Upcoming Batman Movies and TV Series to Look Forward To

Batman, one of DC's most iconic superheroes, has been a staple in various movies and TV shows. Making his debut in DC Comics in 1939's Detective Comics #27, Gotham's Dark Knight has risen to become one of the most well-known characters in comic book history. Currently, there are several live-action and animated projects in the works that will showcase the Caped Crusader or his allies. In the near future, a new actor will step into the role in James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe when The Brave and the Bold movie premieres in theaters.

Audiences will have plenty of options to see Batman in the coming years, whether through theatrical releases, live-action TV shows, or animated series. Although Batman often interacts with super-powered individuals, Bruce Wayne himself possesses no extraordinary abilities aside from his access to advanced technology and vast wealth. As a result, Batman serves as a symbol of hope and protection, inspiring even ordinary individuals to make a positive impact. Below is a rundown of all the upcoming movies and TV shows featuring Batman or his supporting characters.

Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths - Part Two & Three

Batgirl and Batman Beyond fighting together in Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths Part Two Trailer - Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths - Part Two & Three

Joker: Folie à Deux

The second part of Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths is scheduled to be released on April 23, 2024, following the January release of the first part. This multiverse-travelling adventure will serve as the final chapter in the animated Tomorrowverse franchise, promising a blend of action and climactic endings for many beloved DC characters. The series will be concluded with Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths - Part Three, which does not have a confirmed release date yet, but is expected to come out in 2024 to ensure all three parts are released in the same year.

Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn holding Joaquin Phoenix's Joker in 2024's Joker Folie a Deux - Joker: Folie à Deux

Set to hit theaters on October 4, 2024, Joker: Folie à Deux, directed by Todd Phillips, will feature Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck, also known as Joker. Joining him is the talented Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. This standalone Joker franchise exists separately from the main DC Universe, allowing for creative storytelling and the possibility of a new Batman character. In the previous film, Joker, we saw a young Bruce Wayne played by Dante Pereira-Olson. While not confirmed, there is speculation that Bruce Wayne may make another appearance in Folie à Deux, especially after the tragic events in the first movie.

The Penguin

colin farrell as the penguin looking offscreen - The Penguin

The year 2022 marked the debut of Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne in The Batman, a more realistic and gritty take on the Caped Crusader's story, directed by Matt Reeves.

The Penguin: Rise to Power

Colin Farrell also made his debut as the Penguin, an iconic Batman villain who has not yet become the crime kingpin as depicted in DC Comics. A spinoff of The Batman, HBO Max's The Penguin series is scheduled to be released in 2024. The series will delve into the Penguin's ascension to power in Gotham City's criminal underworld. While the focus will be on Farrell's character, there is a possibility that Pattinson may make a cameo appearance as Batman.

Batman Caped Crusader Poster - Batman: Caped Crusader

Batman: The Animated Series from the 1990s may have ended a while back, but a new series called Batman: Caped Crusader is here to carry on its legacy. Created by Bruce Timm, along with J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves, the show was originally planned for HBO Max and Cartoon Network. However, HBO decided to cancel it in August 2022. Thankfully, Amazon stepped in to rescue the series. Abrams and Reeves have shared that Batman: Caped Crusader will focus on Batman's dark and mysterious side, delving deeper into his character and psychology. While we don't have an exact premiere date yet, the show is expected to hit screens sometime in 2024.

Caped Crusader was initially set for a 2023 release, but delays have instead brought it into the 2024 release window.

The Batman - Part II

blended image with Robert Pattinson's Batman and Pattinson's Bruce Wayne from The Batman - The Batman - Part II

Robert Pattinson is set to return as Bruce Wayne in The Batman - Part II, expected to hit theaters on October 3, 2025. Following the success of The Batman, plans are in place for a third installment in the trilogy. Director Matt Reeves and Pattinson have expressed interest in introducing characters like Robin, the Court of Owls, Calendar Man, Mr. Freeze, and Hush in the sequel, although it is uncertain which characters will be included. The Batman - Part II will build on the DC Elseworlds project, expanding the franchise beyond the main DC Universe.

Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios

_Batman Azteca (1) - Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios

Bat-Family

Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios offers a new twist on the Dark Knight's story, portraying him as Yohualli Coatl, an Aztec man seeking vengeance for his parents' murder by Spanish conquistadors. This animated film also features reimagined versions of classic Batman villains like the Joker (voiced by Omar Chaparro) and Two-Face (Álvaro Morte), promising an exciting and unique take on the DC universe. Stay tuned for more updates on the release date!

