Batman: Knightfall Part 1, an R-rated animated adaptation of the 1993 Batman comic storyline, reached third place on Apple TV/iTunes’ film chart a day after its 2 August digital release. Its early performance suggests strong audience interest in a darker, more violent version of the character and in an adaptation of one of Batman’s best-known comic arcs.

The film follows Bane as he releases Arkham Asylum’s inmates to physically and mentally exhaust Batman, eventually leading to the famous moment in which he breaks Bruce Wayne’s back. Anson Mount voices Batman, Michael Mando plays Bane and Pablo Schreiber portrays Jean-Paul Valley/Azrael; Jeff Wamester directs a screenplay by Jeremy Adams. The film is available digitally, with a 4K Blu-ray release due on 8 September.