1) An Entirely Original Murder Mystery Detective Story
Then again, what if Matt Reeves decided to fully commit and make The Batman a full-on murder mystery thriller? A completely original story centered around the Dark Knight solving a case that affects all of Gotham would be a substantial (but refreshing) departure from typical Batman films. Instead of a movie that’s just more of the same, you get a storyline that’s more methodical, expertly paced and endlessly thrilling.
This would go against much of what many fans are beginning to resent: constant universe-building. Instead of another team-up or set-up movie, DC fans would have a film that’s completely self-contained akin to The Dark Knight trilogy. Along with a sheer avoidance of constant world-building (at least outside of Gotham city), Reeves can focus on telling a new, engaging story that’s all his own.
Without a classic tale to have to uphold and compete with, Reeves and fellow screenwriter Mark Bomback can focus on making the “neo-noir, detective” movie that was previously discussed. An original mystery-heavy story would fit that description perfectly. Quite frankly, if Matt Reeves wants to give fans the definitive cinematic Batman, then a true representation of the World’s Greatest Detective in this first installment would be the perfect starting place.
