Akimbo.
A term referring to wielding weapons in both hands simultaneously.
It’s an expression you often see while playing FPS games.
In Korean terms—
‘Dual pistols.’
But applying that to Batman?
Was this the “distinction” they meant by making an Asian Batman?
Still.
"Isn’t Batman supposed to follow a no-kill policy?"
I couldn’t help but wonder if they were about to change even the core setup of Batman.
The Warner Bros. team gave a faint smile and shook their heads at my question.
"You really know Batman well, Mr. Donghu."
"Yes, I like him."
"Haha, we understand what you’re concerned about."
A figure from Warner Bros.
Specifically, Batman’s director, producer, and even co-writer—
Cristo Daran stroked his beard and continued speaking.
"Batman is definitely no-kill. So we’re planning to replace the bullets with rubber rounds."
"Rubber?"
"Yes, they’ll hurt like hell when you get hit."
Batman sticks to his no-kill rule.
And Director Cristo intended to stretch that definition quite a bit.
"As long as you don't kill them, that’s your Batman."
"Not killing... you mean we’re pushing it to the edge?"
"Yes, exactly to that edge. Permanent damage is a possibility too."
"What?"
"Donghu Kim, I still watch the movie you starred in, True Hero."
That sudden comment made me blink in confusion.
But after a few seconds, I understood why he said it.
"Could it be...?"
"Yes. Batman, who enforces justice... isn’t that a true hero too?"
The hero in True Hero beat criminals to a pulp with his bare fists.
Neutralized them from a distance with baseballs, and finished them off with brass-knuckled punches.
The reason that memory came up here — was simple.
"To make sure they ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) can never commit a crime again. To deal judgment thoroughly! Modern style!"
In other words, a Batman who delivers judgment — right to the brink of death, but never crossing the line.
"Of course, the script isn’t finished yet, and the sets are still under construction. We have a lot of hurdles ahead."
Still, Cristo wanted me to know they were planning along these lines.
I nodded.
He took that as a sign of approval and carefully handed me something.
"What’s this?"
"Well, this is our first real one-on-one meeting... I’m getting ahead of myself because there’s so much I want to say."
It turned out to be material related to special forces training.
"Starting with akimbo techniques, it’s a program designed for various martial arts moves."
"Am I supposed to do this?"
"Oh, no, no. Just know it exists. We haven’t even properly started shooting yet."
Given how restricted gun training is in Asia, it seemed the production team was preparing this specifically for the Batman role.
Normally, it would make sense to accept such an offer.
Training like this usually takes at least three to six months.
It was something I could obviously do for a movie.
But—
‘I’m different.’
My case was very different from the usual.
"If possible, could I start training after the script is finalized, or at least after Batman’s character setup script is complete?"
If the script was completed and I could fully immerse myself—
'Maybe I could unlock a new talent for the first time in a long while.'
With that hopeful thought in mind, I answered.
"Yes, yes! Of course. We’re grateful just for your willingness. Honestly, many actors would just use stunt doubles."
Director Cristo readily nodded.
It seemed he was simply happy that I was willing to train.
The less stunt double use and the more direct action by the actor, the better the film tended to be. It was understandable.
'Dual pistols, not killing... a Batman who enforces judgment.'
Just hearing about it was thrilling.
And looking through the material, there was something else that caught my eye.
"Will Batman also use tonfas?"
"Ah, that’s not confirmed yet, but the gun barrel for Batman is going to be long."
"Sorry?"
"If he runs out of ammo, he’ll flip the gun and use it reversed."
Sssak.
Director Cristo mimed using the gun like a tonfa.
The moment I saw that—
‘I’m convinced. This is going to be huge.’
A truly new kind of Batman was about to be born.
***
While Kim Donghu was busy with movie meetings, the entire world was in an uproar because of him.
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