It’s Batman v. Superman – the battle for costume big bucks.
Michael Keaton’s suit from 1992’s “Batman Returns” and Christopher Reeve’s blue tunic from the original 1978 film “Superman: The Movie” are up for grabs in an auction Thursday.
The 6-foot-5 Batsuit from director Tim Burton’s hit includes the trademark cape and cowl-style mask and rubber body – all original and used in the movie. The black leather gloves, boots, gold plastic belt and bat symbol are replicas.
“Costume comes displayed dramatically on a mannequin with chiseled face of Keaton, mounted to a 2-foot square gray-white base with ‘BATMAN RETURNS’ at front center,” reads the description in the Nate D. Sanders website.
In the flick, which was nominated for Oscars for Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup, the caped crusader takes on both the Penguin and Catwoman.
Bidding for the suit – described as in “very good” condition” – starts at $35,000.
Reeve’s nylon tunic – with its signature red “S” on a golden background – was used in the actor’s flight scenes and features two stitched holes that were used to attach a flying harness, according to the auction site.
The original “Bermans & Nathans, 40 Camden St., London N.W.” tag is still affixed to the back collar, next to the zipper, along with the more faded words: CHRISTOPHER REEVE, 12312 WITH MUSCLES, SUPERMAN.”
“A few small holes, otherwise in near fine condition,” according to the listing, which put the opening bid at $40,000.
Reeve was a relatively unknown actor in his mid-20s when he beat out 200 others for the iconic role of Superman.
The 6-foot-4 actor was too skinny, however, but refused to wear a “muscle suit.”
Instead, he decided to bulk up with the help of bodybuilder David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy.
Reeve died in 2004 at age 52, about nine years after he became paralyzed when he was thrown off a horse.