Reading time 1 minute
Fans have been waiting years for a new Lego Batman game, and the moment is nearly here: the nostalgia-packed Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight arrives May 29.
To get the party started, Warner Bros. Games and DC released a cinematic that recreates an iconic moment from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman in animated, brick-built form—including, of course, the infectious tune from Prince’s soundtrack that accompanies it.
“Partyman” isn’t quite the instantly recognizable jam that “Batdance” is, but it still rips, even 37 years later. Prince’s Batman soundtrack went double platinum, but due to rights issues with Warner Bros., the songs from it didn’t appear on any compilations until 2016—the same year Prince passed away. Even still, the soundtrack remains one of the most memorable elements in Burton’s film, and its inclusion in the Legacy of the Dark Knight cinematic perfectly ties into the game’s stated mission of being “inspired by decades of Batman films, television shows, comic books, and games.”
Just for fun, here’s the sequence from Burton’s film to compare—this clip features the scenes that bookend the vandalism spree, including Jack Nicholson’s Joker tangling with Kim Basinger’s Vicki Vale. You will also notice the Joker has his white face covered with tan foundation at the beginning of the clip… but his true colors slip through at the end.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Explore more on these topics
Share this story
Subscribe and interact with our community, get up to date with our customised Newsletters and much more.
Even when your power goes down, your Wi-Fi won't.
Brand-new shows that take place on familiar turf are a big theme for 2026—a year that's also stuffed full of highly anticipated returns.
Gen Z or older, it doesn't matter: the two needle drops in 'Stranger Things' reignited interest in Prince's music catalog.
Between 'Wonder Woman 1984' and her game getting canned, the 2020s haven't been Diana's decade. Maybe that'll change with the 2030s?
Between his other projects and DC's current Batman slate, Zach Cregger is fine waiting to make 'Henchman' happen.
Traveler's Tales uses Batman Day to hype up the potential for its 2026 title 'Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.'
©2026 GIZMODO USA LLC.
All rights reserved.
Source: Gizmodo