THE BATMAN: Warner Bros. Tested A FOUR Hour Cut Of The Movie Before Settling On A Three Hour Runtime

THE BATMAN: Warner Bros. Tested A FOUR Hour Cut Of The Movie Before Settling On A Three Hour Runtime THE BATMAN: Warner Bros. Tested A FOUR Hour Cut Of The Movie Before Settling On A Three Hour Runtime

The Batman having a near three-hour runtime may have divided fans, but it's now been revealed that Warner Bros. considered an even longer version of the DC Comics blockbuster. Read on for details...

By JoshWilding - Jan 22, 2022 12:01 PM EST
Filed Under: The Batman
Source: The Hollywood Reporter

This week, it was confirmed that The Batman will have a runtime of 2 hours, 55 minutes. That makes it the second-longest superhero movie behind only Avengers: Endgame, and the lengthy runtime has generated a fair bit of discussion online. 

Many fans are thrilled at the prospect of spending a few hours taking a deep dive into this adventure alongside Robert Pattinson's Caped Crusader, while others understandably have reservations about such a bum-numbing runtime. We won't know until we see the movie whether it's overlong and bloated, or if that three hours whizzes by in what certainly looks like a compelling detective story. 

However, if three hours is too much for you, what about four

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Some test screenings showed an early, four-hour cut." That's up there with Zack Snyder's Justice League, though it's not uncommon for movies to have very lengthy early cuts. What is surprising is that Warner Bros. screened them, especially as that would be a hard sell for casual moviegoers and a runtime that would put a dent in box office takings.

Three hours seems like a fairly happy compromise, though we can't help but wonder what a massive four-hour director's cut of The Batman could look like down the line. Fingers crossed, eh?

The Batman is set to be released in theaters on March 4.
 

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Spawnnn
Spawnnn - 1/22/2022, 12:01 PM
#ReleaseTheReevesCut
marvel72
marvel72 - 1/22/2022, 12:04 PM
@Spawnnn -

JessicaMiller
JessicaMiller - 1/22/2022, 1:32 PM
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NinnesMBC
NinnesMBC - 1/22/2022, 12:03 PM
Theoretically I could watch a four-hour cut movie as long as it has breaks. That is how The Sound of Music did and it works in that way. It's only fair.
Cap1
Cap1 - 1/22/2022, 1:16 PM
@NinnesMBC - I saw the extended cut of Hateful Eight on Christmas day with an intermission and it was an amazing experience. Felt like proper theatre (helped by the fact the film is virtually written for stage). I wish more studios n cinemas were brave enough to do that
HulkisHoly
HulkisHoly - 1/22/2022, 8:35 PM
@Waddles -

I love intermissions. They give you time to use the bathroom and chat about the movie with your friends.
Fares
Fares - 1/22/2022, 12:04 PM
I love that WB is more open to trying out different stuff and having more confidence in the creators. Hope it continues.
McMurdo
McMurdo - 1/22/2022, 1:33 PM
@Fares - it’s huge for the genre. [frick]ing huge
marvel72
marvel72 - 1/22/2022, 12:05 PM
I'd watch a four hour cut but only in the comfort of my own home.
VileBlood
VileBlood - 1/22/2022, 12:07 PM
I venture to guess that this film will fill that runtime with complex characters and good storytelling. DC finally on the right track.
CAPTAINPINKEYE
CAPTAINPINKEYE - 1/22/2022, 12:07 PM
If they gave Zack his four hour movie so I’m sure we’ll get Matt’s 4 hour version eventually on HBOMAX
DannRamm113
DannRamm113 - 1/22/2022, 12:08 PM
It is kinda messed up how they are allowing a 3 hour cut of the first movie in a rebooted franchise but mandated less than 2 hour for a Justice League movie…


I’m not complaining because this movie looks amazing and I’m extremely excited for Pattinson, just appreciating the difference lol
CAPTAINPINKEYE
CAPTAINPINKEYE - 1/22/2022, 12:09 PM
@DannRamm113 - I think that’s because JL was so painful to sit through.
Spawnnn
Spawnnn - 1/22/2022, 12:19 PM
@DannRamm113 - "They" are all gone, DC has a new lead for years.
Nunyabiz
Nunyabiz - 1/22/2022, 3:17 PM
@DannRamm113 - is this movie a reboot or a stand alone movie like the joker?
4thMaster
4thMaster - 1/22/2022, 3:30 PM
@DannRamm113 - It's incredible what a difference in management and proper trust in the creative team gets you.
4thMaster
4thMaster - 1/22/2022, 3:32 PM
@Nunyabiz - It's a reboot to start a new Batman movie franchise.
Nemesis17then
Nemesis17then - 1/22/2022, 12:08 PM
I never understood people that have a problem with long movies. If pee is the problem just go to a theater that has intermissions and don't be a p**sy. Also funny how people support a 3hour Batman movie (which I also support because I am in favor of giving characters the time they need to be fleshed out) but are talking shit abou ZSJL a movie with 6 central heroes 3 of whom didn't have a standalone movie and 2 villains with one supposed to be the main bad guy for another 2 movies.
VileBlood
VileBlood - 1/22/2022, 1:10 PM
@Nemesis17then - Nobody complains about long movies when they're actually good and fill out that runtime with interesting characters and good storytelling. Justice League has nearly 30 minutes of slow motion shots. That might appeal to some but I prefer good writing and interesting characters.
Itwasme
Itwasme - 1/22/2022, 12:16 PM
Typically not a fan of long movies because it can be incredibly difficult to keep the pacing up. Not to say its impossible to make a good 3 hour film, but its not easy.

It also seems a little strange these directors are shooting 4 hour raw cuts. It's really rare for people to shoot that much and then cut down.
dracula
dracula - 1/22/2022, 12:19 PM
If the theatrical cut is good, id be willing to watch a 4 hour cut.

Like really would people watch the extended cuts of lord of the rings if the regular cut sucked
marvel72
marvel72 - 1/22/2022, 12:19 PM



dagenspear
dagenspear - 1/22/2022, 5:17 PM
@marvel72 - One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just doesn't belong...

And looks more boring, to me, by comparison.
MasterMix
MasterMix - 1/22/2022, 12:22 PM
It really doesn't look like a 3, let alone 4 hour movie.
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