Paul Dano has expressed slight interest in returning toThe Batmanseries as Edward Nashton/The Riddler. The actor played the DC Comics villain in Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed noir-superhero movie, a widely praised role. Dano’s portrayal of The Riddler further sparked discussions on the unique approach toward a comic book villain and allegorical interpretations of his psychological condition. And now, Paul Dano’s connection with the character has led himto pen down an entire comic book seriesfocusing on Nashton’s origins. While Dano is promoting the upcoming first issue ofRiddler: Year One, he is also open to reprising the role of Edward Nashton in a live-action follow-up toThe Batman.
In an interview withComicBook.com, Dano talked at length about his relationship with The Riddler and how heapproached his backstory while writing downRiddler: Year One. Upon being asked if he would like to continue his work on this iconic character in live-action again, Dano responded positively.
Well, if they wanted there to be one, I’d probably be there.
Though the actor remarked he hadn’t thought much about it yet, he finds it surprising that he has continued to dedicate his efforts to open up this character to the audience through his comic book.
But I actually have not thought a whole lot about it, and I find it curious myself that I’ve somehow spent even more time with this character, because somebody asked me, when we were doing Batman press, “Did you take anything home from the set?” And I was like, “No.” Of Edwards. I was like, I don’t need anything of that guy in my home. Jokingly. And then here I am and I have spent, on and off, a year or two writing this comic. And that was really, it felt right for the medium of comics, because it’s a really good way to explore internal monologue.
Dano further acknowledged that he had explored more of Riddler while writing the comic book series; however, given the time and effort he has put into understanding the character’s backstory for the character, he may lend his attention to his future if the opportunity arrives.
Where film, I think, voiceover only holds to a certain degree. And this kind of offers the chance to get into what a person like that, that sort of obsessive thinking, almost like a inner monologue that picks up throughout the comic, I should say as well. And so not a lot of my attention has gone towards his future. Maybe it will someday.
Riddler: Year OneFinds Its Essence InThe Batman
Paul Dano stated that the comic book series is derived from his portrayal of The Riddler inThe Batman. While the comic will have its own story and set of characters, the essence of that story shares the connection to the work Dano did on the film’s sets.
So the essence of the comic does come from the work I did to give the performance. So I think yes and no. I’m sure that I’m deeper into this than ever because of writing this comic. But the essence, the emotional essence of it is something I’d worked with already. And the comic has grown into its own thing, but the essence comes from the work I did going into the film.
With that, Dano reaffirmed his wish to play the character again.
And I have no clue if I will play the Riddler in live action again or not. But like I said, I loved making The Batman, so I think I certainly would.
