Before Christopher Nolan introduced to us psychology through the means of clowns and gas masks, the Batman franchise was stuck in development hell. Sure, Batman and Robin had made some decent coin at the box office, but at the cost of the dignity of the franchise.
Warner Bros went through numerous directors and pitches for the reboot of that franchise before settling on the vision that Nolan had in mind for his Dark Knight trilogy. And of those ideas considered, there was one by Darren Aronofsky that stood out quite well. Here’s a look at his year one project that almost was.
Comic Book Movie recently posted the concept art for this flick, which were drawn up by DKJ Studios. Arnofosky recently tweeted about the art, confirming neither way as to whether or not it was meant for his project:
btw none of that year one batman art circling the web originated from mine or frank’s work. so can’t take credit or blame for it.
— darren aronofsky (@DarrenAronofsky) May 7, 2013
But in all likelihood, this was still art that was commisioned for the flick, but just wasn’t approved by him. Aronofsky started work on the Year One film back in 2000, after he had wrapped up on Requiem For A Dream. In his film, which he co-wrote with legendary Batman writer Frank Miller, describing it back then as a fresh start:
It’s somewhat based on the comic book. Toss out everything you can imagine about Batman! Everything! We’re starting completely anew.
And by fresh start, I mean a Batman who was working undercover in a garage that MacGuyvered his arsenal into existence while fighting street crime. Still, Aronofsky eventually left the project, paving the way for Nolan to take over eventually. What do you think though? Would you have enjoyed watching a Batman movie that was dipped in Frank “Sin City” Miller crazy, or did WB go in the right direction with Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale?
Last Updated: May 7, 2013
Kervyn Cloete
May 7, 2013 at 12:15
I really love Aronofsky’s work, but this idea was not one of his greatest. Alfred was a black mechanic called Big Al and Bruce Wayne was no more than a street thug, who drives around in a sooped up Lincoln towncar, beating people up. He even gets the idea for Batman after he punches some guy while wearing his father, Thomas Wayne’s signet ring, and notices that the ring’s “TW” leaves a bruise on his victim’s face that looks almost like a bat.
Admiral Chief Achievement
May 7, 2013 at 15:23
Nolan ftw.
Costume looks a bit silly though : (above, not in Nolan’s mooovies)