Latest news with #DarkKnight
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Heath Ledger's final act of kindness to Perth chef revealed
Head chef Gurps Bagga of Sauma restaurant in Northbridge has rubbed shoulders with many acclaimed cooks and celebrities in his time, but no memories burn as brightly as his encounter with late Perth-born actor Heath Ledger in 2007. The Indian spice master recalled one busy Saturday night at his family's former Fremantle restaurant Maya, which he believes was likely Ledger's final dining experience in Australia before his death in New York in January 2008. 'He rang me. There was a phone call one Saturday, we were really busy, we had no table, and someone just said I was there. And they said, 'Hey, this guy wants to book a table, and he's saying he's Heath Ledger,'' Chef Gurps recalled. Aware the Dark Knight star was in town due to media buzz, and with Ledger's father Kim having dined at Maya previously, the chef made an effort to squeeze him in. Even if it was just a prankster 'taking the mickey', the chef said he felt it was worth giving the actor a couple of hours to show. 'We booked him a table, and yes, it was him. He came with his family, and he came to eat, and he was the loveliest, most polite guy,' he said. Chef Gurps Bagga of Sauma. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian So vivid is the encounter, Chef Gurps can even recite the Oscar winner's order almost two decades later. 'He ordered a lamb rogan Josh, and he ordered a palak paneer. And his dad goes, 'I thought you were having lamb?' And he goes, 'Can't I order two?' the chef recalled. Enjoying their sumptuous meal, the chef told his staff not to approach the star or 'hassle him for anything' as there had been reports of his fragile mental state. However, to the contrary, Chef Gurps said the actor appeared in good spirits surrounded by loved ones. And he appreciated the restaurant's hospitability. 'Before he left, he turned back and he said thank you to all of us, shook all of our hands and he left, which was very nice of him,' the chef added. 'I rang up The Sunday Times. I said, 'He was eating at Maya. He was not sad. He was very happy with his family. He was laughing. We were joking around... And suddenly I started getting calls from all over the world.' Maya closed in 2016 after 26 years in the Bagga family. Pictured is a Goat Curry made by Chef Gurps Bagga. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian Now at the helm of Sauma, Chef Gurps said Ledger's loved ones have followed him across and will occasionally reminisce about the wholesome dinning experience they shared all those years ago. With family remaining a strong value in his kitchen, the chef continues to serve dishes he would prepare as a child with his father in India, whom he sadly lost several months ago. Describing him as 'my mentor, my guru', Chef Gurps holds a special place in his heart for the family's goat curry recipe which he revealed is largely his father's creation.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Absolute Batman deserves to be DC's next live-action masterpiece: Here's why
Batman's spot in the DC Universe has always been layered, but a recent villain redesign in the comics has reignited one very specific idea: this story needs a live-action adaptation, as per Screen Rant. Though few fans of the Caped Crusader may find many versions of a hero puzzling, comics have always embraced different interpretations. Absolute Batman reimagines the Dark Knight's origin story(Instagram/batman) For instance, three avatars of Spider-Man were introduced between 2002 and 2016, and each had a unique spin. With the DCU now embracing multiverse storytelling through both James Gunn's reboot and the Elseworlds banner, the time feels right. Also Read: How Fantastic Four: First Steps gives Marvel's 'first family' a second chance DC set to embrace dual Dark Knights DC is charting a bold new path by continuing two separate Batman movie universes at once. As per Screen Rant, while the majority of movies and TV shows were scrapped to make way for a unified DCU, Matt Reeves' The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, remains untouched under the Elseworlds label. At the same time, James Gunn is set to for a different Batman with Damian Wayne, in The Brave and the Bold. With these distinct timelines, DC is surely offering fans two very different takes on the Dark Knight. Why does Absolute Batman need to happen? DC Comics is no stranger to reinventing its heroes, but the DC Absolute Universe has taken that idea to the next level. In this reimagined world, Batman is not the orphaned billionaire we have always known. He is grounded, raw, and even his foes feel startlingly fresh. Take Killer Croc, for example: once Bruce Wayne's close friend and sparring partner, Waylon Jones becomes something far darker after being abducted and mutated at Arkham, this universe's even more terrifying take on Arkham Asylum. Also read: After long wait Matt Reeves confirms finishing script for The Batman 2 starring Robert Pattinson Croc's transformation is pure nightmare fuel, hulking, deformed, with a stretched neck and jagged teeth embedded in unnatural places. This is not just shock value; it is visceral storytelling that dares to push known characters into unsettling territory. The Absolute Universe does not just remix the lore; it elevates it. If ever there was a Batman story made for live-action adaptation, this is the one. It is fresh, fierce, and unforgettable. Absolute Batman reinvents the Dark Knight Reportedly, Absolute Batman offers a bold reimagining of the Dark Knight. While past adaptations have leaned into either camp or grit, this version reshapes Bruce Wayne's origin and places him in a hauntingly different Gotham. He is still a fighter, still driven, but molded by entirely new circumstances. It is a version that could exist alongside others, yet feels truly original, daring, and worth exploring on the big screen. FAQs Who is the new Batman actor in 2027? In 2026, Robert Pattinson will return as Batman in The Batman Part II, directed by Matt Reeves. Why is Batman 2 delayed to 2027? The Batman – Part II has been delayed to 2027, as the script is still being finalized. Is The Batman movie on Netflix? No, The Batman movie is not on Netflix.
