McFarlane Toyshas been pulling out all the stops forBatman’s 85th anniversary this year. They have released figures from all across The Dark Knight’s rich history. From the comics to the TV shows to the blockbuster films, no stone in the Batcave has been left unturned. This includesBatman Forever, which got a DC Multiverse Build-A-Figure wave earlier this year. Now,Joel Schumacher’s first Batman film is getting even more love with a new fast-paced two-pack.
The two-pack, a part of the DC Multiverse line,features the Batman Forever Batmobile andMichael Gough’s Alfred Pennyworth. While not as iconic as the Batmobile found in theTim Burtonfilms, this ultra-stylized take on the classic car is full of charm like its unique three giant bat fins that line the back. The light set up is also noteworthy, which McFarlane took full advantage of. The figure can light up exposing the Batmobile’s skeleton just like in the film and is complete with sound. However, even though the Batmoblie’s design can be debated, the one thing that can not is Gough’s heartwarming take on Alfred.The acclaimed actor played Batman’s trusted butler in four films, from 1989’sBatmanto 1997’sBatman & Robin. He was the emotional heart of each Batman adventure and, like the character, anchored each Dark Knight actor’s performance in something grounded.
In addition to this two-pack,Batman Forever’s Batmobliewill get a Gold Label standalone Amazon exclusive version that glows-in-the-dark. Both go up for pre-order on Thursday, August 15th. They’ll join Batman, Robin, Two-Face and The Riddler in theForeverline. To date, McFarlane has covered almost every live-action Batman film to date. This includesAdam West’sBatmanall the way up toRobert Pattinson’sThe Batman.
‘Batman Forever’ Remains An Underrated Gem
WhileBatman Foreverisn’t talked about in the same breath as classics like the Burton films orChristopher Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogy, almost 30 years later, the film isan endlessly entertaining gateway adventure for fans of all-ages. Because of how “dark” Warner Brothers deemedBatman Returns, Schumacher was brought in to keep the third film more marketable for families and please companies like McDonald’s happy. This would eventually mean thatMichael Keaton would be replaced byTop Gun’s Val Kilmer. Keaton’s Batman was a hard act to follow, but Kilmer had all the boyish charm to play Bruce Wayne and rough gravitas to fill the boots of The Caped Crusader.
Even though the film was way more campy than its predecessors with villains likeJim Carrey’s RiddlerandTommy Lee Jones’ Two-Face,Foreverhad a psychological edge that other installments just didn’t have. This was a Bruce who was still dealing with the struggles of losing his parents at such a young age, with the imagery attached to his personal journey being quite morbid. Those staple elements have made the film stand the test of time and be reevaluated as thelayered tributeit is. The supposed “Schumacher Cut” went even deeper into Batman’s head, which may one day see the light of day. For now, DC fans can just be happy companies like McFarlane are honoring the film’s legacy all these years later.
Batman Foreveris currently streaming onMax. You can view the trailer below. You can also visit McFarlane Toys’websiteto browse all their latestDC MultiverseandDC Directfigures.
Batman Forever
Watch on Max
