Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Batman

  • HBO Max Cancels Batman Prequel Series ‘Pennyworth’

    HBO Max Cancels Batman Prequel Series ‘Pennyworth’

    The most shocking news of all time has arrived, as HBO Max has axed another series, especially a DC-related one. As Titans and Doom Patrol are coming to an end, it seems that the third season of Pennyworth will also be it’s last. The series originally premiered on Epix back in 2019 only to find its third season as an HBO Max original last year.

    Though it received a new title, as it was now titled Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler to ensure we knew its DC ties. Yet, outside of the absurdity in its name, there wasn’t much buzz surrounding a Batman prequel about Alfred Pennyworth. Still, it did manage to go on for multiple seasons, a rarity in the streaming age. HBO Max has shared the following statement on its cancelation:

    While HBO Max is not moving forward with another season of ‘Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler,’ we are very thankful to creator Bruno Heller and executive producers Matthew Patnick, Danny Cannon and John Stephens, along with Warner Bros. Television, for their brilliant, unique, gripping depiction of the origin of Alfred Pennyworth, one of the most iconic characters in the Batman world. An incredible blend of action, drama and humor, for three seasons, ‘Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler’ has taken fans on a mind-bending ride into Alfred’s eccentric world and the beginnings of cutting-edge super heroes and super villains

    It’s definitely interesting to see what projects end up scrapped and others will continue. Superman and Lois is still set to have at least one more season as James Gunn and Peter Safran prepare their plans for their take on a connected DC Cinematic Universe. Pennyworth b being scrapped was probably the one project most expected wouldn’t survive after it moved to HBO Max, but it still left its own impact with three seasons.

    Source: Variety

  • New ‘The Flash’ Merchandise Reveals First Look at Batman’s Batwing

    New ‘The Flash’ Merchandise Reveals First Look at Batman’s Batwing

    Superhero films are more than just the pure cinematic experience, as they also come with quite a few merchandises for fans of all ages. Ironically, these products end up spoiling quite a bit more than they should, as they tend to find themselves online much earlier than expected. That is especially the case with projects that end up getting delayed further back leading to the current situation of The Flash merch revealing our first look at Michael Keaton‘s new Batwing.

    Twitter user @flashpointsaber has shared a rather curious first look at merchandise that includes two figurines and a model version of the Batwing. It’s definitely inspired by the one we first saw back in 1989 which was a direct adaptation of his logo from that era. It seems that this time around they combined the elements from modern-day Batman with the classic, as it’s even titled the “Ultimate Batwing.”

    We know that it belongs to Keaton‘s Batman rather than to the version of the character played by Ben Affleck, who was confirmed to appear due to set photos of him back in action, due to the figurine included. That is the already teased version of the character and matches with what we saw in artwork since DC FanDome almost two years ago. The only question is how the Batwing might be used in the film and perhaps connects to the final arc of the film.

    Source: Twitter

  • What We’d Like to See From DC Studios Initial Slate

    What We’d Like to See From DC Studios Initial Slate

    As Hollywood gets ready to go on break, James Gunn and Peter Safran‘s initial vision for the first wave of DC Studios film in the all-new DC Universe has been communicated with the big bosses at Warner Bros. Discovery. Since then Gunn revealed that a Superman film, written by him, will be a top priority for the new studio while indicating that he and Safran plan to share part of the new slate with fans sometime early in 2023. While we wait to find out what the game plan is, here’s a Christmas-time wish list of what we’d like to see.

    Richard John Grayson

    For too long DC’s takes on Batman have made the mistake of robbing Batman of one of the most important relationships he’s ever forged. Dick Grayson hasn’t made an appearance in a live-action Batman film since 1997’s Batman and Robin and instead has been shuffled off to streaming land where some half-assed version of him exists on Titans. Gunn has said Batman is an important part of the stories DC Studios wants to tell. Dick Grayson is an important part of Batman’s stories. If DC Studios wants to be taken seriously by fans of Batman, this is a huge first step.

