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https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-casts-paul-dano-as-riddler-1248494 (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-casts-paul-dano-as-riddler-1248494)

QuoteMatt Reeves is directing Robert Pattinson in the film.

Filmmaker Matt Reeves has found his Riddler for The Batman. Paul Dano has joined the film as the classic villain, Warner Bros. announced Thursday.
Dano's version of the character will be named Edward Nashton, a departure from the comic books in which he goes by the name Edward Nygma. Frank Gorshin and John Astin played the villain in the 1960s TV series, while Jim Carrey played him in 1995's Batman Forever, directed by Joel Schumacher.

Robert Pattinson is starring in The Batman, with Zoe Kravitz set to play Catwoman and Jeffrey Wright on board as Batman ally Commissioner Gordon. Jonah Hill was at one point eyeing a role in the film as either Riddler or The Penguin, but the deal did not come to fruition. Reeves has said he plans to include a rogues gallery of Batman villains in the film.

Dano was recently nominated for an Emmy for his role in Escape at Dannemora. The actor directed, co-wrote and produced the critically-acclaimed film Wildlife. His other film credits include Love and Mercy, Prisoners, 12 Years a Slave, There Will Be Blood,  Little Miss Sunshine,Youth and Okja, amongst others.

Created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, the Riddler — AKA Edward Nygma, or "E. Nigma" — is a supervillain who aims to challenge Batman in a battle of wits, leaving clues and riddles for the world's greatest detective to solve in order to catch him. Since debuting in 1948's Detective Comics No. 140, he's gone on to become one of the most high profile Bat-villains, appearing in movies, cartoons and video games across the past seven decades, stretching his question mark-ridden gimmick as far as it could go and then some, including spending some years as a good guy when he realized that it was just as much fun to solve crimes as it was to commit them.

Warner Bros. opens The Batman on June 25, 2021. Dano is represented by Anonymous Content, WME, Stone, Genow, Smelkinson, Binder and Christopher and Relevant.

—Graeme McMillan contributed to this story.

Another great casting choice IMHO (thank goodness it wasn't Jonah Hill playing The Riddler, although I could have accepted him as The Penguin).

So far I'm really pleased with all the casting choices:

Batman/Bruce Wayne: Robert Pattinson
Commissioner James Gordon: Jeffrey Wright
Catwoman/Selina Kyle: Zoë Kravitz
The Riddler/Edward Nashton: Paul Dano

Now this I can get behind. He's a great actor, and I can see him in the role.

Quote from: Travesty on Thu, 17 Oct  2019, 19:08
Now this I can get behind. He's a great actor, and I can see him in the role.

I don't know this guy, but just looking at him tells me it's a good choice. The Riddler is one of my favorite villains, perhaps second favorite after the Joker. I think the choice to use Nashton instead of Nigma is rather good for a point of difference. I'd like them to look at the Arkham games for inspiration in terms of characterization. A scene of Batman entering a death trap and solving it would do wonders for displaying his detective work.

Quote from: The Dark Knight on Thu, 17 Oct  2019, 22:30

Quote from: Travesty on Thu, 17 Oct  2019, 19:08
Now this I can get behind. He's a great actor, and I can see him in the role.

I don't know this guy, but just looking at him tells me it's a good choice. The Riddler is one of my favorite villains, perhaps second favorite after the Joker. I think the choice to use Nashton instead of Nigma is rather good for a point of difference. I'd like them to look at the Arkham games for inspiration in terms of characterization. A scene of Batman entering a death trap and solving it would do wonders for displaying his detective work.

Yeah, I've only seen pics of Dano. I've watched literally nothing he's ever been in. But in the pictures, I can totally see him playing a certain kind of Riddler.

Nashton. Can I just say that "Nigma" is a name that's always bugged me? E. Nigma? Srsly? I know, I know. Comics! But even by comic book standards, that's just a stupid name. The Riddler As Jigsaw seems to be the character's natural trajectory lately. I sort of like the concept of Riddler as more like the Unabomber where he sends people puzzles that they have to solve or else. Or something, Idk.

