Costume designer Michael Wilkinson has taken on the daunting task of recreating the most iconic looks in DC Comics history because of one personal rule: “Take each project as they come.”
The “Batman vs. Superman” designer recently spoke to Flickering Myth about working with director Zack Snyder in the process of creating the Batsuit, Wonder Woman armor and a revamped Superman costume, whom he previously worked with on “Watchmen.”
“I feel like the process is similar,” Wilkinson said. “We dive into the source material and make sure that we have a firm knowledge of that. We make sure that we’re respecting the source material but then at the same time trust our intuition and imagination to take us into interesting areas.”
“Maybe what has changed is the shorthand,” he continued. “Like any relationship over the years we get there quicker. There’s so much trust and mutual respect that the ideas flow freely. There’s no sense of being judged or being afraid that there’s anything such thing as a bad idea. That makes everything a tighter, wonderful and gratifying experience.”
Wilkinson also commented on the communication between the Art and Costume Design Departments for the “Batman vs. Superman” production.
“There is of course a design dialogue about how the costumes work with the production design and making sure we’re all on the same page. I have been heading up the costume design of the film. This film is incredibly ambitious, epic and far reaching. As a costume designer it’s such a thrill. There’s never a boring day. You always have to work harder and harder to make it even more awesome and imaginative. It’s a thrilling ride.”
You can read Wilkinson’s full feature article about his design process for “Man of Steel 2” here. “Batman vs. Superman” will be released to theaters on May 6, 2016.
