As Jack Nicholson’s Joker queried in the 1989 ‘Batman’ film, “And where is the Batman?” (Answer: “He’s at home, washing his tights!”) It’s doubtful that this is the case in ‘Birds of Prey’, but nevertheless, Batman is missing and it appears he has been for quite some time. It’s the lack of a Dark Knight that necessitates the formation of the titular team, composed of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Jurnee Smollett-Bell’s Black Canary, Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s The Huntress, and Gotham City police detective Renee Montoya, played by Rosie Perez.
While there is no explanation as to why Batman is absent, it appears this insider scoop states that in the ‘Birds of Prey’ script, that there is a line that references his absence. This comes from Daniel from Super Bro Movies:
From what I understand there is a line in the script that someone mention how no one has seen Batman in Gotham for two years and that’s about it. He’s probably with The League or maybe they’ll answer it in his solo movie somehow ♂ https://t.co/1fD4dwT3w8
— Daniel R (@DanielRPK) September 27, 2018
There hasn’t been much buzz about the upcoming DC movies. Perhaps there were plans to explain Batman’s absence by sending him off on a lengthy mission with the Justice League, perhaps to Apokolips? This Twitter user speculates that there might be an explanation given in the ‘Batman’ solo movie, but that film (reportedly) takes place in the past and focuses on Bruce Wayne earlier into his crime-fighting career. Then again, there may be some plans for the cinematic Batman behind the scenes that outsiders aren’t privy to just yet.
‘Birds of Prey’ is being directed by Cathy Yan, based on a script by Christina Hodson. Ewan McGregor portrays the film’s villain, Black Mask. Relative newcomer, Ella Jay Basco will portray Cassandra Cain, a character from the comics who has operated both as a deadly assassin and as Batgirl. Hodson is also penning the script for Warner Brothers’ ‘Batgirl’ movie, so it’s possible that ‘Birds of Prey’ will set that up.
What do you think of a Batman-free Gotham in the films?
‘Birds of Prey’ is expected to premiere in theaters on February 7, 2020.
