Matt Reeves Says Paul Dano Took “70 or 80 Takes” Over Two Days to Film Riddler’s Final Scene with Batman in THE BATMAN

In a recently published profile posted on Paolo Dano from the Guardian, The Batman director Matt Reeves shared some insights into filming the final scene between The Riddler and Batman. Reeves reveals that he shot “70 or 80 takes” of the final showdown between Riddler and Batman over the course of two days. He explained:

“Paul likes to do a lot of filming, like me. We spent two days for the final scene between him and Robert Pattinson as Batman. We must have done 70 or 80 takes easily. Paul loves to explore. He’s obsessive that way.”

I’ve included the scene below for you to watch where Batman confronts the Riddler in Arkham Asylum and discovers that the villain’s master plan has yet to be carried out. Reeves went on to say:

“There were all these moments as the Riddler where he would get tickled by something and then go into a rage. You never knew from one take to the next where that change would come. I sat there with my headphones on, trying to stifle my laughter because he was always doing something amazing. Paul asked me: ‘Was he crazy? Was he too much? “I’d say, ‘No, he’s great. Let’s do another one.’”

Dano’s performance as the Riddler was fantastic. I really liked the way he played that character. It was just this evil, childish playfulness, and he was completely crazy. Reeves had already talked about another scene in which Dano had to record his voice when the Riddler was heard on the phone. The actor recorded 200 takes of it.

“[Paul Dano] he says, “OK, let me try one where I’m off camera and stick my head in. Let me try one where I’m already sitting there.” She’s directing this one-man theater show on an iPhone… It was the vertigo that really got to me. Calling out the passing time, as if he were a TV quiz show host. He was so inventive and creative. He is also very critical of himself.”

We have no idea if we’ll see the Riddler’s return Batman Part IIbut his cell is next to the Joker’s (Barry Keoghan), so there’s a chance it could show up. Batman Part II will be released on October 3, 2025.