The Riddler is puzzling in the sense he doesn't have a live action past to be ashamed about, but he doesn't seem to have a magus opus like other villains (Joker, Freeze to name a few). But perhaps that's fitting. I think the issue is that he's difficult to write for.

Gorshin was great – I like the laughing but I do think it was a tad overdone in parts. Carrey was great as a vengeful stalker with a ton of energy and a passion for technology. I think he gets unfairly bashed for giving a Jim Carrey performance, which is why he was hired in the first place. BTAS is well rounded. Arkham's Riddler is just about perfect for me. Someone highly intelligent and witty, but arrogant, insecure, jealous and prone to bad temper and cheating when challenged. I haven't watched Gotham to comment on that Riddler.

What I like about Riddler in general terms is how he makes us think. There's something about that question mark that elicits mystery, and it's the excitement of the unknown. Someone who isn't a physical threat but is elusive and fights on his terms. That creep who leaves behind clues, rings your doorbell but you never see them. As said, this is an opportunity for a death trap. Such a scene honors not just Riddler, but Batman.

I wonder if that's why the script has taken so long to craft, because The Riddler is such a difficult character to write for, and his schemes take a Sherlock Holmes like sense of intellectual rigour to work-out.  If that's the case, I admire Reeves' ambition and think we could be looking at something really special.

Good analysis here about the influences they could take with the Riddler:

https://www.ibtimes.com/riddle-me-four-riddlers-matt-reeves-paul-dano-could-pull-batman-2848339

I'm fond of all four of these examples. I'm angling for the threat level of Zero Year, especially if he takes the lead villain role, and the personality and deathtraps of Arkham. Someone more in tune with the gang scene ala War of Jokes and Riddles would be okay, but I like the idea Edward is above that and his own man.

I'm not sure if I'd like a more physically adept Riddler ala the Telltale games.

I see where colors is coming from with the Nygma comment. Edward's real surname being Nashton grounds the character, with the comic booky Nygma name (to also allow the Enigma play on words) coming AFTER he becomes a costumed criminal.

Quote from: thecolorsblend on Fri, 18 Oct  2019, 00:20

Quote from: The Dark Knight on Thu, 17 Oct  2019, 22:30

Quote from: Travesty on Thu, 17 Oct  2019, 19:08
Now this I can get behind. He's a great actor, and I can see him in the role.

I don't know this guy, but just looking at him tells me it's a good choice. The Riddler is one of my favorite villains, perhaps second favorite after the Joker. I think the choice to use Nashton instead of Nigma is rather good for a point of difference. I'd like them to look at the Arkham games for inspiration in terms of characterization. A scene of Batman entering a death trap and solving it would do wonders for displaying his detective work.

Yeah, I've only seen pics of Dano. I've watched literally nothing he's ever been in. But in the pictures, I can totally see him playing a certain kind of Riddler.

Nashton. Can I just say that "Nigma" is a name that's always bugged me? E. Nigma? Srsly? I know, I know. Comics! But even by comic book standards, that's just a stupid name. The Riddler As Jigsaw seems to be the character's natural trajectory lately. I sort of like the concept of Riddler as more like the Unabomber where he sends people puzzles that they have to solve or else. Or something, Idk.

Actually, another idea is along the lines of the Jared Harris version of Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Oddly enough, I don't think a Moriarty-esque take on the Riddler has ever been done. My memory is that Zero Year played the Riddler as a brilliant person bent on revenge. But I mean specifically presenting the Riddler as a mastermind who is genuinely capable of succeeding rather than a character grinding a personal axe.

I would think the logical way to use the Riddler is a character who uses riddles as a distraction. They're truthful but they don't give the full picture of his big masterplan. Batman has to be smart enough to solve the riddles and also smart enough to realize he's being played.

In theory, the Riddler is more fertile ground for a new interpretation because there's not much to choose from in live action apart from Gorshin and Carrey. It's probably a lot easier to find a new approach to the Riddler than it is the Joker.

What I'm saying is that the more I think about it, the more I realize that there's a lot of potential with the Riddler that other characters can't quite match.

