John Turturro talks his Batman history and playing Carmine Falcone

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

With the production of Matt Reeves' THE BATMAN being placed on hold until the looming danger of the COVID-19 pandemic can be properly managed, stars of the upcoming superhero film have been granted more time with which to explore their characters, and discover what truly makes them tick. Recently while speaking with The Inquirer, THE JESUS ROLLS and O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? actor John Turturro revealed a few details about his Batman history, and how it's linked to his anticipation for playing the notorious Gotham City crime boss Carmine "The Roman" Falcone.

“I’m playing the bad guy,” Turturro told the outlet. “I loved Batman growing up, but I’m really a Zorro fan [Laughs]. So there’s no Batman without Zorro. When I was 5 years old, I thought I was Zorro with a sword. I had a stick that I hit my father with all the time. Then, when Batman came on TV, it was a big thrill.

I read some of the comics. My sons always read DC comics,” Turturro explained. “So I played with those for years. I like Matt Reeves, the director. It’s an interesting cast.”

While the above quotes fail to reveal much about how Turturro will approach playing one of Gotham's more formidable mob-related figures, his words do much to convey that he has a long-standing appreciation for the Dark Knight. As you're likely to know, Turturro is a versatile actor who's no stranger to stepping into the shoes of scumbags on screen. If I were a betting man, I'd say that Turturro's Falcone will come off as the kind of man who can command an entire room just by walking into it. For those of you who're familiar with the character, you'll know that Falcone doesn't shy away from putting hits out on some of the most beloved heroes and villains in Gotham City. He's as ruthless as he is cunning, and cares not if he leaves a trail of bodies a mile long for Batman or the GCPD to sort through.

Starring in Matt Reeves' THE BATMAN are Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman; Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle; Paul Dano as Edward Nashton/The Riddler; Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon; John Tuturro as Carmine "The Roman" Falcone; Peter Sarsgaard as Gotham D.A. Gil Colson; Jayme Lawson as mayoral candidate Belle Reál; with Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth; and Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/ The Penguin. Additionally, twins Max and Charlie Carver will also star in "sizable roles" that have yet to be revealed.

Reeves will direct THE BATMAN in addition to producing with Dylan Clark. Meanwhile, Simon Emanuel, Michael E. Uslan, Walter Hamada and Chantal Nong Vo will all serve as executive producers.

Plot details are being kept under wraps at this time, though reports suggest that the film will focus on Bruce's early years, for a story that feels very much like the 1987 DC Comics arc Batman: Year One.

We'll be sure to bring you more news related to THE BATMAN as the project continues to develop. In the meantime, let's all hope that production can resume sooner rather than later.