It's obvious that Matt Reeves' The Batman is one of the most hotly anticipated blockbusters of 2022, and it looks like it'll take things to gritty, more grounded scales than even Christopher Nolan's acclaimed The Dark Knight Trilogy.
The movie seems to be going for a clear "crime-noir" atmosphere and plot--something that'll be greatly welcomed to finally take precedence in a live-action movie--though, that may mean there won't be any veering into the more fantastical and science-fiction aspects that comic books delve into. However, given Batman has among the best rogue's galleries in the genre, there are certainly sci-fi-themed supervillains that would make exciting antagonists in a live-action movie without breaking the tone.
10 Man-Bat
Perhaps the most "sci-fi" of the sci-fi supervillains in Batman's rogue's gallery is Man-Bat. The very premise is something that certainly couldn't have fit in Nolan's movies, but would be a thrilling antagonist to feature in a major Hollywood blockbuster--in the right hands.
A scientist experimenting on himself with bat DNA and turn into a hybrid animal is wild, but Rocksteady's trilogy-closer Batman: Arkham Knight demonstrated how effectively he could be used in something more serious. The side mission would've been great if it was a bit longer, but was an excellent (and tragic) showcase for the character to prove he could be used in a movie if things were to go sci-fi.
9 Mr. Freeze
As far as A-lister villains go, Mr. Freeze might be the most popular choice. Not to mention that it'd likely be much easier to transition into live-action. Victor Fries has come a long way, as in the '50s he was merely a joke supervillain in the comics named "Mr. Zero." When Paul Dini and co. came along with the masterful Batman: The Animated Series, they turned the jokey gimmick character into a legitimately intimidating and sympathetic, heart-wrenching villain.
Mr. Freeze was born of Ferris Boyle's corporate evil and has a noble cause, even though his methods are far off, making fans and Batman himself think twice about his morality. As far as character design goes, there are suits in modern comics that have been pulled off with a leaner, less "Schwarzenegger" look. Plus, the ice guns could simply be replaced with real-world ones.
8 Killer Croc
Somewhat similar to Man-Bat is Killer Croc, but he's less of a monster-like supervillain in mentality since his appearance is the result of an out-of-control, seemingly incurable medical condition. Though, one similarity that could fit a live-action version of Croc is to adopt a horror vibe. It wouldn't be as deep into that genre as Man-Bat, but more of the 1993 Jurassic Park take on "horror" with regard to the dinosaurs in the movie.
Man-Bat is more "movie monster" whereas Killer Croc would make for a great primal/apex predator in a dangerous ecosystem tone and setting. The upcoming DC Black Label limited series Batman: Reptilian could be a potential blueprint for something like this.
7 Solomon Grundy
Speaking of "movie monster villains," Solomon Grundy is another character that would fit the bill of one that could feature in a sci-fi Batman movie. A very obvious "Frankenstein's Monster" influence, Grundy would make for a great Halloween-themed story--especially since he was in the critically-acclaimed The Long Halloween comic book, which is often hailed as one of the greatest Batman comics ever written.
Of course, he wouldn't be able to serve as a main antagonist, but could work well in tandem as the "heavy" of a puppet-master supervillain. On top of appearances, the fact that he's immortal is a firmly supernatural/sci-fi characteristic.
6 Poison Ivy
Another one of Batman's A-list rogues, Poison Ivy is a classic character that would be welcomed for a live-action redemption, let alone a sci-fi movie. Uma Thurman played her in 1997, and while that's a great casting on paper, it was in the panned Batman & Robin, which didn't do justice to any character in that movie.
Like with Mr. Freeze, her character design and abilities are definitely out there for a modern theatrical Batman movie to pull off. But also similar to Freeze, tackling this character shouldn't be impossible under the guidance of a deft creative hand. It would be great to see her and Harley Quinn's character dynamic/romance fleshed out theatrically.
5 Clayface
Clayface is also monster-like, but the character's backstory--though there are several that used the identity--could also work in touching on his humanity in a similar manner to Mr. Freeze. It's not as emotionally impactful as the latter's, but James Tynion IV's run on Rebirth-era Detective Comics executed Basil Karlo's background in a satisfying and sympathetic light.
Given his background as an obsessive actor, it could make for some interesting meta storytelling, and a compelling role for an actor to take the reigns of in live-action. Like in the aforementioned Detective Comics run, his character arc could transition to his redemption partway through.
4 Doctor Hurt
Doctor Simon Hurt surely falls into the supernatural/sci-fi realm, being a seemingly immortal devil-worshiper from the 18th century. His real name is allegedly Thomas Wayne, an ancestor of Bruce and his father, and he came about achieving this long life by trying to summon the demon Barbatos.
Also a far-out concept, but a movie could potentially execute a wonderfully bizarre story out of this character by doing something similar to what Curse of the White Knight did with Jason Blood/Etrigan the Demon. He's also seemingly immortal and helps Batman overcome Azrael and the cultish side of the Order of St. Dumas. It'd be a great excuse to bring back Blood/Etrigan as well.
3 Prometheus
One of the "evil Batman" supervillains in the gallery, Prometheus had a dark past similar to that of Bruce Wayne, only he took up a crusade on the "justice" that killed his cross-country killer parents. He has no superpowers, but possesses peak human physical conditioning, genius-level intellect, and expert martial-arts prowess--like Batman.
The reason he leans more into sci-fi is that the helmet in his suit is equipped with outrageous technology that even Batman doesn't use. It can hypnotize and download the knowledge and skills of any master martial artist he wants. He's known to have downloaded the prowess of Batman and Lady Shiva, and his suit's AI can also rapidly calculate on-the-fly strategies and tactics.
2 She-Bat
Lesser known, but it would make for a greater conflict if She-Bat appeared with Man-Bat as well. This would depend on how Kirk Langstrom's origins would be handled, as one akin to Arkham Knight is likely out of the question. Francine Langstrom fell to the same fate as her husband after he guilt-tripped her into taking the same serum as a demonstration of her love and devotion to him.
She was horrified, but thought there was still sanity within Kirk that could be saved so she complied. It'd make for a grim horror story, but could work as an experimental "Elseworlds-like" tale on HBO Max.
1 Ra's al Ghul
While Ra's al Ghul was already well done in Nolan's trilogy-opener Batman Begins through Liam Neeson, it definitely--and understandably--went for the realistic approach. Ra's in the comics leans far more into the supernatural and sci-fi with the likes of the Lazarus Pit.
He's been alive for literal centuries, though he goes madder and madder every time he bathes in the Pit. Ra's and his League of Assassins are among the most formidable supervillains for Batman, and it'd still be exciting to see him again down the line while embracing the inherent weirdness of the comics.
https://ift.tt/3xvGUqF
April 30, 2021 at 05:30AM