We do need a definitive live action Two-Face at some point though.

Regarding the Riddler's riddle in the trailer: "What does a LIAR do when he's DEAD?"...


...a lot of people online have already got the answer to the cipher on the right hand page. I won't post it here in case anyone doesn't want to know what it is, but it's not that difficult to figure out. You might be able to get it based simply on the riddle itself. I bet Burt Ward could. But for anyone who can't and wants to try decoding the message on the right hand page, here are some hints.

Look at the symbols on the right hand page and you'll see that one symbol appears twice consecutively on the bottom row. The same symbol also appears once on the top row. Only a few letters can be repeated like that at the end of a word. What would those letters be?

Note that the symbol preceding the double letter on the bottom row appears after the same symbol on the top row. If the symbol that appears twice consecutively is a consonant, then the one preceding it is likely a vowel. Likewise, if the repeated symbol is a vowel, then the one preceding it is probably a consonant.

The symbol at the end of the top row is the same symbol at the start of the bottom row, which means one word ends with the same letter that begins the next word.

Although it's obscured in the trailer, the subject of the question – the liar – is referred to with the pronoun 'he'. Since the question is asking for a verb, the verb will likely be preceded by the same pronoun.

For a final clue, I'll reveal that the top row comprises two words. The bottom row is a single word.

Can anyone get it without using Google?

I would have to Google, I'm terrible with that kind of stuff, lol.

If it's not "He lies" then I don't know wtf

Quote from: thecolorsblend on Sun, 23 Aug  2020, 19:32
If it's not "He lies" then I don't know wtf

You've got the top row, colors! Now match the letters with the corresponding symbols and you should be able to translate the word on the bottom row. You've already got most of the symbols, and guessing the final one is easy.

I hope they release more of these riddles for the fans as part of the marketing campaign.

With a green jacket and duct tape bandaged over his face, is Reeves merging The Riddler with Hush?

What if this Riddler has a familial connection to Bruce, and that's why he has decided to hide himself? Reeves has hinted at how Bruce's family could have been connected to Gotham's corrupt past. I like the idea the tape only comes off near the end, when he reveals himself to Batman. The latest Hush animated adaption had Hush revealed as the Riddler. I think this is all a serious possibility.

"You're part of this, too. You'll see."

Spoiler for the riddle: "He Lies Still"

Early look at promo material for the movie featuring the Riddler:

(https://hmg-prod-io.hearstapps.com/images/pepsico-mountain-dew-riddlers-brew-soda-the-batman-flavor-1610386812.jpg?&width=980&auto=webp)

Hard to get a true sense of what he looks like, but it seems he's wearing a hood and glasses of some kind. The vibe it gives off indicates something darker and creepier than what we're accustomed to, which was expected and I'm happy about that. I'm hoping we do get to see Dano's face at some point for a reasonable duration, rather than always cloaked in shadow or bandaged up.

Quote from: The Dark Knight on Sat, 16 Jan  2021, 02:44
Early look at promo material for the movie featuring the Riddler:

(https://hmg-prod-io.hearstapps.com/images/pepsico-mountain-dew-riddlers-brew-soda-the-batman-flavor-1610386812.jpg?&width=980&auto=webp)

Hard to get a true sense of what he looks like, but it seems he's wearing a hood and glasses of some kind. The vibe it gives off indicates something darker and creepier than what we're accustomed to, which was expected and I'm happy about that. I'm hoping we do get to see Dano's face at some point for a reasonable duration, rather than always cloaked in shadow or bandaged up.

It's so weird to see promotional material for a film that doesn't come out for another year.

edit:

Whoops, wrong thread.

He may have other outfits as the film progresses. But this seems to be a somewhat accurate representation of the Reeveverse Riddler, as seen in the trailer, by William Gray.

