Filming The Batman: A Surreal Experience in a Pandemic Hotel Like The Shining

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Making blockbuster franchise films under normal conditions is tough, but filming The Batman during the peak of the pandemic took things to a new level. The cast and crew of Matt Reeves’ praised movie had to deal with stringent safety measures, repeated halts, and in certain situations, total seclusion. If you ask Jeffrey Wright, who plays Jim Gordon, about that experience, he’d describe it as nothing short of surreal – even going so far as comparing it to living in the hotel from one of the most terrifying horror movies ever made, The Shining.

Jeffrey Wright recently shared thoughts with Men’s Health about his experience filming the 2020 Batman movie starring Robert Pattinson, which he described as a demanding process both physically and mentally, leaving him feeling ensnared within a suspenseful production. To put it in simpler words, Wright conveyed that the filming of the movie was challenging and terrifying.

In that interrogation scene, I struggled with remembering my lines as I had been isolated in a hotel room for ten consecutive days. Upon returning to London during the pandemic, it was my third quarantine, and I found myself confined to my hotel room for another ten days.

Preparing for a critical scene is challenging enough, but doing so after two weeks of solitude makes it even more demanding. For instance, the interrogation scene, which plays a significant role in The Batman, required the actor from The French Dispatch to be focused, meticulous, and fully engaged. However, after such an extended period of seclusion, his mental state was not optimal.

Beyond the filming location, the production felt unsettling. Amidst global lockdowns, Jeffrey Wright resided in a vast, nearly deserted hotel, contributing to an otherworldly vibe. Given his account, it’s no wonder he likened it to one of Stephen King’s iconic works, The Overlook Hotel.

My state of mind was quite unusual. Despite being in a large hotel with 200 guests, there were only two other people present; it felt like being inside the eerie hotel from The Shining. Upon going to work afterwards, I was incredibly disorganized and out of sorts. Consequently, my colleagues tolerated me, and we managed to get through the day. However, this situation was completely unfamiliar to me, so I wish I had taken an ice bath to help me relax.

2020 was undeniably challenging for all, making it easy to understand his feelings. However, given the circumstances, Robert Wright’s portrayal in one of the top live-action Batman movies seems even more remarkable now. His interpretation of Jim Gordon is marked by a sense of tranquility, composure, and unwavering dedication to justice – quite a contrast to someone who spent 10 days in quarantine losing their bearings.

More on Jeffrey Wright

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The remarks made by the star of “American Fiction” offer a deeper understanding of the extraordinary challenges encountered during the making of this superhero film. Notably, Robert Pattinson halted production after testing positive for COVID-19, and the movie itself experienced numerous postponements due to pandemic-related obstacles. However, against all odds, the final product offered a captivating, detective-focused portrayal of Batman set in Gotham, featuring an exceptional ensemble cast and a riveting mystery.

With “The Batman – Part II” slated for release towards the end of 2027 among the lineup of upcoming DC films, fans are eager to witness more dynamic performances from Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon. Fingers crossed that the filming experience won’t resemble being stuck in a Stephen King-esque horror tale this time around!

Currently, you have the option to watch “The Batman” by subscribing to Max, or else you could catch up on all previous “Batman” films in sequence as we eagerly anticipate the upcoming blockbuster in Gotham City.

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2025-02-21 22:08