Warner Brothers’ upcoming film The Batman has received a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. The MPAA’s rating comes from “strong violent and disturbing content, drug content, strong language, and some suggestive material.” 

This announcement came as a surprise to many fans who speculated that the film, which seems to have a darker tone and more grounded realism, would receive an R-rating.

 In an interview with Variety, the chairman of Warner Bros. Picture Group Toby Emmerich discussed his desire to make DC films much different from the family-friendly work that Marvel Studios has been successful in. The studio has found some success in this, with Todd Phillip’s Joker and James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. This led many to think The Batman would follow in their footsteps, but it may not be that surprising as Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy was able to keep a gritty and dark tone, all with a PG-13 rating, with an impressive audience and critical acclaim. 

The Batman chronicles the beginning of Bruce Wayne’s vigilante career. Directed by Matt Reeves, the film will star Robert Pattinson (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Paul Dano (The Riddler), Zoe Kravitz (Catwoman), Colin Farell (The Penguin), Jeffery Wright (James Gordon), and Andy Serkis (Alfred). The film is scheduled for release on March 4.