LEGO Batman Live-Action Fan Trailer

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Like most projects associated with directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord, The LEGO Movie worked far better than it had any right to. Winning Pixar levels of praise from critics and filmgoers, the film uncommonly blew the doors off of the February box office, earning many times over its $60 million budget. Never one to pass up more of a good thing, Warner Brothers quickly greenlit a LEGO Movie Sequel, and a couple spinoffs, including The LEGO Ninjago Movie and The Billion Brick Race.

Next on the roster is The LEGO Batman Movie, which hits this upcoming February. Will Arnett (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) is returning to reprise his role as the parodied iteration of the titular hero. Joining him this round will be fellow Arrested Development alum Michael Cera as Robin, Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) as the Joker, Rosario Dawson (The Defenders) as Batgirl, and Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter) as Alfred. The film has already dropped a number of hilarious trailers, which have boasted the same humorous self-awareness that made The LEGO Movie such a hit.

YouTube personality, Philysteak, had a simple premise – to recreate bits from the most recent LEGO Batman trailer with footage from the 1989-1997 Batman films. With a few exceptions, like the inclusion of Batman v Superman footage for the titular showdown, the fan video (see above) captures this with aplomb.

While the live action lip sink is far from perfect, the video accomplishes what it sets out to do. Somehow seeing Michael Keaton and Chris O’Donnell mouthing the absurd dialogue makes it feel even more over the top than it does in its original animated imagery.

Part of what makes superheroes so charming is their inherent, over-the-top, intensity – the more showman-like the better. While many can suspend their disbelief long enough to enjoy the colorful action and gripping tales of good versus evil, this does make them rife for parody. It’s surprising that Warner Brothers is willing to poke fun at one of their most prolific moneymakers, but it likely helps that they can differentiate the two brands with LEGO-ification.

Are you a fan of Batman who still enjoys seeing his persona roasted as a LEGO? Do you find superhero films laughable to begin with and appreciate the LEGO franchise for finally pointing it out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section, and stay tuned to Screen Rant for updates and impressions on Batman in his many forms as they hit?