New Look at Aztec Batman: The Clash of Empires Reveals a Very Different Dark Knight
aztec-batman
There have been many different interpretations of Batman, but this one is something special. Aztec Batman: Choque de Imperios (The Clash of Empires) is a new movie that will follow Yohualli Coatl, a young Aztec boy, who uses the temple of Tzinacan to develop equipment to protect his people. Sounds a lot like Batman, doesn’t it? A new look at the upcoming film has revealed what this Batman’s costume looks like, and it’s unlike anything you’d expect.
The image was revealed by Jose Iturriaga, a concept and environmental artist working on the film. While the post has since been deleted, it stayed up long enough for every fan to get a good glimpse at the animated film.
Warner Bros. Animation
Here is the official description for Aztec Batman:
IIn the time of the Aztec Empire, Yohualli Coatl - a young Aztec boy - experiences tragedy when his father and village leader, Toltecatzin, is murdered by Spanish Conquistadors. Yohualli escapes to Tenochtitlan to warn King Moctezuma and his high priest, Yoka, of imminent danger. Using the temple of Tzinacan, the bat god, as a lair, Yohualli trains with his mentor and assistant, Acatzin, developing equipment and weaponry to confront the Spaniard invasion, protect Moctezuma’s temple, and avenge his father’s death.
As the synopsis suggests, this Batman, voiced by Horacio Garcia Roja, relies less on pure technology than the Bruce Wayne we know. That’s not the only change here though, the film also introduces new versions of familiar characters like Joker, Two-Face, and Poison Ivy. For instance, the Joker in this universe is a high priest and a counselor to Moctezuma. Forget Alfred, say hi to Acatzin (a much cooler name). Catwoman? No, how about Jaguar Woman?
“She is the one who helps him embrace his spiritual animal and to become this warrior,” said director Juan Meza-Leon at the film's announcement. “The Aztecs only fought during the day, but she is a little thief in the night, the Robin Hood for the Aztec people. She is teaching him how to make his way around darkness and use it as a weapon.”
Warner Bros. Animation
The film is being overseen by WB Animation in collaboration with ánima Estudios and Chatrone. Suffice it to say, Aztec Batman will be a darker adventure than what we've grown accustomed to.
"I didn’t want it to be some ‘cartoony’ thing. I wanted it to be serious, dramatic and dark. As a Batman fan, growing up with the Aztec culture, hearing these two words together…POW! It just had so much power."
Beyond delivering a new take on a story we've seen before, it's understood that DC may be open to producing more Elseworld stories like it in the future. DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran are attached to the project, making this the first official DC Elseworlds project.
"I am very excited that all this Mexican talent is working so hard to elevate Latin American animation. This is a big project, and hopefully it will be just the beginning of many things to come."
Related: Batman Beyond Concept Art From Cancelled Film Has Some Serious Spider-Verse Vibes
Aztec Batman: Choque de Imperios is expected to be released on Max sometime in 2024.
