Let me preface by saying that this op-ed is absolutely not in response to any legitimate news or rumor. No, it was actually spurred on by fan-based scuttlebutt (wishful thinking). However, I do get exactly why fans would think such a thing is possible.
So, what is it I’m talking about? Well, the belief (hope) by some that the DCU Batman will make his debut in 2025’s SUPERMAN: LEGACY
As I said, I totally get why they would think this is possible due to the film’s writer/director James Gunn (who is also co-head of DC Studios at Warner Bros.) already including several non-Superman DC characters (Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, Metamorpho, Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern, and a superhero team called The Authority) in the movie.
So yeah, why the hell not have the DCU Batman — and the Damien Wayne version of Robin too — join the party?!
Well, I’ll tell you why…NOT.
(For the record, I do not believe this is happening at all for a variety of reasons. I’m simply responding to the idea out there that it either could or must happen.)
First and foremost, I can’t see how it would make any kind of sense for WB/DC Studios to inject Batman into this Superman film. Not just any ‘ol Superman movie, but one that’s intended to introduce the new Superman as well as commence the new DCU. You would hope they would’ve learned a lesson in not making MAN OF STEEL 2 instead of the pseudo-sequel, Batman-led BATMAN v SUPERMAN a decade ago. One would think that they’d want Superman to shine and not have to play second fiddle to The Caped Crusader in his own move…again.
Secondly, the calendar.
SUPERMAN: LEGACY is set to be released on July 11, 2025…which so happens to be just about 3 months before a little ‘ol film called THE BATMAN: PART II on October 3rd.
Why in the hell would anyone at WB and DC Studios want to possibly negatively affect the hype for Matt Reeves’ THE BATMAN: PART II — which should be building up to maximum levels by Summer 2025 — to help prop up SUPERMAN: LEGACY by including an alternate version of their most valuable DC IP into it?! I see it as a negative all-around for both projects and all involved.
And finally, what about the new DCU Batman?
Granted, I personally do not have very much interest in this new Batman on film as I prefer solo Batman without Robins/sidekicks and Batman mixing it up with superpowered beings, aliens, magic, etc. BUT…
Shouldn’t his cinematic introduction take place in the already-announced THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD? You know, in a Batman movie? Furthermore, how about it being in a Batman movie when there aren’t any other Batman movies happening at relatively the same time? Like, once Matt Reeves’ THE BATMAN SAGA is complete?
Yeah, THAT’S the ticket…and it certainly sounds like a good plan to me. – Bill “Jett” Ramey
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