'The Batman' trailer released, thrills fans at DC virtual event

Robert Pattinson showcased The Batman footage as Hollywood A-listers and their comic-book alter-egos hosted a sprawling online event Saturday.

The virtual DC FanDome from Warner Bros comes after real-world extravaganzas beloved by comic-book fans - such as Comic-Con - were canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Headline billing went to The Batman, a dark, detective-style mystery take on the Caped Crusader which star Pattinson said had to shut down midway through production in March due to Covid-19.

Director Matt Reeves said his version - still due next year - is inspired by classic noirs like Chinatown and Taxi Driver, and will meet a "very human and very flawed" Bruce Wayne in his second year as Batman, trying to solve a series of crimes.

First-ever footage from the much-hyped movie left fans drooling online, with a mysterious villain leaving notes for Batman at crime scenes across Gotham - and the film's hero pummeling a street thug before growling: "I'm vengeance."

Like the rival, record-breaking Marvel films, several movies featuring DC characters including Superman are inter-connected, with shared storylines and crossover cameos.

Saturday's all-day event premiered footage and panels for follow-ups to blockbusters Wonder Woman, Suicide Squad, and Shazam! - despite uncertainty over release dates, with many US theaters closed.

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