(https://64.media.tumblr.com/dbef78c4c2c7667c947db172dc71c57a/1653830bbd1b3f98-38/s2048x3072/c98a751d9a1ad090ac1f1cbf0427f18f09338232.jpg)

Getting to see his face when he's alone in his lair would work well. With the mask going on only when he's on the job at the crimes scenes or on TV. It could show him getting into character as much as Batman or any of the other vigilantes. I want razor sharp vindictiveness with the Riddler, the focus of a loner good at crossword puzzles on a mission. If they channel him in a manner different to the Joker it will be a success, and allow his stature to rise. Going the Zodiac/Jigsaw route is the answer.

I re-watched Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) a couple of weeks ago, and for me that's the ultimate Riddler movie. A Batman film like that, set within a single night where Batman has to race around Gotham following Nygma's trail of clues, would be amazing.

Quote from: Silver Nemesis on Tue,  2 Feb  2021, 18:10
I re-watched Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) a couple of weeks ago, and for me that's the ultimate Riddler movie. A Batman film like that, set within a single night where Batman has to race around Gotham following Nygma's trail of clues, would be amazing.

I love With A Vengeance and you're right it would make a good Riddler film. If I'm remembering correctly there's an episode of The Batman that's similar to that where The Riddler has Detective Yin running around the city solving puzzles with Batman helping her out.

Quote from: BatmanFurst on Tue,  2 Feb  2021, 20:53
I love With A Vengeance and you're right it would make a good Riddler film. If I'm remembering correctly there's an episode of The Batman that's similar to that where The Riddler has Detective Yin running around the city solving puzzles with Batman helping her out.

I need to revisit The Batman. I haven't watched most of the episodes since they originally aired in the UK about 15 years ago, but that one particular episode with the Riddler stands out in my memory. It definitely had a strong DHWAV vibe that worked well for the character.

Quote from: Silver Nemesis on Thu,  4 Feb  2021, 22:45

Quote from: BatmanFurst on Tue,  2 Feb  2021, 20:53
I love With A Vengeance and you're right it would make a good Riddler film. If I'm remembering correctly there's an episode of The Batman that's similar to that where The Riddler has Detective Yin running around the city solving puzzles with Batman helping her out.

I need to revisit The Batman. I haven't watched most of the episodes since they originally aired in the UK about 15 years ago, but that one particular episode with the Riddler stands out in my memory. It definitely had a strong DHWAV vibe that worked well for the character.

I rewatched the episode and I was surprised at how similar it is to Die Hard 3 to the point that it almost feels like a ripoff. It has the same plot and twists. You have to solve a riddle in order to stop a bomb from going off just like the movie. At the end the final riddle turn out to be fake with the bomb being gelatin just like the bomb in the school was pancake syrup. Finally, you find out that the riddles are just a ruse to lead the Gotham PD away from a location so that Riddler can stage a heist which is exactly what happens in With a Vengeance.

I hope the full face mask isn't the primary design. I don't think there's been a definitive Riddler look since Frank Gorshin (it's a shame there's only been a couple live action outings in general).

Quote from: Silver Nemesis on Tue,  2 Feb  2021, 18:10
I re-watched Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) a couple of weeks ago, and for me that's the ultimate Riddler movie. A Batman film like that, set within a single night where Batman has to race around Gotham following Nygma's trail of clues, would be amazing.

So true. Good movie.

And that would be a pretty novel approach for a Batman film. Or any superhero film, rly.

I always preferred the green and black suit that Gorshin occasionally wore as opposed to the green spandex.

Quote from: BatmanFurst on Sun, 30 May  2021, 21:39
I always preferred the green and black suit that Gorshin occasionally wore as opposed to the green spandex.

Honestly I hold both outfits in similar esteem; the spandex is the closest approximation of the classic look that stood for around 50 years, but the suit and bowler hat became so beloved that it went on to influence most most modern interpretations of the character; there were a few one-off redesigns until BTAS ran with the look.

The Forever look was fine, but a bit too green; the purple accents of the original really helped break up the design. And the red wig wasn't doing it any favors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dStUyVHXC0

Interesting video going over Dano's Riddler, along with similarities with the Zodiac Killer.

Quote from: The Joker on Sun,  6 Jun  2021, 11:04
Interesting video going over Dano's Riddler, along with similarities with the Zodiac Killer.

