This morning, we offered viewers the first-ever look at the brand new "Batpod," as it's being called, from next summer's newest entry to the Batman franchise, titled "The Dark Knight." The film is still over a year away, but we are already seeing how Batman will be moving around in his new tale -- and Meredith got to try it on for size! WATCH VIDEO. This film promises to up the ante for action flicks, with four of its action sequences being shot in IMAX. Director Chris Nolan is remaining extremely tight-lipped about the top-secret filming, and this morning's view of the Batpod is the first info to be released about it. Below is some more info from a secure conversation (via Batphone) that one of our producers had with Nathan Crowley, who is the Production Designer for the film:
Q: What exactly is the "Batpod?"
CROWLEY: It's Batman's new vehicle from "The Dark Knight." It comes from the same family as the Batmobile that he got from Morgan Freeman's character, Lucius Fox. The Batpod is as fast as the Batmobile, it's self-standing, it has front weaponry, and it can lower itself to protect its rider. It can fit through small spaces, and the seat is rotational, so even if it falls over, the rider can't be thrown off.
Q: What's the difference between this and the Batmobile?
CROWLEY: All I can tell you is that Batman needs a second vehicle for a very specific reason. He doesn't choose it... he requires it to do something he can't do. That's all I'll say!
Q: What was the inspiration and how long did it take to create the Batpod?
CROWLEY: We went through the script and realized we needed a new vehicle. The design came out of the script, and then I just had to invent something that would be worthy of Batman himself. I wanted it to relate to the Batmobile. Also, fans should expect a lot of other cool "Bat Toys" in the new movie. It's going to be sensational!