Not only is 2014 the 75th Anniversary of the creation of Batman, it’s also the 25th Anniversary of arguably one of the most influential comic book movies of all time – Tim Burton’s BATMAN. What better way to celebrate this double anniversary than catching up with the owner of the worlds only street legal Batmobile and friend of Geek Speak, Zac Mihajlovic. I met Zac in March this year when I was fortunate enough to go for a joyride in his “Burton” Batmobile. Since then, he’s become somewhat well known globally due to his special car and all the great charity work he does. I was lucky enough to sit down with Zac and interrupt his busy schedule to interview him for the Boy Wonder Blog. He even gave me a scoop!
Boy Wonder: Now, before we talk about your car, let’s go back to the beginning. What is your earliest memory of Batman and were you a fan from that moment?
Zac: My earliest memory of Batman actually comes from the 1989 film. It’s the scene where Jack Nicholson as the joker electrocutes one of the mob bosses. I remember it scared the life out of me because I was only 5 or 6 at the time! Also, the scene where Batman crashes through the glass to save Kim Basinger’s Vicki Vale then escapes in the Batmobile. I was a fan from that moment on.
Aside from your obvious love of Batman 89, what are some of your other favourite Batman movies and cartoons?
I love the Beware The Batman comic series. I also really like the Batman Brave And The Bold animated series because of the comedy element in the voice acting of Diedrich Bader. For some reason I can only picture him as Jethro from the Beverly Hillbillies Movie and it makes me laugh. As for movies, The Dark Knight Trilogy from Christopher Nolan would have to be my favourite trilogy in cinema and The Dark Knight would be my favourite film of all time.
Favourite actor to wear the cowl?
I think the best Bruce Wayne is Christian Bale and best Batman is Michael Keaton. Is that fence sitting?
I’ll allow it.
What is your favourite Batmobile after the 89 version?
The Tumbler. If the Batman Forever Batmobile from 1995 didn’t have neon blue lights it would be a close call for what would be my favourite.
When was the moment you decided you wanted to build your own Batmobile and more so, when did you realise it was actually going to happen?
When I met a guy called Scotty Cox and saw some of the things he could build. He could do anything and I thought to myself, if I could have anything it would be the Batmobile. When I realised it could happen was after I built my motorcycle and believed if I could put my mind to something we could get done and if you really want something bad enough you can sacrifice just about anything to make it a reality.
How long did it take to build?
About 12 months to get it to look like a Batmobile. Then it took around another two years to go through the engineering process, make any changes we needed to and then get it street registered.
Since completing the car, I imagine you’ve had some offers to sell it. Have you had any crazy non cash offers?
I had a few people offer me random things as a joke. The funny stuff is when they offer to swap their car and it’s not even worth the registration I need to pay for the Batmobile. I do get the odd sexual request but they haven’t aimed high enough to actually swap what they’re offering for the Batmobile. It’s more like, “will you take me for a ride in the Batmobile if I give you a good time?”.
Has there ever been an offer that you’ve considered if only for a second?
There has been a couple of offers. But there would be no guarantee that I could ever find parts again or get it registered. I’m sure those offers will be there in the future if I really wanted to pursue it.
You do some great charity work Zac. Are there specific charities that you raise money for?
Yes. Make-A-Wish has made me and ambassador and I also do work for the Starlight Foundation. I have also done some fundraising for local charities and sporting teams. I think in the future I will just stick with the Make-A-Wish and Starlight as I get a lot of requests and I have done a few that I believe haven’t been completely genuine with their stories. So at least if it comes through the charities that I’m involved with I know it is for real.
Being in that role would have allowed you to meet some very special and brave individuals. I imagine that as much fun as it is to dress up as Batman and make their dreams come true, it must also be very tough to see suffering as much as you do. Is it hard to do sometimes?
Yes I have met some amazing people and kids. There has been a couple of very sad moments but I feel very privileged and honoured to meet some of them and be able to give them a glimmer of happiness, which in some way, makes it easier to deal with.
I believe you have Warner Bros. blessing to use the car for your charity work?
I have had some great conversations with the Warner Brothers team here in Australia and abroad. The beauty and sometimes downside with the Internet is people can see exactly what is going on. Luckily enough for me it has been good press and my intentions have been well received by the Warner Brothers team.
2014 has seen you receive quite a bit of publicity around the world. What has been the most surreal moment you’ve had in this regard? For me, after following you online all year, it was hearing Kevin Smith & Ralph Garmin talking about you on their Hollywood Babble-On podcast.
It’s quite hard to explain. When I met you in March, it was starting to take off and you have seen the rise of the Batmobile’s popularity and in turn mine in a weird way. I think the most surreal moment would be the first time I was asked for an autograph at the petrol station. Now people ask for me to be in the photograph with them when taking pictures of the Batmobile which I find a little strange but flattering.
As we look to the future of Batman, I’d like to get your opinion on the new Batmobile that will feature in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice. What do you think based on the few photos we’ve seen?
I do like it. It’s almost a hybrid of the 89 Batmobile and the Tumbler.
Any chance we’ll ever see you cruising around in that version some day?
Sadly it will be just too wide and massive to be able to register. If I were to build another car, I think the Tumbler would be next…or Barbie’s pink corvette.
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Zac went on to tell me that he has a plan to get a role in a future solo Batman film. When I asked what the plan was, he couldn’t tell me exactly but with the support of the fans and his continuing relationship with Warner Bros. that it could be a real possibility. So who knows? In the future we may see Australia’s Batman on the silver screen with Ben Affleck. Watch this space…
*For the record, when Zac told me of his plans about getting the role in the film, I did offer him one of those “favors” similar to those that he’s been offered for a ride in the Batmobile if I can accompany him on his possible trip overseas to be in the film. I don’t think I’ll be joining him.
-Boy Wonder Brendan
Boy Wonder Brendan 