Geek Tyrant
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
How Dark Gritty Reboots Paved the Way for Today's Lighter Escapism in Cinema — GeekTyrant
For years, Hollywood loved its dark, grounded reboots. But times have changed, and so have audience tastes. A recent video essay by Pyramid Peak takes a deep dive into why the bleak tone of early 2000s blockbusters has shifted toward something lighter, more hopeful, and even escapist, like Superman . After September 11, 2001, American audiences gravitated toward stories that reflected their fears and uncertainties. Movies embraced gritty realism, and no franchise exemplified that better than Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. 'You can imagine just how incredible it was to see this in 2005 for the first time audiences saw a Batman who looked like he belonged in our world and faced dangers that felt almost too real. 'Needless to say Batman Begins was a massive success to critics and general audiences the movie's dark and gritty tone felt like a breath of fresh air.' Following that, other franchises leaned hard into the 'realistic' approach, turning comic book worlds and action sagas into moody character studies. But that was 20 years ago, and as Pyramid Peak explains, that tone no longer resonates the same way: '20 years later the reboot doesn't pack the same punch. So what happened to the dark and gritty era? Right now we're living in a world of constant noise a million channels of conflicting information are all shouting at once. 'That overwhelm might inspire stories where the hero is someone who cuts through the chaos sees the bigger picture and finds a clean focused solution a narrative where all the threats are secretly connected and one brave person untangles them giving us the simple clarity we crave.' This shift is more than just stylistic. It's a reflection of our cultural mood. Back then, villains were symbolic. Today, the issues feel personal and systemic. As Peak notes, future stories might even tackle wealth inequality head-on. 'If another global recession makes wealth inequality the popular issue of the day, the real enemies might be the rich, the powerful the out of touch elite. We could see a resurgence of stories about the common person rising up against unchecked greed and corruption and a generation dealing with the housing crisis and endless inflation would connect with the hero who's dealt a crappy hand but make something of it.' The era of gritty antiheroes might be behind us, replaced by characters who bring clarity in chaos or challenge corruption head-on. In other words, escapism is evolving, and Hollywood will follow wherever our cultural compass points next.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Are you a fan of Batman? Studds has a new helmet for you
For fans of the Dark Knight and motorcycling alike, Studds Accessories Ltd. has rolled out something special — a bold new helmet inspired by Gotham's iconic vigilante. The Batman Edition Drifter is the latest addition to the brand's full-face lineup, designed not just to turn heads, but also to keep them safe. Launched in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products India, this helmet is the first of a larger DC-themed series. And while its looks take cues from the legendary Caped Crusader, it does not loose out on the functionality of a helmet. Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING VinFast VF e34 41.9 kWh 41.9 kWh 318 km 318 km ₹ 25 - 30 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Hyundai Stargazer 1493 cc 1493 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 10 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Tata Altroz Racer 1199 cc 1199 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 9.49 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING MG Baojun 510 1998 cc 1998 cc Diesel Diesel ₹ 11 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder 5204 cc 5204 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 3.54 Cr Compare View Offers Lamborghini Huracan STO 5204 cc 5204 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 4.99 Cr Compare View Offers At its core, the Batman Edition Drifter helmet carries both ISI and DOT certifications. Unfortunately, there is no ECE certification. Its high-impact outer shell is backed by a multi-density EPS liner for enhanced energy absorption in case of impact. Also Read : ReiseMoto launches Helden helmet range, priced at ₹3,499 But it's not all about protection. The helmet comes equipped with features designed to make everyday riding more comfortable — a quick-release chin strap, rust-proof stainless steel buckle, and a ventilation system that promises better airflow for longer, more comfortable rides. Riders who spend hours on the road will also appreciate the dual visor setup with a scratch-resistant silicon coating, offering both clarity and durability across varying light and weather conditions. A big part of this helmet's charm is, of course, its superhero-inspired design. Studds has gone beyond a single-color scheme, offering seven different colorways — from matte Black & Blue to glossy Red & Grey, even Gold & Grey with chrome accents. The finish is UV-resistant, so the helmet holds its bold look ride after ride. Available in Medium, Large, and XL sizes, the Batman Edition Drifter is priced competitively, starting at ₹2,995. It's a helmet that blends comic culture, performance, and rider-first design — a tribute to both motorcyclists and the mythos of Batman. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Geek Tyrant
