The Exciting Future of Batman in the DC Universe

The Next Iteration of Batman

The upcoming Arkham Asylum TV series will be set in the DC Universe, putting it in an excellent position to prime viewers for the next iteration of Batman. One of the first DC Extended Universe characters to be confirmed for a recast is Ben Affleck’s Batman. Affleck left the role before he could finish developing his DCEU-set Batman solo movie, leading Matt Reeves to create an all-new iteration of the Dark Knight – played by Robert Pattinson – in the 2022 film The Batman. DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has confirmed that The Batman and its forthcoming sequels and spinoffs are not part of the DCU, however.

The Batman Arkham Asylum explains why so many villains

The new era of the franchise will eventually introduce its own iteration of Batman in the upcoming DC movie The Brave and the Bold, which is based on Grant Morrison’s Modern Age Batman comics and will feature both Batman and the Damian Wayne iteration of Robin. The Brave and the Bold will also be directed by Andy Muschietti, who previously played a part in the DCEU timeline by directing the film The Flash, which featured both the Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton iterations of Batman. Gunn has also revealed that the upcoming TV series Arkham Asylum, despite being produced by Matt Reeves, will be set in the DCU and not the same universe as The Batman.

Damian Wayne and Batman in DC Comics and The Brave and the Bold

The Role of Arkham Asylum in Introducing the New Batman

Matt Reeves has described the Arkham Asylum TV series as having a “haunted house” feel and blending the superhero and horror genres. It is unknown which of Arkham’s inmates will appear, but it is safe to assume that the series will explore Batman’s established rogue’s gallery in the DCU. The series lacks a release date for the time being, but assuming that it releases before The Brave and the Bold, the series can indirectly reveal key details about the DCU’s version of Batman before he even appears. The Arkham inmates and staff will likely discuss their respective experiences with Batman, establishing the new iteration’s traits - but even if the Dark Knight isn't referenced, seeing who he's fought provides its own context.

The fact that The Brave and the Bold will feature Damian Wayne as Robin (Wayne is the fifth Robin in the mainstream comic universes) implies that the DCU version of Batman is a veteran crime fighter who has already established the “Bat Family” of vigilantes. This would also strongly suggest that most of Batman’s famous foes would have well-established histories with the Caped Crusader, allowing Arkham Asylum to explore his career thoroughly. Of course, there is also a possibility that Batman himself may show up in the series in a cameo, further preparing viewers for his starring role in The Brave and the Bold.

The Implications of Arkham Asylum for the DCU's Batman

Batman is DC’s most adapted superhero and by far their most malleable. With over 80 years of comic history and a plethora of varying interpretations, Batman has been a grim and brutal vigilante, a lighthearted adventurer, and everything in between. James Gunn has revealed that the DCU’s Batman will take inspiration from Grant Morrison’s comics, but Arkham Asylum is in the best position to prepare viewers for the tone of the new Dark Knight. The varying stories of Batman’s methods, the state he leaves his enemies in, and the level of dread Arkham inmates feel towards him could speak volumes about the DCU’s Batman before his first full appearance.