    The Brave and The Bold

    The Brave and The Bold is the Marvel Team-Ups of DC Comics, but to a lot of readers, it calls to mind one of DC’s most beloved pair of bros: Barry Allen and Hal Jordan. 2023 will see the oft-delayed The Flash film finally hit theaters, CW’s The Flash is ending following its 701st season and there’s been exactly one terrible live-action version of Hal Jordan to date in 2011’s Green Lantern film. Given that it’ll be a few years before DC Studios’ new slate starts rolling out, pushing out a new version of Barry Allen might not be as big of a deal as it seems in 2022. Even though he’s been out of the spotlight for a while, Hal Jordan probably doesn’t need an entire film’s worth of origin. Give these two a buddy film and get them involved in the bigger narrative ASAP.

    J’onn J’onzz

    The Snyderverse certainly could have used more J’onn J’onzz, a character who was nearly criminally underutilized over the last decade. J’onzz, better known as Martian Manhunter, has been around since the Silver Age and is an OG Justice Leaguer. Moreover, including him in the first wave of films allows DC Studios with someone who can narrate whatever version of the history of the DC Universe they wish to tell because, over his 225 million years, J’onn J’onzz has seen some things.

    The League, the Whole League and Nothing But The Leauge

    If Gunn is making a shared cinematic universe, there will ultimately be a Justice League. Not too many people outside of Gunn and Safran know what they have in mind for the first wave of films, but it’s likely that at some point, a League will come together and there’s no reason that it can’t be comprised of the original 7. Aquaman, Batman and Wonder Woman may or may not need solo projects ahead of a Justice League film because they’ve all been more recently present than Superman, Martian Manhunter and Green Lantern; alternatively, maybe all 7 original members need solo projects. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that the 7 OG JLA members have NEVER shared the screen in live-action and that’s something we’d like to see Gunn remedy in the near future.

    The Hall of Justice

    The Justice League is coming and they need a sick HQ. The Hall of Justice, which is based on the real-life Union Terminal building in Cincinnati, Ohio, has never been in a live-action DC film. By the time the new slate reaches the end of its first arc, it would make sense for the heroes to have established an HQ and this one is as iconic as it gets.

    Some Off-Beat Heroes

    The Trinity will likely be the foundation of the DC Universe. Aquaman, Flash and Green Lantern will likely be there, too. Hopefully, Martian Manhunter makes the cut. However, if there’s one thing Gunn should be proud to carry over with him from his time at Marvel Studios, it’s the fact that he took a group of off-beat, unknown heroes and turned them into a globally recognized brand. So bring on Metamorpho! Throw Red Tornado into the mix. Plastic Man probably has some free time on his hands. What’s Animal Man up to these days? With the ability to introduce characters not only in films but also through streaming series, get some of these off-beat heroes into the mix. 3 years ago, nobody knew who Peacemaker was and now fans are eagerly antipating the second season of a streaming series starring John Cena as the butt of an ongoing joke.

    The OG Leaguers can’t do it all themselves (they totally can, but they never do), so throw some of these guys into the mix and give them a shot at becoming beloved by a new generation.

    A Lex Luthor That Can Be Taken Seriously

    This one is tough because while Gunn and Safran will want to break away from the stigma of the Snyderverse’s absurd take on Luthor, there’s arguably no more sensible villain for DC Studios’ first wave of films than Luthor. The character has been done to death on TV and in films, but never in a way in which he posed a threat to the entire Justice League. He doesn’t have to be the villain of Gunn’s Superman; in fact, he probably shouldn’t be. However, establishing him and then letting him grow into the type of character that could be powerful enough to threaten the entire league would set him apart from any previous version. And that version of the character probably includes…

    The Legion of Doom

    If anyone has the balls to bring this ridiculous team of villains together, it’s James Gunn. Though numerous iterations of the team have since appeared in the comics, the OGs first appeared in 1978 in the 16-episode Challenge of the Superfriends animated series that aired on ABC. The original team, which operated out of Darth Vader’s helmet, aka the Hall of Doom, was led by Luthor and consisted of rogues from all of the principal Leaguers galleries. Bizzaro, Black Manta, Brainiac, Captain Cold, Cheetah, Giganta, Gorilla Grodd, Riddler, Scarecrow, Sinestro, Solomon Grundy and Toyman all plotted to take over the world and failed again and again. DC Studios may not be able to pull all 13 of these baddies together and it doesn’t have to. But a JLA vs Legion of Doom movie would certainly garner some attention and one-up Marvel Studios in the sense that they have somehow failed to put together a live-action Masters of Evil 14 years in.

