From the current landscape of both TV and movies, its clear that audiences love superheroes. Between three cinematic universes, as well as a ton of TV shows currently airing, you can't turn a corner without bumping into a hero in tights. But because so many comic book adaptations are available to audiences, naysayers are worried about "hero fatigue", meaning that each film will become so formulaic and stale that the genre will eventually devour itself. But then there are the rare superhero movies that are wholly unique: Deadpool, Guardians of the Galaxy, and now The Lego Batman Movie. And yes, all three are fairly ridiculous properties.
While there have been plenty of Batman versions throughout the years, perhaps the most popular in recent memory is Will Arnett's Batman from The Lego Movie. The Dark Knight appeared in mini figure form during the 2014 hit, and was widely considered one of the movie's high points. Why is that? Because he's just plain bananas. In fact, Arnett gave one word to describe the character: absurd (via THR):
My Batman, first of all, he's Lego Batman. Doing this film in animation, it allows us to get into scenarios that are a little more preposterous, and we can kind of get away with it. I'm the absurd Batman, maybe.
That's right, Lego Batman is downright absurd. Although to be fair, Batman and Robin is pretty damn absurd as well, despite George Clooney's attempts.
While the past two iterations of Batman have been extremely serious dramatic affairs, The Lego Batman Movie offers something fresh and new to Batfans. Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy was a layered film franchise that told a very specific story, while Ben Affleck's Batman in the DCEU is perhaps the most broody and dark iteration of the character yet. Then there's Lego Batman, whose ridiculousness and ego is only matched by his crime fighting abilities.
Surely part of what makes Will Arnett's Batman so absurd is the fantastic cast of characters set to appear in The Lego Batman Movie. Joining Arnett for his yellow brick adventure are Michael Cera as Dick Grayson/Robin, Rosario Dawson as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, and Zach Galifianakis as the Joker. Additionally, there are a ton of hilarious actors making up Batman's rogue gallery and allies including Jenny Slate (Harley Quinn), Billy Dee Williams (Two-Face), Conan O'Brien (The Riddler), Jonah Hill (The Green Lantern), and Adam Devine (The Flash). How all of these characters will float in and out of the film's plot remains to be seen, but there will be no shortage of bad guys for Lego Batman to take down.
The Lego Batman Movie will be in theaters in just a few short days, complete with the most absurd Batman ever to hit the silver screen. The film will hit its wide release on February 10, 2017.
