The Batman franchise, with its rich history spanning comics, films, games, and television, has become a cornerstone of pop culture. From the darker tones of The Dark Knight trilogy to the more whimsical atmosphere of Batman (1966), the Caped Crusader has continually evolved to reflect the interests and trends of the time.
With multiple iterations of the character appearing in a range of media, the demand for fresh takes on the Dark Knight remains as strong as ever.
One such take is Gotham Noir, an upcoming fan-made film that blends Batman’s crime-fighting legacy with a dark, noir-inspired, and horror atmosphere set in the 1920s.
Originally, the project from Luxxe Media, had Chris Stanley, known for his YouTube channels in which he discusses cosplay and critiques films, set to play Bruce Wayne/Batman, alongside director Sarah Leiker portraying Selina Kyle/Catwoman.
However, as the production nears its completion, the film has seen a significant shift in its casting, with both lead roles being recast.
Now, Bruno Attanasio will take on the role of Batman, with Rose Lonergan stepping into the role of Catwoman. The reasons for the recasting have not been explained, though Stanley shared with a curious fan on Instagram that “things just didn’t work out/align.”
Despite stepping down from the lead role, Stanley, who was also previously onboard as producer, remains involved with the film in a costume-making capacity, ensuring his touch is still present in the production, according to the film's Indiegogo campaign.
As for Leiker, according to her Instagram, she remains onboard as director and producer.
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Gotham Noir is set against the grim backdrop of 1920s Gotham, where Batman hunts a serial killer targeting women in the poverty-stricken district known as The Narrows. With a tone that evokes the dark aesthetics of Batman (1989) and Batman Returns, Gotham Noir promises a gritty, atmospheric reimagining of the classic superhero story.
The film’s crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo is still ongoing, with the project slated for release live on YouTube in April 2025.
Despite the changes in casting, Gotham Noir is moving forward, and fans can still expect a tense, atmospheric narrative that channels the detective-driven nature of Batman’s legacy.
The recasting may have raised some eyebrows, but the core of the project remains intact, and it’s clear that the team behind the film is still committed to delivering a unique and compelling Batman story.
Watch the official new trailer for Gotham Noir below from Luxxe Media:
Gotham Noir will stream live on YouTube in April.
Are you excited about Gotham Noir? Let us know in the comments down below!
NOT WITH A BLACK CAT WOOMANNENOUGH IS ENOUGH