The Batman gets an explosive message from The Riddler in new clip

The Batman
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

The first full scene from The Batman has been released – and it highlights not only Riddler’s reign of terror in Gotham, but also director Matt Reeves whetting our appetites with a masterclass in creating tension.

The two-minute clip was spotted by YouTube viewers during an ad roll – this is what happens if you don’t use AdBlocker – and has been (thankfully) preserved on Twitter.

In the scene, Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is seen at a funeral when he overhears Jim Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) discussing the recent disappearance of district attorney Gil Colson (Peter Sarsgaard).

Then, things take an unsettling turn for the worse. What appears to be gunshots and explosions rattle around in the streets. Amid the chaos, the Riddler (Paul Dano) appears overlooking the church – and sets his plan in motion: a car – containing Colson – drives through and aims at a child before Bruce Wayne saves the day.

Things go from bad to worse, however, after Colson steps out of the car to reveal he has a bomb strapped to him. Gordon does his best to clear the scene of innocents – though it’s the Caped Crusader who has Riddler’s attention: a message on Colson’s chest reads "To the Batman."

This is but a small fraction of what to expect from The Batman – not least because the runtime has been confirmed at just shy of three hours, making it the longest standalone Batman movie ever.

The Batman is set for release on March 4. For more super shenanigans, check out all the new superhero movies releasing in 2022 and beyond.

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at 12DOVE, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

Read more
Creature Commandos
Creature Commandos just gave us our first look at the DCU's Gotham City – and a glimpse of Batman
The Batman
Robert Pattinson reveals that he finally knows what The Batman 2 is about, but he's not giving anything away
The Batman
Robert Pattinson sums up all of our thoughts on The Batman 2 delay, but says it starts shooting at the end of the year
Robert Pattinson in The Batman
The Batman 2 release date, cast, plot, and everything else you need to know about the DC movie
The Batman
The Batman 2 director teases "completely different" sequel, as he promises the movie's main villain will surprise DC fans
Robert Pattinson in The Batman
Matt Reeves explains why The Batman 2 is delayed to 2027, but says they still want to film this year
Latest in DC Movies
Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
James Gunn reveals Jason Momoa text him about Lobo the day he was announced as DC Studios co-head
Batman and Catwoman talking
Robert Pattinson is hoping to team up with his The Batman co-star Zoe Kravitz on another project soon
Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne in The Batman
Robert Pattinson worries he will be a "f*cking old Batman" by the time filming on The Batman 2 finally starts
Superman
Gen V star reveals he unsuccessfully auditioned for Superman and Homelander
Daniel Radcliffe in The Lost City / Clayface in DC comics
James Gunn denies DC casting rumors that Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe will play Clayface: "We certainly haven’t talked to or considered him"
Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry in Aquaman
Jason Momoa pitched being cast as Lobo as soon as James Gunn got his DC job in a text with "ten billion exclamation points": "It was always part of the plan"
Latest in News
True Detective
Matthew McConaughey still thinks his own season of True Detective is the best one: "It was one of the great events in TV"
Diego Luna in Andor season 2
Andor season 2 showrunner Tony Gilroy calls Cassian “Star Wars Jesus” ahead of the show’s return on Disney Plus
Fortnite's Lara croft skin in front of a building
Fortnite has had Tomb Raider's Lara Croft locked away in battle pass exclusivity jail for almost 4 years, but she's reportedly getting a new skin very soon
Mind Rot card art (showing a human screaming in agony) with two meme Spongebob Squarepants Secret Lair cards laid over top
MTG's meme-filled Spongebob Secret Lair is enough to kill the average player from the 1990s
Julian McMahon as Doctor Doom in 2005's Fantastic Four
The Doctor Doom actor from 2005's Fantastic Four thinks Robert Downey Jr.'s take on the role in the next Avengers movies will be "pretty extraordinary": "I love watching his work"
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes trailer
My Hero Academia prequel series lands streaming date and brand new trailer, and it looks just as action packed as the original show