    There’s so much more that Gunn and Safran should try to accomplish as they build out the DC Universe, but the hope is that they’ll have the time necessary to do so. Great live-action versions of the JSA, The Question, The Spectre, the Green Lantern Corps and Damian Wayne all deserve to exist. But those characters probably don’t get the treatment they deserve without a solid foundation in the first wave of DC Studios’ slate. A safe, solid slate with some surprises thrown in. Let’s get it done, DC Studios.

  • RUMOR: ‘The Flash’ Spinoff Focused on Michael Keaton’s Batman Scrapped in DC Studios’ Restructuring

    RUMOR: ‘The Flash’ Spinoff Focused on Michael Keaton’s Batman Scrapped in DC Studios’ Restructuring

    Everything is changing over at DC Studios, as the future of the former DC Expanded Universe seems quite uncertain. We’ve had the reveal that Wonder Woman 3 has lost its director Patty Jenkins, a Black Adam sequel seems unlikely at this point and so much more. Now, it seems a new rumor has popped up from Jeff Sneider that another project has been canned as James Gunn and Peter Safran restructure the new DC universe.

    It seems that The Flash and Birds of Prey‘s Christina Hodson has been working on a spinoff from The Flash that would’ve acted as a reboot of the original Michael Keaton-led Batman franchise. Keaton would further explore his character that is set to return in the upcoming film, though details on how the project would’ve explored his return remain uncertain. There’s also no word just how far they got with the script, as they may have just kicked around the idea before it was scrapped.

    It does seem more and more likely that The Flash might end up as a hard reboot for the DC Cinematic Universe moving forward, even if there are still no specific plans set by DC Studios’ new co-leads. Though, once the roadmap for the next ten years have been set, we might get a better look at what the future has in store for us.

    Source: YouTube via The Direct

  • WB/DC Eyeing Animation Deal With Amazon

    WB/DC Eyeing Animation Deal With Amazon

    Under the ruthless eye of David Zaslav, Warner Bros. recently went through a massive change internally. Projects were canceled without hesitation, departments were dismantled, and the future seemed bleak for the legacy company. One of the departments that got the shaft was animation. DC, in particular, saw the axing of the Bruce Timm-led animated series Batman: Caped Crusader in the HBO Max slate.

    Succeeding reports pointed to Warner Bros. being open to selling the animated series to other services but until now, there hasn’t been any clear plan as to what the show’s fate was. CEO of the TV division at Warner Bros., Channing Dungey, revealed that the company is close to striking a deal with Amazon for all future animated DC content.

    Unless this deal magically goes awry in the next few weeks, it seems evident that the home for all animated DC properties moving forward will be on Amazon Prime. Fans are intensely anticipating the new Batman show not only for Timm and Matt Reeves‘ vision but also for what might be the final performance of the legendary Kevin Conroy. Amazon Prime being the new home for DC cartoons is a hopeful sign of what’s to come.

    Source: Deadline

  • Matt Reeves Developing Multiple Projects Based on Batman’s Villains

    Matt Reeves Developing Multiple Projects Based on Batman’s Villains

    Along with developing a sequel to the critically acclaimed The Batman, Matt Reeves is looking to expand his DC universe. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that, along with the previously announced Penguin spinoff, Reeves is currently meeting with writers and directors to build out movies focused on Batman’s rogue’s gallery. It is of note, that the outlet suggests the projects will focus on both established and obscure villains, including characters ranging from Scarecrow to Professor Pyg.

    All of these projects are said to be in the very early stages of development, but Reeves is keen to build out movies on these characters. Like with The Penguin, Reeves will be involved to an extent, but his main focus is The Batman 2.

    Updating…

    Source: THR.

  • Netflix Eyeing Scrapped ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Animated Series

    Netflix Eyeing Scrapped ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Animated Series

    Some good DC news after a slew of bad ones all month; there is hope for the scrapped Bruce Timm/Matt Reeves animated Batman series, Batman: Caped Crusader, as multiple streaming services are looking to acquiring the show. Netflix, Hulu, and Apple+ are among the few streamers interested.

    This report comes after the massive culling over at WB/Discovery as CEO David Zaslav scrapped, outright canceled, and delayed multiple projects on deck. Batman: Caped Crusader was one of the upcoming projects removed from HBOMax with the hopes of being shopped elsewhere. The studio believes that a buyout of such a project will net them more profits than if they aired it themselves.

