CHATSWORTH, Calif.—As comic fans around the world take part today in virtual celebration DC FanDome—which included the unveiling this evening of the first trailer for director Matt Reeves' The Batman with Robert Pattinson taking over the role of Bruce Wayne—Wicked Pictures and director Axel Braun have jumped in on the festivities by making the surprise announcement that pre-production has begun on Braun's next big Wicked Comix project, The Batman XXX: An Axel Braun Parody Series.
To be released in eight weekly 45-minute episodes on Wicked.com, followed by a complete release on Blu-ray of the full production, The Batman XXX will mark Braun's first foray into the webisodic miniseries format.
"This will be a full reboot," explained Braun, who has returned to the Batman character throughout his parody making career. "I am recasting all roles, and the series will live independently from all the events of my future and previous standalone feature projects in the DC AxelVerse. That will allow me an opportunity to showcase many of the new talented performers in the industry, and to bring a fresh persepctive to the world of Gotham City."
The project is slated to shoot and release in 2021, as Wicked currently continues to observe the production hold it implemented in March to safeguard cast and crew from exposure to COVID-19. Aspects of pre-production underway now include writing, storyboarding, production design and costume design, all informed by Braun's perfectionist attention to detail.
"The trailer for Matt Reeves' movie absolutely blew me away!" Braun commented after its premiere Saturday evening. "I have to admit I had some serious reservations about Robert Pattinson as the lead, and especially about the costume, after the first images leaked a few months ago. Boy, I couldn't have been more wrong ... Pattinson looks amazing as Batman, and the look and tone of the movie are incredible. Looking forward to putting my own spin on what I'm sure will be a phenomenal success!"