I'm sort of glad that somebody is making that connection. I always thought that if there was ever an irl supervillain, the Zodiac is the probably the closest thing there's ever been to it. The similarities between the Zodiac and the Riddler vis a vis puzzles is fairly obvious. This is good real world inspiration to work from, if you ask me.

Quote from: Slash Man on Sun, 30 May  2021, 18:24
I hope the full face mask isn't the primary design. I don't think there's been a definitive Riddler look since Frank Gorshin (it's a shame there's only been a couple live action outings in general).

From my point of view the Riddler is a character with plenty of scope for aesthetic change because the green suits of Gorshin and Carrey are definitive. It has already been done and I don't need to see it again for Dano to be thought of as worthy.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E64pHQUUcAE1kgA?format=jpg)


:D

Quote from: The Dark Knight on Sun, 20 Oct  2019, 02:55
I'm angling for the threat level of Zero Year, especially if he takes the lead villain role, and the personality and deathtraps of Arkham.

Word around the campfire is that the movie ends with the Riddler flooding Gotham, which is straight out of Zero Year, setting up the sequel. I'm very excited about the Riddler sending Gotham into a frenzy like Hardy's Bane or Ledger's Joker, in his own way, because he's more than capable of doing so. The Zodiac Killer influence is obvious, but I see some Unabomber in there too. Someone detached from society and living a solitary existence, but having strong critiques of the world, committing crimes to draw large scale attention to his beliefs.

Yeah, it seems like Zero Year is a huge inspiration for this movie that hasn't been mentioned by Matt Reeves or the cast. And the funny thing is, when this movie was filming and we were getting those spy pics, I remember posting pics of Zero Year, and saying that's what it looks like. Plus, it's another rookie style Batman story with Riddler. Very Zero Year.

Quote from: Travesty on Sat, 30 Oct  2021, 15:38
Yeah, it seems like Zero Year is a huge inspiration for this movie that hasn't been mentioned by Matt Reeves or the cast. And the funny thing is, when this movie was filming and we were getting those spy pics, I remember posting pics of Zero Year, and saying that's what it looks like. Plus, it's another rookie style Batman story with Riddler. Very Zero Year.

The cycle Bruce is using as The Drifter, and elements of the batsuit are obvious references. I believe evidence of Gotham being flooded is present in the trailer. The individuals in makeup could be similar to the Red Hood gang, building to an eventual reveal of the Joker. Bruce initially refusing to take on Wayne Enterprises seems like a real possibility. Also a secret entrance to Wayne Manor from Crime Alley, especially if the underground railway talk is genuine.

Paul Dano answers which Batman (other than Pattinson) is his favourite and briefly comments on Carrey's Riddler.

I don't disagree with The Riddler's attitude towards corruption, hypocrisy and the need for satisfactory punishment of those responsible. We know why Batman has a problem with that in philosophical terms. But apart from that, Battinson is the closest thing to Adam West's deputized agent of the law. If he's going to be publicly associated with the GCPD and attend crime scenes, he has to satisfy their requirements of moral citizenry. Otherwise the deal's off and he'll be brought in. When Nashton floods the city, he enters outright villain territory, in the same way Joker and Scarecrow gassed Gotham. He's liable for the mass deaths of people unconnected to his initial grievance. That's the stepping off point - when the bullied nerd takes down the whole school.

Matt Reeves has announced a comic book tie-in titled Riddler: Year One. It's written by Paul Dano himself and is scheduled for publication in October.

Really interested in this. The prequel novel already revealed that Edward was a food delivery man, sabotaged street racing cars and nearly burned down the orphanage. It ended with him unsatisfied with the fire because he didn't receive any credit, and thus decided to leave riddles behind next time. Perhaps the comic series can display the initial surveillance Edward undertook to discover the corruption of those he targeted in the film. He did have a clear view of The Iceberg Lounge.

I'm very interested in this. I will definitely be buying this when it comes out.

