Believe it or not, we’re about to receive our fourth animated movie headlined by a certain masked hero this year when Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders arrives this fall. The difference, of course, being that this one continues the proud legacy of the television series from the 1960’s, which happens to be celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Although it has been known for some time that Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar are reprising their iconic roles of Batman, Robin, and Catwoman, respectively, it has remained a mystery as to who would round out the rest of the cast – until now, that is.
Due to many members of the TV series’ original cast no longer being with us, the filmmakers had to find the right talent to lend their pipes to the other characters residing in Gotham City. The new recruits include: Steven Weber (Alfred Pennyworth), Thomas Lennon (Chief O’Hara), Jeff Bergman (The Joker, Announcer), William Salyers (The Penguin), Wally Wingert (The Riddler), Lynne Marie Stewart (Aunt Harriet), Jim Ward (Commissioner Gordon), and Sirena Irwin (TV show host Miranda Moore).
We can only assume that each of these actors will channel the voices of those who originally inhabited the role, but one in particular that stands out is Wally Wingert because he actually voiced The Riddler in every entry of the popular Batman: Arkham video game series. Although his take on the character had vocal similarities to Frank Gorshin, one has to wonder if and how this performance will differ from others.
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders will see its world premiere held this Thursday, October 6 at New York Comic-Con before making its way into theaters for a two-night engagement on October 10 and 11. Following that, it will arrive on Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD on November 1.
