The Batmobile has always been a significant character in the Batman movies, and its designs have often been extravagant and unique. However, the new movie, “The Batman,” took a different approach to building the iconic Batmobile.
The prop designers imagined what it would be like if Bruce Wayne built the car himself, without considering his immense fortune. Showcasing the impressive craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation.
Batman is a complex character known for his inner conflicts, particularly his struggle with the deaths of his parents. In the latest film, Robert Pattinson portrays Batman, delving into the character’s darkness and introspection. The resulting Batmobile shows this mindset and stands apart from any previous versions. The design team devoted many hours to constructing a intricate and meticulously crafted machine.
Out with the New and In with the Old
The new Batmobile has a distinct look, resembling a fusion between a classic Camaro and Mustang, with elements reminiscent of a modified dirt track racer. It differs greatly from the sleek Batmobiles of the 1990s and the heavily militarized vehicle showcased in Christian Bale’s Batman.
This unique appearance was intentional, as the team aimed to create a Batmobile that looked home made, like something Batman himself could have built in a garage. The exposed tube frame and slightly rough appearance effectively convey this desired effect.
Powering the new Batmobile is a big block LS engine, giving it ample strength. Additionally, just for dramatic effect, a separate dummy engine was built at the rear.
This prop engine was constructed by hand, using thousands of individual parts to provide an authentic second power source.
Flame elements and dynamic louvers were also added, enhancing the under hood lighting and creating a visually attractive experience.
Beauty on the Inside
Given that the film includes glimpses inside the Batmobile, the team had to create a partially working cabin setup. They successfully achieved an old school muscle car aesthetic by incorporating leather wrapped components, including the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard.
The interior features classic looking gauges and controls, adding to the nostalgic feel. Surprisingly, the interior of the prop car is fairly complete, providing a very good portrayal of a fully equipped vehicle. Once this task was accomplished, the team had to tackle the challenge of mounting and controlling multiple cameras.
Building the iconic Batmobile was no easy task, and in addition the team also constructed several electric cars. All of which required safety and performance testing.
Throughout this process, the designers discovered new design possibilities and capabilities, enabling them to push the boundaries of filming, such as filming car jumps and other daring sequences for the upcoming film.
Wiki info for the new Batman Movie