Batman’s newDC Universemovie is doing something that the Dark Knight franchise has not included in a long time, and a bad Batman movie can explain why that is happening.The lastlive-action Batman moviereleased by DC was 2022’sThe Batman. The film was a pitch-perfect adaptation of the character, with Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne showcasing his detective skills.
The Batmanis such a thrilling film that it has led to fans continuously demanding Pattinson’s Batman to joinJames Gunn’s DC Universe. No matter how many times the DCU’s chief comments on howBatman’sThe Brave and the Boldmoviewill feature a new Batman, the DCU Pattinson campaign remains. However, the actor might not be a good fit.
After all, Pattinson was cast with Matt Reeves' vision for the character in mind. While not much is known aboutThe Brave and the Bold, the DCU Batman movie will featurea key character that diverges from where Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is. However, one of Batman’s most disappointing movies showcases why the DCU is right in that choice, Pattinson or not.
Batman & Robin Being The Last Time We Properly Saw Robin In A Live-Action Movie Shows Why It’s An Early DCU Focus
The DC Universe Is Diving Deep Into The Comics
1997’sBatman & Robinis one of the most criticized superhero movies of all time. The old DCEU recognized that, as it brought back George Clooney’s Bruce Wayne for a fun cameo inThe Flashto let Barry Allen know he was not in his right timeline.OnRotten Tomatoes,Batman & Robinholds a poor 11% critics' score.
While there is a lot wrong in the movie, I do not believe that Robin’s inclusion is part of the issues. Sadly, that seems to have been one of the takeaways for DC, asRobin has yet to appear in a live-action Batman movie since the 1997 film.
2021
2022
2023
2027
The Brave and the Bold
TBD
Based on the character’s long hiatus from the big screen, it is easy to see why the DC Universe will soon introduce a new Robin.The Brave and the Boldwill focus on Bruce Wayne discovering he has a son, Damian Wayne. With Gunn’s DCU going for a comics-accurate approach, Batman needs a Robin, as he is key to his journey.
The DCU’s Robin Story Is Already Set To Avoid Any Similarities To Batman & Robin
There Are Multiple Robins For DC To Use
While I can understand how some might be apprehensive that Robin is inThe Brave and the Bold, as the campyBatman & Robindid not work, the DCU is doing it differently. Gunn has revealed that he does not want a campy Batman. Additionally,Damian Wayne will be Robin, not Dick Grayson. This is a different character altogether.
The Brave and the Boldwill also feature multiple Bat-Family members. As such, Dick Grayson could already be Nightwing in the film, giving him a different role and dynamic when compared to the 1997 movie. In a full-on comic book world like the DCU,Batman’s movies can make Robin important again.
Batman and Robin
Cast
Following the events of Batman Forever, Batman & Robin is the fourth entry into Warner Bros.’s original Batman film franchise. Batman (George Clooney) and his sidekick Robin (Chris O’Donnell) team up with Barbara Wilson (Alicia Silverstone) to thwart the evil plans of Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). With Barbara assuming the mantle of Batgirl, the three heroes fight to save Gotham from two of Batman’s greatest enemies.
The Brave and the Bold will introduce audiences to a new Batman in the DC Universe, focusing on the unique dynamic between the Dark Knight and his son, Damian Wayne, who takes on the mantle of Robin. This film marks yet another reboot for the iconic vigilante superhero.
