Batman Beyond

Following the success of Sony’s ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’, it looks as though Warner Brothers wants to take a similar approach by creating an animated ‘Batman Beyond’ movie for the big screen, with an eye on 2022 as the release date.  No further information has been announced, including the creative team.

‘Batman Beyond’ (known as ‘Batman of the Future’ in some parts of the world) was an original animated series created by Warner Brothers that aired from 1999-2001, and served as a sequel of sorts to ‘Batman: The Animated Series’.  It was created by the same creative team, Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett.  The series was set in the futuristic Neo-Gotham in the year 2039.  Kevin Conroy reprised his role as Bruce Wayne, now retired and living in isolation with his huge dog Ace.  Barbara Gordon has retired as Batgirl, and has succeeded her father as Gotham Police Commissioner.  High schooler Terry McGinnis takes on the role of the new Batman, wearing a nanotech suit that allows him to fly and grants him super strength, among other enhancements.  In addition to taking on futuristic versions of classic villains, including The Jokerz, a street gang inspired by Batman’s greatest foe, and Mr. Freeze, now just a preserved head with various robotic bodies, Terry amassed his own rogues gallery including ruthless businessman Derek Powers, also known as the radioactive Blight, and the shapeshifting Inque.

In a controversial move, it was later revealed that Terry was Bruce’s biological son, due to some high tech tinkering.  Audiences were split on that development.

The idea of a new younger hero learning from an older experienced champion is basically the plot for ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’, so it’s logical that WB could see the potential in bringing this concept to the big screen.

In 2000 a direct-to-DVD animated movie, ‘Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker’ was released but was famously censored for graphic violence, including the torture and brainwashing of Robin, who was drawn as particularly child-like, and the electrocution death of The Joker.  An uncensored version was later released.

Also in 2000, Warner Brothers announced plans for a live-action ‘Batman Beyond’ movie which never came to fruition.

‘Batman Beyond’ was a big hit at the time, but the futuristic concept has been out of the spotlight for many years now.  Audiences could be ready for a fresh visit to Neo-Gotham.

One person that is looking forward to this idea is Will Friedle, the original voice of Terry McGinnis, who tweeted:

Although it has since been revealed that WB wants an Asian American for the part of Terry.

Are you intrigued by a new ‘Batman Beyond’ animated theatrical movie?

Source: The GWW