    Source: THR

  • Mattson Tomlin to Co-Write ‘The Batman’ Sequel

    Mattson Tomlin to Co-Write ‘The Batman’ Sequel

    Following news that Matt Reeves has signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Mattson Tomlin has signed on to help write the sequel to The Batman. According to the outlet, Tomlin will co-write the script for The Batman 2 alongside Reeves, who will return to direct the film.

    Interestingly enough, Tomlin actually worked on The Batman, although he did not receive a screenwriting credit. THR reports that Tomlin was brought in during the development on The Batman to help fix issues with the third act. Reeves co-wrote that script alongside Peter Craig. The writing process has not yet begun on The Batman 2, however, it is expected to begin within the coming weeks.

    Tomlin is a bit of a rising star within Hollywood. He ended up getting to know Reeves thanks to the duo working together on the sci-fi thriller, Mother/Android, Tomlin’s directorial debut which he also wrote. Reeves served as a producer on the project which debuted on Hulu last year. Prior to his work on Mother/Android, Tomlin had written the action thriller Project Power starring Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He has also dabbled in the comics world, having written a Batman mini-series titled Batman: The Imposter, which featured artwork by Andrea Sorrentino. Along with The Batman 2, Tomlin is attached to Netflix’s adaptation of the Boom! Studios comic, BRZRKR.

    The Batman 2 currently does not have a release date.

    Source: THR.

  • New ‘Aquaman 2’ Set Photos Confirm Ben Affleck’s DCEU Return

    New ‘Aquaman 2’ Set Photos Confirm Ben Affleck’s DCEU Return

    Here’s a surprise that very few might’ve expected but a new post by Jason Momoa may have hinted that Ben Affleck‘s Bruce Wayne is back in the DC Extended Universe. There’s been no word on where exactly the multiversal storyline is heading with Michael Keaton‘s arrival heavily teased (even though it was confirmed long ago) in The Flash. Now, it looks like the current Batman is making his return ahead of that film’s arrival as a new batch of set photos for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hints at his return.

    It’s a bit surprising that he’d just flat-out reveal this potential cameo. So, they could also just be playing around with viewers but he does seem to be wearing a very Bruce Wayne-esque suit. Not just that, but the video at the end reveals that “B.A.” has his own trailer with the DC films’ production title “Necrus” on it. So, it does seem likely we could see the return of his version of Bruce Wayne before Keaton takes over ahead of The Flash going into Batgirl.

    His inclusion could be another sign that this is a move to streamline some aspects before breaking apart the DC multiverse. They may have planned on including scenes of a Batman but with The Flash pushed back quite a bit, they may have wanted to add a familiar face for audiences. Plus, he is set to appear in the Ezra Miller-led project, which would help boost that film’s box office knowing that he’s going to tie it all together. Who knows what exactly their plans are moving forward, but it’s going to be exciting either way.

    Source: Instagram

  • Christina Ricci to Play Harley Quinn in New DC Podcast

    Christina Ricci to Play Harley Quinn in New DC Podcast

    The Hollywood Reporter has announced that Christina Ricci will be starring in a brand-new podcast from Spotify and Warner Bros. alongside Billy Magnussen and Justin Hartley. Ricci will voice Harley Quinn, while Magnussen will voice The Joker and Hartley will voice Batman. Production is currently underway on the series.

    The podcast series, titled Harley Quinn & The Joker: Sound Mind, will tell Harley’s story from her point of view, rather than the Joker’s. It begins with Quinn, still known as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, as she tries to help the patients at Arkham Asylum that the others have given up on helping. Her desire to help others, including her sick father, will see Dr. Quinn make questionable decisions for the sake of others – including building a relationship with a man known as ‘Patient J.’ Her decision to trust him will lead the duo down a dangerous path that will change their lives forever.

    This marks the second audio series to be released through the multiyear licensing deal between Spotify and Warner Bros./DC, with Batman Unburied being the first. Batman Unburied, which stars Black Panther actor Winston Duke, has already been renewed for a second season.

    Harley Quinn & The Joker: Sound Mind hails from Homecoming’s Eli Horowitz. As of this writing, no release date has been announced.

    Source: THR