In a new profile on Paul Dano published by The Guardian, his The Batman director Matt Reeves confirms they filmed 70 or 80 takes of the Riddler and Batmans final confrontation in the 2022 DC comic book tentpole. Dano starred as the films villain opposite Robert Pattinson. The film earned rave reviews (it was named the third best film of 2022 by Variety) and was a box office hit with $771 million worldwide. A sequel is set for release in 2025.
Paul loves doing a lot of takes, as do I, Reeves said. We took two days on the final scene between him andRobert Pattinsonas Batman. We must have easily done 70 or 80 takes. Paul loves exploring. Hes obsessive that way.
There were all these moments as the Riddler where hed be tickled by something and then fly into a rage. You never knew from take to take where that switch would come, Reeves continued. Id be sitting there with the headphones on, trying to stifle my laughter because hed always do something surprising. Paul would ask me: Was that crazy? Was that too much? Id say: No its fantastic. Lets do another.
Dano earned praise for his performance as the Riddler. Reeves revealed last year that for one scene that required Dano to record his voice when the Riddler is heard over the phone, the actor recorded 200 takes.
[Paul Dano] goes, OK, let me try one where Im off camera and I stick my head in. Let me try one where Im already sitting there, Reeves said at the time. Hes directing this one-person play on an iPhoneIt was the giddiness that really got to me. Calling out the passing time, like he was a game show host. He was so inventive and creative. Hes also very critical of himself.
Given that Danos Riddler ended The Batman imprisoned next to the Joker (Barry Keoghan), its likely he might pop up in the films sequel. The Batman Part II is set for release Oct. 3, 2025 from Warner Bros.