It’s no secret that the newest Batman installment from director Matt Reeves is leaning into a darker aesthetic and atmosphere. From the trailers alone, Robert Pattinson’s Batman seems to be more of a vigilante than ever before – but Reeves has clarified that despite the darker tone of the film, it was never intended to surpass a PG-13 rating and that no R-rated cut of the film exists.
Reeves told Den of Geek, “In my mind, the movie was always going to be a gritty, edgy, noir, thrilling spectacle that was PG-13. That was always what it was, but I always knew that we’d be pushing the limits of what that could be, and so we didn’t really have to cut anything… I’m happy we got the rating because I want people to be able to come to see the movie.”
So while the film might tackle some darker themes and elements, Reeves maintains that it was always meant to stay within PG-13 territory. This still gives it room to be violent and raw but allows more people to see it. The Riddler, played by Paul Dano, the main villain of the film, is the perfect fit for this rating since historically, The Riddler plays more in mind games and manipulation than outright brutality. However, audiences can still expect some violence from him and the other confirmed villains in the film, including The Penguin and Carmine Falcone, infamous Gotham crime boss.
In anticipation of the film’s impending release, Robert Pattinson revealed a new clip played on Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday night. The clip shows Batman in a tense conversation with Commissioner Gordon, played by Jeffrey Wright, followed by an escape from Gotham police.
The Batman releases in theaters on March 4.
Watch the interview and newest clip below: