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The Batman: What’s Next For DC?

The Batman

After a long wait, rewrites, and a whole different lead actor, The Batman has finally arrived in cinemas. Audiences and critics alike seem to love Matt Reeves’ cerebral and grimy version of Gotham, as well as Robert Pattinson’s tortured Batman/ Bruce Wayne. Focusing on the early days of Batman as he tries to stop the schemes of the evil Riddler (Paul Dano), while also tangling with Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz).

While the film tells a complete story and isn’t connected to any prior DC or Batman films, that doesn’t mean this is the last we’ve seen of this version of the caped crusader. Having seemingly thrown out its plans for an MCU rivalling connected universe, what’s next for DC?

The Age Of Heroes

Ezra Miller as the Flash
Ezra Miller as the Flash isn’t exactly speeding into cinemas // Credit: DC/ Warner Brothers 2022

While The Batman doesn’t have a post-credits tease like we’re used to, there’s still a reason to stay in your seat. The “Age of Heroes” trailer that showcases several upcoming projects and can be viewed online follows the film. The trailer features footage from The Batman, as well as Black Adam, The Flash and Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom. Although the trailer promises that these are coming in 2022, this is no longer the case, as the latter three have all been delayed until 2023.

Batman isn’t the only DC hero on our screens this year though. Shazam: Fury of the Gods, has been bumped up to December, while DC League of Super-Pets (also featuring Batman, this time voiced by Keanu Reeves) is set to debut this summer. While no specific reason was given for these delays, they are likely covid related, as the world is still adapting to living with the virus

DC films are in a strange state, with some seemingly connected to the ongoing universe featured in Justice League, such as Aquaman. However, these links seem to be looser all the time, with The Batman having no links at all. With The Flash having some multiversal goings on and featuring multiple Batmen, perhaps the universe could be “cleaned up” and streamlined.

Become something more

Catwoman could get her own spin-off following the reception to her appearance in the film // Credit: DC/ Warner Brothers 2022

Despite not being in the main DC continuity, it’s unlikely we’ve seen the last of Robert Pattinson’s version of the caped crusader and his world. The cast and crew have spoken about other villains they would like to include, such as Mr. Freeze, the Court of Owls and a teenage Robin. Reeves has said he would be interested in making more, with a scene towards the end, as well as a deleted scene, featuring Barry Keoghan as the Joker. The box office and reception make a sequel seem inevitable.

A prequel spin-off based on Colin Farrell’s Penguin is also reportedly in the works. As well as rumours about one based around Catwoman. A Batgirl film is also in the works, with Leslie Grace in the title role, although it is unlikely this will connect to the current series. While a Gotham PD and an Arkham Asylum were also pitched, these appear to have stalled or been cancelled. The Riddler is also getting his own comic series, announced via the Rataalada site used in the film and as a promotional site.

Although DC’s film slate might not be going exactly as planned this year, there is still plenty to look forward to, and it seems certain that Pattinson’s Batman will return at some point.

Also Read: The Perfect Batman: A Look At The Actor & Director Duos Behind The Films

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