With the Caped Crusader’s next big-screen adventure almost two years away, Bat-fans can console themselves by having fun with one of many Darkish Knight’s biggest big-screen adventures. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is coming to Max within the new 12 months. The 1993 animated movie will hit the streamer on January 1, 2025.
With Batman: The Animated Series a success on TV, Warner Bros. provided its inventive staff an opportunity to make a feature-length Batman film. Whereas it was initially meant to be direct-to-video, it quickly shifted to get a theatrical launch, forcing it to be accomplished in a whirlwind eight-month manufacturing interval. The movie bears the hallmarks of the acclaimed animated sequence, together with the minimalist character designs of Bruce Timm and the operatic rating of Shirley Walker. It additionally options the voice skills from the TV sequence, together with Kevin Conroy (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Mark Hamill (The Joker), Efrem Zimbalist Jr. (Alfred Pennyworth), Bob Hastings (Commissioner Gordon), and Robert Costanzo (Harvey Bullock).
What Is ‘Batman: Masks of the Illusion’ About?
Masks of the Illusion follows two parallel narratives: the primary focuses on Bruce Wayne’s early days as Batman, and his doomed romance with Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delaney). The second takes place within the current day, the place a spectral vigilante, the Illusion (Stacy Keach), is slicing a lethal swath by means of Gotham’s gangland. The 2 timelines collide when Batman learns the surprising fact of the Illusion’s id. The Illusion’s secret brings a 3rd participant into the battle between the vigilantes: Batman’s deadliest foe, the Joker, who desires each of them lifeless. In the meantime, the Gotham Police consider the Illusion and Batman are one and the identical, and are itching to lastly take him down, with corrupt metropolis councilman Arthur Reeves (Hart Bochner) main the cost. All of it involves a head in an explosive confrontation that leaves no person unscathed. Written by BTAS regulars Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Martin Pasko, and Michael Reaves, the film is structured like a film noir, and touches on many mature themes.
Whereas Masks of the Illusion has change into a traditional within the Batman canon, it was a field workplace disappointment. Nevertheless, it did change into a success on dwelling media, and two subsequent features based on Batman: The Animated Series went direct-to-video: Batman: Sub-Zero, that includes Mr. Freeze, and Batman: Thriller of the Batwoman, which pits Batman towards a mysterious new vigilante.
Batman: Masks of the Illusion will stream on Max beginning January 1, 2025. Keep tuned to Collider for future updates.