Bruce Wayne in merry little batman on the phone with Alfred Pennyworth and Damian Wayne watching - Bat-Family

Merry Little Batman is a festive cartoon made by Warner Bros. Animation that follows the adventures of Batman from DC Comics. Amazon Studios picked up the special for their Prime Video service, and it came out on December 8, 2023.

The upcoming special will serve as a precursor to the new animated series called Bat-Family, currently being developed. This series will delve into the daily routines of Damian, Alfred, and Batman, along with other hinted allies. While the exact release date remains unknown, it is speculated to potentially launch in 2024 or 2025 to prevent a long gap after the initial movie.

The Brave & The Bold

Damian Wayne aiming a sword at Batman in DC Comics and The Brave and the Bold - The Brave & The Bold

James Gunn recently shared the lineup for the upcoming DCU's Chapter 1, which includes a new project featuring Batman, The Brave and the Bold. While the release date for the next Batman movie is still unknown, Gunn did mention that a new actor will be stepping into the role of Bruce Wayne. In this new project, we will also get to see Batman's son, Damian Wayne, in a live-action setting for the first time. This will be a special moment as it has been a while since we last saw Batman and Robin together on the big screen in 1997's Batman and Robin. As of now, it is uncertain who will be taking on these iconic roles.

Arkham Asylum Series

batman and joker in matt reeves the batman - Arkham Asylum Series

Even before The Batman was released, Matt Reeves had already announced that several spinoff series were being developed, one of which would take place in the infamous Arkham Asylum. Reeves mentioned that the show would have a horror theme, portraying Arkham as a haunted house and delving into the backstories of various inmates.

Although the Arkham series is now part of the main DCU timeline instead of being a spinoff from The Batman in an alternate universe, there is no confirmed premiere date yet. It is likely that the original concept will remain intact, although the horror elements may be toned down to better align with the overall tone of the DC Universe. Importantly, there is a possibility that Batman himself may make an appearance in the Arkham series, either as a way to introduce the character before his solo movie or to further establish his role in the franchise's future.

Gotham City Police Department Series

jeffrey wright as james gordon in the batman looking offscreen - Gotham City Police Department Series

Harley Quinn Season 5

Two years before The Batman was released, HBO Max agreed to develop a police procedural show centered around the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD). Initially, Matt Reeves proposed that the series would be set during Batman's early days as a vigilante, with a focus on a corrupt police officer. However, showrunner Terence Winter left the project in November 2020. In March 2022, the series was put on hold indefinitely, although there are reports that it is still in the works. Jeffrey Wright, who played James Gordon in The Batman, mentioned that he has been in discussions to reprise his role in the GCPD series.

Harley and Batman talking in the Harley Quinn TV show - Harley Quinn Season 5

Harley Quinn season 5 was officially announced for 2023, right after season 4 premiered in September. The decision makes sense since season 4 left viewers with unanswered questions and suspenseful moments that naturally set the stage for a new season. In the upcoming season, fans can expect to see Batman make an appearance, given Harley's connection to the Bat Family and the need to address Nightwing's fate from the last season.

Why Batgirl Isn't Happening

Leslie Grace at Batgirl in canceled DC Batgirl movie - Why Batgirl Isn't Happening

In 2017, development began on the movie Batgirl, set to be part of the DCEU and starring Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon, also known as Batgirl. Filming wrapped up in March 2022, but unfortunately, the film was canceled in August of the same year. Warner Bros. decided to pull the plug, citing their lack of belief in the project and cost-cutting measures as reasons for the abrupt cancellation. It's a shame as Batgirl would have introduced a fresh new Batman to the big screen, but it seems like that may not happen now.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming slate of Batman-related projects promises an exciting and diverse array of content for fans of the iconic superhero. From theatrical releases to animated series, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The upcoming films, including "Joker: Folie à Deux" and "The Batman - Part II," will delve into the characters' psyches and expand the cinematic universe of Batman. The animated series, such as "Batman: Caped Crusader" and "Bat-Family," will explore different aspects of Batman's world, from his dark and mysterious nature to his relationships with his allies. With so many projects in the works, the future of Batman on screen looks bright.

The article also highlights the complexities and challenges of bringing Batman to the big and small screens. The cancellation of "Batgirl" is a reminder that even highly anticipated projects can face unexpected obstacles. However, it also shows that Warner Bros. is committed to delivering quality Batman content and is willing to make difficult decisions to ensure that the franchise remains strong. The upcoming projects are a testament to the enduring popularity of Batman and the creative talent that continues to be drawn to his character.