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Trailer For AZTEC BATMAN: CLASH OF EMPIRES Dives into Mythology, Culture, and Justice — GeekTyrant
San Diego Comic-Con brought plenty of surprises this year, but one reveal in particular stood out, a very cool and interesting reimagining of the Dark Knight like we've never seen before. HBO Max has dropped the trailer for its upcoming animated feature Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires , and it's an absolute game-changer for DC fans. This Batman story comes with a cultural twist and it's a full-on reinvention that digs deep into Aztec mythology and history while keeping the core of what makes Batman, well, Batman. The film's official synopsis from HBO Max Latin America lays out the premise: 'A young Aztec boy named Yohualli Coatl, whose father, village leader Toltecatzin, is murdered by Spanish Conquistadors. Coatl flees to Tenochtitlan to warn King Moctezuma and his high priest, Yoka, of looming danger. Using the temple of Tzinacan, the bat god, as a lair, Yohualli trains with his mentor and assistant, Acatzin, developing equipment and weaponry to confront the Spaniard invasion, protect Moctezuma's temple, and avenge his father's death.' Batman as a warrior of the Aztec empire, fighting Spanish Conquistadors while drawing power and inspiration from the bat god Tzinacan, that's so cool! It's an awesome and visually rich setting that gives the Dark Knight an entirely new mythology to explore. This project was originally announced in 2022 to celebrate Batman's 83rd anniversary, Aztec Batman is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation, Particular Crowd, Mexico's Ánima, and Chatrone, the company behind The Book of Life . The movie was directed by Juan Meza-León, best known for his work on the Harley Quinn Animated Series , who serves as both co-writer and director. Meza-León and his team have taken inspiration from multiple sources, blending historical authenticity with the iconic traits that make Batman so badass. One of the most intriguing aspects of this film is how it balances Batman's familiar origin themes such as tragedy, vengeance, justice with the sociopolitical and spiritual context of the Aztec empire. Speaking to Anime News Network, Meza-León explained: 'He goes through tragedy at the hands of the conquistadors. So that's where you get the loss of the parents and also the loss of his village. That motivates him and pushes him into a journey that, unbeknownst to him, is being led by the deities that guide him into becoming the bat warrior.' He also assured fans that while the characters will be reimagined, their essence will remain intact: 'We try to be as faithful as we can to the essence of the characters, whether it's Batman, Joker, or Two-Face. They're completely new characters with different origins, but you can still see the spirit of their comic counterparts.' This means we'll likely see Aztec-inspired versions of Batman's greatest foes, each reinterpreted through the lens of ancient Mesoamerican culture. The team behind the film took care to represent Aztec architecture, weapons, and societal structures, all while weaving in mythological elements. Producer Aztec Batman is steeped in historical and cultural authenticity. The team took care to represent Aztec architecture, weapons, and societal structures, all while weaving in mythological elements. Producer García de Letona shared that the movie was inspired by classic Batman works as well: 'The movie was inspired by Batman: The Animated Series, Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, and a bunch of comic books.' This isn't the first time Batman has been reimagined in a different cultural context, 2018's Batman Ninja threw the Caped Crusader into a wild anime-inspired setting, and its upcoming sequel Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League will do the same. But Aztec Batman is different. It's not just using aesthetics, it's anchoring the story in real history and mythology, blending the legendary hero with a powerful cultural narrative about colonialism, resistance, and identity. And honestly? That makes it one of the most exciting Batman projects in years. Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires will hit digital platforms on September 19.