After reading DeVito's contribution to last year's Gotham City Villains special, I have to say I'm a little wary of letting actors write comics. But this one sounds a lot more intriguing and should at least fit in with the continuity of the film. Dano delivered a compelling new take on the Riddler and anything that offers us more insight into the workings of Nashton's devious mind has the potential to be very interesting indeed. I'll give it a read when it comes out.

Quote from: Silver Nemesis on Sat, 19 Mar  2022, 16:28
Dano delivered a compelling new take on the Riddler and anything that offers us more insight into the workings of Nashton's devious mind has the potential to be very interesting indeed. I'll give it a read when it comes out.

I have no idea what he's like as a person, but to me, Dano comes across as genuinely sincere and enthusiastic in his interviews. I'm inclined to think he could give worthwhile contributions to the story while working within canon guidelines.

The film gives us a fair idea what The Riddler thinks about Bruce Wayne. I'd like to see more about how he feels about Batman in the comic somewhere. The film touches upon a kindred spirit theme, but there's room to expand upon it. 

While I'm here, I'll add Riddler's first scene is one of the best. The way he blends in to the background of the room, strikes like a wild animal, and then takes his sweet time to enjoy the taping process. But afterwards he still needs more. As another killer once said, "the fantasy that accompanies and generates the anticipation that precedes the crime is always more stimulating than the immediate aftermath of the crime itself."

Jim Carrey on Paul Dano's Riddler:

QuoteWe asked Carrey if he had any thoughts on the new Riddler, to which he said: "I've not seen it. It's a very dark version. I have mixed emotions about it. To each his own and all that. I love him as an actor, he's a tremendous actor."

Citing The Batman's grimmer tone, he continued: "There's a spot of worry in me over gaffer-taping people's faces and encouraging people to do the same. Some sickos out there that might adopt that method.

"I do have a conscience about the things I choose. Robotnik has cartoon bombs and no-one gets hurt. I know there's a place for it, and I don't want to criticise it, but it's not my kind of thing... it's very well done, those movies are very well done."

https://www.unilad.co.uk/film-and-tv/jim-carrey-has-mixed-emotions-about-paul-danos-riddler-20220329

I liked Dano's Riddler. Don't get me wrong. But I have the feeling the sequel needs to up its game in terms of the next main villain. Especially when I consider the likes of Neeson, Ledger and Hardy from the Nolan series. There could possibly be an interesting side effect of giving Batman more screen time in the sense the villains lack the same level of impact from the films of yesteryear. I think Batman needs to have a more direct physical confrontation with whoever they choose next time, especially in contrast to the mind games of The Riddler.

That's true. As much as Hardy got a more mixed reaction, he absolutely put Bane back into the public conversation and elevated Hardy's star power as well. Not so much for Dano and Riddler.

TB's Riddler is good and fits the movie, but is definitely understated in comparison to the likes of Hardy's Bane, who was the last great cinematic Batman villain in my opinion. He had real presence whenever he appeared courtesy of his booming voice, physique and mannerisms.

Jim Carrey gave The Riddler madness and energy that pushed the character to screen stealing levels. The 1990s Batman movies particularly didn't miss in the villain department. Batman and Robin gets lampooned but Freeze and Ivy aren't going to be forgotten anytime soon.

I wouldn't be surprised if Hush is the villain for The Batman Part II, with Penguin and maybe another side villain filling in the story. If that was the case, Heart of Hush would be brilliant.

You could have Thomas Elliot impersonating Bruce (allowing Pattinson that screen time) and forcing the public playboy image into even more focus. Hush also has the obvious ties to Bruce's father and bringing Selina back into the story. Thematically it's all there - casting someone with serial killer charm would be essential to give it high impact.

Hush would feel more like a retread of what we got with Dano's Riddler. I feel like they already hit the Hush beats with this movie.

If not in Part II, do it for Part III as a full circle style conclusion. Just as TDK Rises brought back the League of Shadows. I think the material is too juicy to ignore outright, especially with the connection to Thomas Wayne being a doctor - which is emphasized in the first movie. There's lots of exciting possibilities though, as I'd really like the Court of Owls lurking around as well. Hopefully we get a clue as to what's happening later this year when filming starts.