Batman’s use of gadgets in his movies is iconic, but many of them wouldn’t work in reality. While the character’s use of technology is often portrayed as grounded, some gadgets push the boundaries of reasonability. From a credit card that jeopardizes his secret identity to a grappling hook that defies physics, here are 10 Batman movie gadgets that couldn’t function in the real world.
The Batman Credit Card
In “Batman & Robin,” the Caped Crusader’s credit card raises eyebrows. Besides its absurdity, it would leave a paper trail leading right to Bruce Wayne, undermining his secret identity. A true vigilante wouldn’t have such a traceable financial history.
Batman’s Shark Repellent
The famous shark repellent spray from the 1966 movie could technically exist, but its reliability would be questionable. A certain pheromone that repels one shark might attract or even enrage another. This makes it a very risky tool for Batman’s underwater escapades and besides if it attracts a shark then it’s whole purpose is lost.
Knockout Gas Without Height & Weight
Batman’s foes in the 1966 film use knockout gas without knowing the heroes’ measurements, a critical requirement for anesthetics. The real world demands precise calculations based on an individual’s size, making the gas’s effects unpredictable. Dosage is a little less and it might now affect the target while if it exceeds a certain limit the target might even die.
The Batman’s Camera Contact Lenses
In Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” the Dark Knight gives Catwoman contact lenses for live-streaming. While transmitting high-definition imagery is possible, the technology doesn’t yet fit into undetectable lenses. It’s an intriguing concept but it’s still a concept in real life and exists only in the realm of fiction for now.
The Batpod’s Rotating Wheels
In Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, the rotating wheels of the bat pod seem super impressive but they have little to no practicality. Such technology would likely lead to uncontrollable spins rather than improved maneuverability.
Sonic Gadget for summoning Bats
Summoning bats with a sonic gadget, as seen in Batman Begins, would require extensive training and cooperation from the bats, making it. The idea of bats responding to sound for miles through a bustling city is pure fantasy.
Microwave Emitter Dangers
The microwave emitter in Batman Begins poses multiple dangers, including evaporating water within people’s bodies. Even if adjusted to avoid this, it emits harmful microwaves, making its use highly impractical to use.
Dark Knight’s Unrealistic Sonar Device
Batman’s unethical sonar device in The Dark Knight wouldn’t function in reality. Modern phones lack the ability to emit the required frequency for a sonar effect, as opposed to what was shown in the movie making it impossible to use in real life.
Oversized Grappling Hook
The first gadget that comes to our minds when we think of Batman is his signature grappling hook. Sadly his signature gadget itself is very impractical and difficult to use. The small gun and hook wouldn’t support his weight or provide sufficient purchase for effective grappling.
Batman’s Cape as a Glider
Despite its cinematic appearances, Batman’s cape wouldn’t enable him to glide effectively in reality. Its surface area is too small to counteract gravity, making it purely a fantasy element.
While Batman’s movie gadgets add flair to his adventures, not all of them would stand up to scrutiny in the real world. From the absurdity of a bat credit card to the implausibility of grappling hooks and cape-based flight, these gadgets remain firmly in the realm of fiction, enhancing the superhero’s mystique on the big screen.