Since his debut in 1939, Batman has evolved from a grim vigilante in Gotham’s dark alleys to a global pop culture phenomenon. Whether depicted as a brooding hero in The Dark Knight trilogy or a more humorous character in the 1960s Batman series, the Dark Knight’s ability to adapt to different tones has kept him relevant through generations.
As a result, the Batman universe is constantly expanding, offering fresh takes on the character for fans of all types. One such reinvention is Gotham Noir, a fan-made Batman project set in the 1920s that combines noir storytelling with horror elements.
The film had initially cast YouTuber Chris Stanley (also onboard as producer) as Bruce Wayne/Batman and its director/producer Sarah Leiker as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. However, a major change has since occurred—both of the lead roles have been recast.
Bruno Attanasio will now play Batman, while Rose Lonergan will take on the role of Catwoman. The reason for the recasting has not been revealed, but Stanley explained on Instagram when responding to a curious fan that “things just didn’t work out/align”.
Despite stepping down from the role of Batman, however, according to the film’s Indiegogo campaign, Stanley remains involved with Gotham Noir as a costume designer, continuing to contribute to the film’s aesthetic.
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Although the recasting of the leads might have surprised some fans, the film is still focused on delivering a gritty and atmospheric take on Batman, capturing the essence of Gotham City’s underworld and the detective work that defines the character.
As production continues, it remains to be seen how the new cast will shape the film, but the passion behind the project is undeniable, and the project is progressing steadily toward its release. Watch the official new trailer for the film below from Luxxe Media:
The story of Gotham Noir centers on Batman’s investigation of a serial killer named The Pyg, who targets women in the impoverished Narrows district of Gotham City. The film promises to evoke the dark, atmospheric tone of Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns, while combining it with elements of horror.
Now crowdfunding through Indiegogo, Gotham Noir is slated for an April 2025 release, when it will stream live on YouTube.
Are you excited about Gotham Noir? Let us know in the comments down below!
