Warner Bros.’ Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is introducing a lot of new stuff to the Zack Snyder-created DC Movie Universe. We’ll see new iterations of Wonder Woman, iconic Superman villain Lex Luthor, and of course Batman. The latter was probably Snyder and Co.’s toughest task, as Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of The Dark Knight is still very clear (and ingrained) in fans’ minds. Going older with the character was a nice start, as was roping in Ben Affleck as the actor to inhabit Bruce Wayne, but Snyder and his team couldn’t end at just re-introducing Batman: they also had to tackle everything that comes with being Batman: the suit, the cave, and yes, the car.

We’ve seen some very good looks at the new Batmobile over the past year or so, and while it’s not a severe departure from Nolan’s design, it’s certainly different. Production designer Patrick Tatopoulos recently spoke with Empire Magazine (via CBM) about the inspiration behind the new Batmobile and how it reflects where Batman is in this stage of his life:

"He is not driving a Formula 1 car, he's driving a tank that is very sexy looking. Batman is rougher, tougher, and grungier. So everything is rough: the weapons, the suit and the car. There are machine guns mounted on the front. When you first see the Batmobile, it is being fixed. It is not - boom! - coming out of the garage brand new. It is scratched, damaged… Batmobiles are often designed very low to the ground, something classical. That didn't feel fully comfortable for us. I thought the Tumbler was a revolutionary design, with the suspension very high up. I wanted to combine the two vehicles. I wanted something of a motorcycle, too: big wheels, suspension, exhausts."


But given that Batman v Superman sets up an entire world full of superheroes, and is in fact a prequel to the Snyder-helmed Justice League films, Tatopoulos acknowledged that his designed were also influenced by what’s to come:

"With The Justice League coming, it influences my designs of the Batcave, the Batmobile, the Batwing. We are creating a world for Batman - every set, every prop, is real. We have to be ready for what's next."

batman v superman batmobile
Image via Warner Bros.

Indeed, production on Justice League: Part One is due to begin next spring, so this DC Movie train won't be stopping for a while. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opens in theaters on March 25, 2016.

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