TheDCU’sBatmanmovie is already in a strong position to allow the franchise to break a live-action DC movie record that has lasted over 80 years. While few details about theDCU’sBrave and the Boldstoryhave been provided since the film was announced, many are still expecting it to be part of James Gunn’s universe. After all, Batman is one of the three main heroes in DC Comics alongside Superman and Wonder Woman, meaning the film is expected to be part of theDCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
To further this excitement, theDC Universe’s first Batman appearance came inCreature Commandos.The Caped Crusader appeared in a quick cameo that was careful not to give too much away, but that Gunn has confirmed will be the same character who features inupcomingBatmanmoviesset within the DCU. Based on the tidbits of information that have been revealed about the DCU’sBatmanfranchise thus far, the series is already building a strong foundation that could see an 82-year-old live-action DC trend broken in a considerably shorter time.
Robin’s Live-Action History Has Been Surprisingly Sparse Despite His Early Debut
Batman’s Sidekick Is Underrepresented In Live-Action
The trend in question pertains to Robin, the most iconic member of the Bat Family and Batman’s trusty sidekick. Specifically, the trend links to how many live-action appearances the various male versions of the character have had since adaptations of DC’s most iconic superheroes began. In over 80 years,Robin has only had around nine appearances in live-action DC projects. The first two of these nine came in the 1943 and 1949BatmanTV serials, played by Douglas Croft and Johnny Duncan respectively.
Every Actor Who’s Played Robin In Live-Action
Batman’s iconic sidekick Robin has been featured in a selection of live-action adaptations, from films and film serials to television shows.
Then came two more appearances in 1966, where Robin was portrayed by Burt Ward in the TV showBatmanand the movie of the same name. Chris O’Donnell marked the fifth and sixth live-action Robin appearances inBatman ForeverandBatman & Robinbefore Joseph Gordon-Levitt portrayed a variation of the character in 2012’sThe Dark Knight Rises. The final two major live-action Robin appearances came in the TV showTitans, in which Brenton Thwaites portrayed Dick Grayson and Currant Walters brought Jason Todd to life.
Why So Few Robins Have Appeared In Batman’s Live-Action History
Robin Is Never As Big A Focus As Batman
With the character’s lowly nine live-action appearances in the 82 years since 1943 in mind, the question becomes why so manyBatmanmovies struggle to adapt Robin. Although it is worth noting that TV efforts over the years have tended to depict Robin well, a character as iconic as him can be argued to have had more satisfying on-screen roles, especially whereBatmanmovies are concerned. Primarily, the reason for Robin’s absence in mostBatmaniterations is the idea that Batman is a loner.
Batman often sells better as a lonely, troubled orphan who fights crimes to overcome his fears and tragic backstory. Implementing a close relationship with a young man like Robin into this dynamic could have been seen as removing what makes Batman special to many Hollywood filmmakers over the years. Stemming from this, Robin’s inclusion inBatmanstories would detract from, well, Batman. By leaving Robin out of many stories, it is easier to provide a satisfying character arc for The Dark Knight.
A character like Robin is more “comic-booky” than mostBatmanmovies tend to be…
Another potential reason is that a character like Robin is more “comic-booky” than mostBatmanmovies tend to be. Since Tim Burton’sBatmanin 1989, there is no denying that the character has been utilized in grounded, realistic, dark movies that emphasize the more brutal and gothic aspects of the DC Comics source material. As such, Robin is usually left out given his younger, more naive nature, his brightly colored costume, and his usual father-son bond with Bruce Wayne.
The DCU’s Robin Setup Means The Franchise Could Break DC’s 82-Year-Long Record In A Fraction Of The Time
The Franchise Seems To Be Ushering In A New Age For Robin
Despite Robin’s few appearances over a massive period in DC’s live-action properties, the DCU has already set itself up to surpass that number of roles in a much shorter time.Batman’s DCU futurehas been confirmed to, seemingly, begin withThe Brave and the Bold,a story that will introduce a version of Robin from the off: Damian Wayne. Already this will mark one appearance for the character in the DCU that will undoubtedly lead to more, either via sequels toThe Brave and the Boldor other spin-offs. Then there isDynamic Duo.
Gunn confirmedDynamic Duoin October 2024, a story that will depict the early days of two different Robins. Dick Grayson and Jason Todd will be the titular duo in the animated film that is set to premiere in 2028. Already, that is three Robin appearances in only three years - two of which will eventually translate to live-action - given the DCU truly begins in 2025 withSupermanand presumingThe Brave and the Boldreleases before then. Moreover, James Gunn has confirmed that theDCU’s Bat Familywill have a prominent role, meaning Dick, Jason, and Damian will continue into other projects.
Why The DC Universe Featuring Plenty Of Batman’s Sidekicks Would Be Great For The Franchise
Differentiation Is Key
With all of these Robin appearances in mind, it is worth asking why the DCU featuring Batman’s sidekicks would be such a benefit for the fledgling franchise. The primary reason for this is differentiation. As alluded to, the live-actionBatmanfranchises of the past have mostly neglected characters like Robin, Batgirl, and Nightwing, especially in connection to the Caped Crusader himself. Including the Bat Family in a big way in the DCU would give the franchise a uniqueness over the likes ofThe Dark Knighttrilogy, Burton’sBatman, and even Matt Reeves' ongoingThe Batmansaga.
The differentiation between the DCU Batman and Matt Reeves' The Batman would also help general audiences separate the two franchises that are running concurrently.
Another benefit is the potential for more comic book-accurateBatmanmovies. Many have hoped that the DCU will delve into the more fantastical elements of Batman that most live-action franchises tend to shy away from, especially given the higher fantasy elements included inCreature Commandosand teased for James Gunn’sSupermanmovie. The Bat Family could add to this fantastical feeling given that they often help Batman take down the more otherworldly villains of Gotham. For these reasons, theDCUbreaking the 80-year-old Robin record in a shorter time would only benefit the franchise.
