Summary
When it comes to comic book adaptations, it’s normal for fans to demand comic accurate suits for the heroes. In the case of some of the biggest heroes, such as Iron Man, Spider-Man, and even Deadpool, the live-action takes have done a great job at replicating their comic book suits. Unfortunately, not every hero is as lucky, namely Batman. However,Deadpool & Wolverinemight just show that the thing once thought impossible is actually possible.
After twenty years, Wolverine finally donned the character’s iconic mask inDeadpool & Wolverine. The moment comes during a huge moment in the film, serving as a monumental moment for the hero. Not only does it mark the first time the character is finally in his full costume on screen, but it also marks an important moment because the film opted to include the white eyes in the mask. Which begs the question: If Wolverine can sport his iconic mask, why can’t Batman don his cowl with white eyes like in the comics?
The Limitations of Wolverine’s Iconic Mask
There’s no denyingWolverine’s mask is iconic. Fans have been eagerlywaiting for the character to sport his yellow suitfor twenty years now. Despite being a staple inFox’s X-Men universe, the character never received a proper uniform. From all black suits, to a simple white tank top and jeans,Hugh Jackman’s Wolverinealways had a more neutral appearance on screen. With his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, however, Marvel Studios andDeadpool actor Ryan Reynoldssought to give fans what they’d been eagerly awaiting. Even going as far as to include the white eyes on Wolverine’s mask. For a character like Deadpool, the white eyes on Wade’s mask work because the Merc with a Mouth uses his body to emote. Fans are able to see Wade’s mouth moving beneath the mask, but it’s truly the character’s body movements that help tell the story. For Wolverine, however, Jackman uses his facial expressions - including his eyes - to help deliver a heck of a performance. So, having his eyes hidden beneath the mask could be a problem, if they were to be hidden beneath the mask for the entirety of the film.
Thankfully, those in charge are aware of the limitations of the mask. Wolverine only sports the mask for a limited time, during the film’s big final action sequence. It’s a payoff for those that sat waiting for the character to resemble his comic book counterpart. More importantly, though, it’s saved for the right time. This is something those behind Batman adaptations should keep in mind going forward. The iconic cowl is possible, but it needs to be used sporadically.
It’s Time the Caped Crusader Earned His Iconic Cowl
For fans of the caped crusader, there’s been a call for the hero to wearhis cowl with the white eyesfor years. Unfortunately, though, it has become clear over the years that there are currently no plans for the live-action Batman to do so. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. As seen with Wolverine, there needs to be the perfect moment to introduce the white eyes. A part in the story where the reveal of the comic book accurate cowl is unveiled. It has become the norm for heroes to wear numerous suits in their films, with a final suit usually being revealed near the end of the movie - or series. The reveal typically comes during a moment where the hero fully comes into their own, becoming the hero they were meant to be all along. In the case of Batman, the hero has come close to an accurate cowl. InBatman v Superman, theCaped Crusader sported an armored suitthat had glowing eyes. It wasn’t perfect, but it was close, and gave fans hope that one day the hero would earn his white eyes once and for all in his next appearance.
However, the eyes are a huge part of acting and being able to properly emote. With Batman, it’s hard enough trying to emote with a fitted cowl. Taking away the actor’s eyes only hinders their performance further. While Batman does deserve to sport a proper cowl with white eyes at one point, it’s not practical for the character to do so for an entire film. After all, Wayne’s face is constrained enough as it is. So, yes, while the white eyes are practical - as evidenced by Wolverine - they are not entirely practical. This is why they haven’t been introduced as of yet. Whether or notDC Studiosdecides to change that going forward, especially as they seek to introduce a new Bruce Wayne, remains to be seen. For the time being, however, it seems entirely unlikely the Caped Crusader will ever sport his iconic white eyes, and that’s not a bad thing.
