In a new behind-the-scenes revelation, director Zack Snyder has shared insights into the luxurious civilian vehicle chosen for Bruce Wayne in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, blending his own passion for classic cars with the character’s iconic lifestyle. The highlight offers fans a closer look at the car selection process for Batman’s alter ego, a key detail for anyone interested in the world-building of the Zack Snyder Batman v Superman universe.
An Essential Part of the Batman Legacy
The Batmobile continues to be one of Batman’s most recognizable gadgets, with each new film version delivering a different style to match the story’s tone. Over decades, audiences have seen the Batmobile range from a stylish, high-powered vehicle in films like Batman (1989), Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin, to the tank-like presence in Batman v Superman, and later, a custom muscle car in The Batman. While the Batmobile is central to Batman’s crime-fighting persona, Bruce Wayne requires a less conspicuous, yet lavish car for his everyday activities.
Zack Snyder’s Personal Touch: The Aston Martin DB Mk III
For Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Bruce Wayne’s daytime car was a classic Aston Martin. Interestingly, this vehicle was not just a prop, but Zack Snyder’s own 1957 Aston Martin DB Mk III, adding a personal layer to the film’s production. This car was driven by Bruce Wayne to a lavish party hosted by Lex Luthor, marking the first major encounter with Clark Kent. The same vehicle appears again in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, where Alfred is seen working on it during a pivotal scene with Superman.
Snyder shared a monochrome photograph of his Aston Martin on Instagram with the caption:
“My 1957 Aston Martin, DB mk3 in its natural habitat. Leica monochrome.”
—Zack Snyder, Director
The image appears to have been shot at the set representing Bruce Wayne’s home. As an added detail, the 1957 DB Mk III model holds historic significance as it starred as the first Aston Martin used by James Bond in Ian Fleming’s 1959 novel Goldfinger.
The Unique Legacy of the 1957 Aston Martin DB Mk III
According to Aston Martin’s official history, the DB Mk III is renowned for its remarkable engineering innovations. The model was described by The Autocar magazine as
“one of the world’s outstanding sports models.”
Polish engineer Tadek Marek redesigned the 3-litre engine, resulting in greater power and torque than its predecessor, the LB6. The vehicle was the last DB series to feature the Lagonda-origin twin-cam six-cylinder engine and the final configuration of the Claude Hill chassis. Launched at the Geneva Motor Show and simultaneously in the USA in March 1957, this classic made its UK debut at the London Motor Show later that year. Its body, styled by Bert Thickpenny, introduced the distinctive Aston Martin grille. Initially, Girling disc brakes were optional, but they became standard equipment after the first hundred models.
The car’s pop culture status grew when it appeared as James Bond’s vehicle in Fleming’s Goldfinger, where it was simply called “DB III.” This legacy connection further cements the DB Mk III’s cultural significance as a luxury and performance icon, linked both to Bruce Wayne and 007.
Other High-End Cars in the DCEU
Bringing Bruce Wayne to life on screen means each adaptation invests heavily to showcase the billionaire’s immense wealth. In Batman v Superman, Snyder’s vintage Aston Martin exemplifies Bruce Wayne’s taste, but it is not the only luxury vehicle the character drives in the DC Extended Universe. For Justice League, a unique partnership between Warner Bros. and Mercedes-Benz introduced the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo. Originally conceived for the Gran Turismo 6 video game, this one-of-a-kind concept car was reimagined specifically for the film, earning the badge “BGT.” The AMG Vision Gran Turismo driven by Bruce Wayne in the film is the only real-world version built, further highlighting the DCEU’s commitment to exclusivity for its heroes’ rides.
The Future of Bruce Wayne on Screen
Fans can expect more from Bruce Wayne and his luxury cars in The Batman Part II, which is now scheduled for release on October 1, 2027. With each new film, anticipation builds to see how Bruce Wayne’s lifestyle—and his iconic vehicles—will be interpreted next within the evolving Batman cinematic universe.
