Bat-interview | Kevin Porter, the Batman of fan films

In this exclusive Bat-interview I had the honor of interviewing the actor who has given us the best live-action portrayal of Batman. He talks about Bat in the Sun, productions, Ben Stiller and even Ben Affleck.

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Watch here Batman - City of Scars, a great Bat in the Sun production starring Kevin Porter as Batman.

Batman Brasil: Hello, Kevin. First, I want to say that this is an honor. You're a great actor and a great Batman.

Kevin Porter: Thank you. I am a huge fan of Brazil! I have been there several times and love it.

BB: When and how this all started? You looked at the mirror and said "hey, I look like Batman" or someone told you that you would fit the character very well?

Kevin: I'm an actor working in Los Angeles. I go on auditions every day. One particular day, there was a casting for an actor to play Batman for the DC Comics live appearance program. I auditioned and was lucky enough to get the role.

BB: Have you always been a Batman fan?

Kevin: Yes. From my earliest memories. I blame my mother for the passion that I have towards Batman. There is a picture floating around out there of me at 6 months wearing a baby Batman outfit.

BB: What's your favourite Batman fan film you starred in?

Kevin: City of Scars. Without a doubt.

BB: What's your favourite Batman official film?

Kevin: I have to go way back to the 89 Batman with Michael Keaton and Tim Burton. There was something magical about that movies. It reimagined Batman as we see him today and yet still had a sense of humor. I miss that in the newer films.

BB: How is it to work with Aaron Schoenke and the cast and crew of Bat in the Sun?

Kevin: Aaron and Sean are not just collaborators, they are my dearest friends. We will spend many nights simply eating Subway sandwhiches talking Batman and football. The product is a result of our mutual respect. I would do anything for these guys. We have shot until 5 or 6 in the morning in simulated rain machines. I'm miserable and cold, but enjoying every moment. I trust them and know that we are making history each time Aaron says "action".

Kevin Porter (Batman) and Paul Molnar (Joker), with Aaron Shoenke (the fourth from left to right) and the Bat in the Sun crew.

BB: You are Batman in the webseries Nightwing: Year One, that's not a Bat in the Sun production. You became the Batman of fan films! How it was to be invited to the role and what do you think about having a legion of fans of your work as the Dark Knight?

Kevin: I was very honored to be asked. I was innitially going to pass, but I was so touched by Hussani's passion and love for the universe. He spoke to me with such respect that I did more research of his previous work. It's very impresive. He also assured me that it would be a take on the character that would be new. I wouldn't be the primary focus and he would do more Bruce Wayne than Batman. I'm proud of that work as well.

BB: Paul Molnar is a great Joker. How it is to be on set with him?

Kevin: Again, Paul is a dear friend. Whenever I am in New York, we always meet at the Shake Shack and catch up. He is such an amazing talent. Looking into his eyes as I have him by the neck gives my goose bumps. He is so intense and commited. Yet, when the camera stops rolling, he is the kindest most gracious person that you would ever wish to know. The perfect Joker.

Paul Molnar as the Joker and Kevin Porter as Batman.

BB: You were in Dodgeball with Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn too. Are they as funny on set as they are in the movies? How it was to be in the cast?

Kevin: The chemistry between Ben and Vince was as amazing as you would believe it to be. There was never a dul moment on set. Ben was also the producer so he was always in work mode, but when Rawson (the director) would say action, the sparks would fly and they would improvise like I have never seen. Being a part of that film was a true blessing.

BB: Something very funny is that in your first Batman fan films, your name didn't appear in the credits as Batman. It helped to create an atmosphere of realism around the character in the Bat in the Sun films, and showed your huge respect to the character. Now, to some fans, you are Batman. What do you think about that?

Kevin: That was a conscious decision to not have my name in the credits. We wanted Batman, to be Batman. Not the actor. Then after the success of Patient J and Legends, we went into production on City of Scars. The BITS guys would ask me if I wanted to be billed and I still wasn't sure. I'll never forget when Aaron had a long chat with me and said "i'ts time, let the fans know". And the rest is... in the credits!

BB: Batman - City of Scars is considered by lots of fans of the character and fan films the best fan film of them all. Me too. How it was to star in the film and how do you feel about the reception of the fans?

Kevin: I was overwhelmed. I remember the night that it came out. I was in Dubai and saw it for the first time with everyone else. I was with a few cast members out there and we were just floored. We played it again and again. I then started watching the counter rise from 10 viewers to 100, to 1000, to 100,000, and up and up. It was crazy!

BB: Warner chose an older actor, Ben Affleck, to be the Batman in Superman vs. Batman. What do you think of the casting of Affleck and the idea of and older Batman on the big screen?

Kevin: I worked with Ben on Daredevil and think that he did a great job on that film.. I can only believe that he will bring that same intensity to this new role.

BB: Lots of fans would love to see you as Batman in an official Batman movie, maybe after Ben Affleck. Is that possible?

Kevin: We'll see... The Batman window is only so large, so I will play the character as long as its still fun!

BB: To finish, leave a message to the fans of your work and Batman fans in Brazil.

Kevin: I can't thank you enough for your support and I mentioned earlier that I love Brazil and get there as often as I can.

BB: Thank you very much for the great interview. You are a great person, and an incredible Batman. A Bat-hug for you!

Kevin: Thank you, my friend.

Well, that was our exclusive interview with the great Kevin Porter. Don't forget to like and follow the news on Kevin's Page on facebook. It's very worthwhile to watch the work of this amazing actor, especially if you are a true fan of the Dark Knight.

Kevin Porter, in his fan films, has given us one of the best and greatest portrayals of Batman. Furthermore, he's a very gentle and kind person. I'm very proud to say that I'm a huge fan of Kevin Porter, the real Batman.

Please comment in the original interview page (that's in portuguese). Of course, you can comment in your native language.