The Ultimate Blueprint: How the Arkham Series Will Revolutionize the DCU Batman

James Gunn and Peter Safran are leading the charge for the new DC Studios, overseeing a reboot of the DCEU. As part of this reboot, the iconic Batman is set to be recast, but this time he won't be alone in his fight against crime. Batman will be joined by his Bat-Family, creating an exciting new dynamic in the upcoming film, "The Brave and the Bold." The plot of this film focuses on Batman and his partner Damian Wayne's Robin. While the cast for "The Brave and the Bold" has yet to be decided, one thing is certain - the DCU Batman will be portrayed as a more seasoned crime-fighter, in contrast to the earlier solo renditions in the first two years of his crime-fighting career.

Batman has had a long-standing presence in live-action cinema, but recent interpretations, particularly those by Christopher Nolan and Matt Reeves, have taken a more realistic and grounded approach to the character. This seemed like a promising direction, especially after the negative reception of "Batman & Robin." However, one crucial factor to consider is Batman's integration into the wider superhero universe of the DCU. In this context, it is important for the new Batman to embody the qualities of a consummate superhuman, capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his fellow Justice League members. This approach takes inspiration from the successful Arkham video game series, which struck the perfect balance between the mystical and grounded aspects of Batman's character.

Batman vs. Superman Had A Near-Perfect Portrayal of Batman

Ben Affleck's portrayal of Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was heavily influenced by Frank Miller's comics. This iteration of the Dark Knight portrayed a more mature and physically formidable version of the character. In the movie, Batman fearlessly challenged the mighty Superman, utilizing an armored bat-suit to level the playing field. Despite Superman's incredible powers, Batman cleverly used Kryptonite to immobilize him and emerged as the victorious in their epic battle. Additionally, Batman's skills and heroism were evident in the highly acclaimed warehouse scene, where he courageously saved Martha Kent from a group of armed thugs, solidifying it as one of the most unforgettable Batman action sequences.

Despite Ben Affleck's Batman showing promise, DC Studios could have better supported his character's development through proper planning. Despite being a crucial member of the Justice League, he was deprived of the opportunity for a standalone Batman movie. Recent reports have uncovered details about a shelved Batman film that would have delved into his extensive 80-year history and pitted him against Deathstroke. However, his more recent portrayal in The Flash received mixed reactions.

Although Ben Affleck's Batman initially presented a fresh interpretation with great potential, mismanagement and poor planning from DC and Warner Bros. ultimately resulted in the end of Affleck's portrayal. This significant factor is one of the primary motivations behind DC's decision to reboot the franchise.

DCU's Batman Should Take Inspiration From Arkham Series Batman

Batman's storytelling is unparalleled in the Arkham series, with the incredible voice acting of the late Kevin Conroy and the captivating open world of Gotham. This franchise stands as one of the greatest in video game history for various reasons. The series is dedicated to accurately portraying the character from the comic books, allowing players to delve into his psyche and explore his human side. Despite the presence of other iconic superheroes like Superman, Flash, and Green Lantern in the Arkham universe, Batman remains just as powerful while adhering to a realistic approach. The representation of the character strikes a perfect balance between grounded realism and fantastical elements.

In the Arkham series, Batman is depicted at the height of his physical abilities, portraying a more mature and experienced Dark Knight similar to the one portrayed in the recent DCEU. After years of tirelessly fighting crime in Gotham City, he is equipped with a vast array of bat gadgets and cutting-edge technology. The final installment, Batman: Arkham Knight, showcases the unwavering determination and immense power of the Caped Crusader as he single-handedly restores order to a city in chaos, all while battling a relentless foe.

The Dark Knight's incredible determination and might are highlighted in this portrayal. By drawing inspiration from the Arkham series' portrayal of Batman, The Brave and the Bold has the potential to find a winning formula for success. The film's adaptation of Grant Morrison's comics already aligns with Arkham Batman's focus on detection, which has not been extensively explored in previous Batman movies. Furthermore, the positive aspect of similar character relationships, including Robin as a main character, adds to the appeal of The Brave and the Bold showcasing the entire Bat-Family.

Another opportunity for the film to capitalize on is expanding the character's extensive rogues' gallery. This is especially important as some of Batman's adversaries have been overused in previous movies. The Joker, in particular, even had a minor on-screen appearance in The Batman.

The Brave and the Bold can bring in fresh adversaries from Batman's list of enemies, including Man-Bat, Dr. Hugo Strange, and even the well-known Arkham Knight, also known as Red Hood. With the inclusion of Damian Wayne, the third Robin, there is a great opportunity for Red Hood to have a more prominent role. While Matt Reeves's The Batman takes a more realistic and down-to-earth approach, The Brave and the Bold seems ready to delve into the other end of the spectrum. Having two live-action versions of Batman at the same time might seem confusing, but it could ultimately enhance the character and showcase his diverse interpretations.