“Superman” and “Batman Returns” Photos Courtesy Warner Bros. / The Hollywood Archive
What a match-up, Michael Keaton’s Batman VS Christopher Reeve’s Superman. A movie that was never released you ask? No, sorry to get your hopes up…costumes up for auction.
If you play your cards right, and, if you have quite a bit of disposable income, you can plan ahead to next year’s Halloween festivities and pick up your costume at Nate D. Sanders Auctions, an outfit specializing in pop-culture memorabilia and other collectibles. That’s where you will find Michael Keaton’s suit from Batman Returns and Christopher Reeve’s Superman costume from the original 1978 film as they are set to go to auction. This according to The Hollywood Reporter.
First off, is the Superman costume donned by the late, great Christopher Reeve who passed away in 2004. The following lot descriptions are courtesy Nate D. Saunders Auctions:
“Very rare Superman ”muscle tunic” worn by Christopher Reeve during filming of ”Superman: The Movie”, the very first film of the beloved Christopher Reeve franchise, released in 1978. Tunic used in the flight scenes features two stitched holes on the sides, used to attach the flying harness. Four snaps at top are for attaching the cape. Signature blue tunic is made complete with Superman’s large emblematic gold and red ”S” sewn onto the front. The original ”Bermans & Nathans / 40 Camden St. / London N.W. 1” tag is still intact on the tunic’s inner back collar, next to the zipper, with the label reading in type: ”CHRISTOPHER REEVE / 12312 WITH MUSCLES / SUPERMAN”. Made of special nylon fabric, used for its stretch and ability to retain its original shape. Without being stretched, tunic measures 18” across the chest and 29” long. A few small holes, otherwise in near fine condition. With Prop Store COA.”
Opening bid for this piece of cinematic history is $40,000. The auction ends Jan. 26.
…and the batsuit:
The costume up for auction was worn by Michael Keaton in Tim Burton’s (1992) Batman Returns, the film whereby the Caped Crusader takes on Danny DeVito’s Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman.
“Michael Keaton’s Batsuit from Tim Burton’s hit superhero film ”Batman”, which smashed box office records when it opened in 1992. Body of batsuit is in formed black rubber segments covered by the textured integral cape and cowl style mask, with long black leather gloves, boots and gold plastic belt and bat symbol. Original parts of the costume worn in the film are the cowl, cape and body; the gloves, belt, insignia and shoes are replicas for the display. Costume comes displayed dramatically on a mannequin with chiseled face of Keaton, mounted to a 2′ square gray-white base with ”BATMAN RETURNS” at front center. Batsuit measures 6’5” tall and approximately 27” at the widest point of the cape. Some glue present where cape and cowl meet, overall very good condition.”
The opening bid is $35,000. That auction also ends Jan. 26.
For more information visit Nate D. Sanders Auctions.