) pic.twitter.com/sHveBmU2Pt
— Mike Selinker (@mikeselinker) August 23, 2020
SEE ALSO: The Mystery About Colin Farrell’s Appearance In The Batman Trailer Has Been Solved
Clip via Warner Bros. Pictures
