The BatVerse[1], also known as The Batman Saga[2] and The Batman Epic Crime Saga[3] is a shared franchise based on characters of DC Comics.
History[edit | hide | hide all]
DC Extended Universe[edit | hide]
After Ben Affleck had been cast as Bruce Wayne in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, production of The Batman began, with Affleck set to direct, produce, co-write, and star in as of July 15. Geoff Johns was also set to co-write the screenplay with Affleck.[4][5] Jeremy Irons and Joe Manganiello were both set to appear in the film as Alfred Pennyworth and Slade Wilson respectively, the latter being included in the post-credit scenes in Zack Snyder's Justice League to further connect the shared universe.[6][7][8]
Matt Reeves[edit | hide]
In January 2017, Affleck announced that he would step down as director, but will continue to produce and star in the film.[9] Snyder's post-credit scene was also edited and reshot to tease the Injustice League in future installments instead after Warner Bros. revaluation on their approach towards superhero films. The original version was later restored in Zack Snyder's Justice League.[8] A replacement for Affleck was then searched for, with Matt Reeves officially hired on February 23, 2017.[10] Reeves then began to write the film, removing connections to the DC Extended Universe and opted to a story focused on the early stages of Batman's career.[11] As a result, Affleck confirmed that he was no longer attached to the film, and decided to step down due a combination of different factors, including his divorce from Jennifer Garner, the production of Justice League, his lack of enjoyment, and his alcohol problems at the time.[12]
Production of The Batman[edit | hide]
On May 31, 2019, Robert Pattinson was hired to replace Affleck in the role of Batman.[13] Filming ultimately began in January 2020 and lasted until March 21, 2021, with the COVID-19 pandemic contributing to the various restrictions and delays to the production.[14][15] After several delays since its initial June 2021 release date, The Batman premiered on March 1, 2022, at the Lincoln Center and on March 4, 2022, in the United States.
Spin-Offs[edit | hide]
The success of The Batman resulted in the announcement of various spin-off projects, with The Penguin focusing on Colin Farrell's Oz Cobb, The Riddler: Year One written by Paul Dano and based on his portrayal of Edward Nashton, an untitled Arkham Asylum series and a Gotham City Police Department series. A sequel, titled The Batman Part II was also greenlit. Consequently, the shared universe of the projects was dubbed the "BatVerse".[1] The Arkham Asylum series was later reworked as a part of the DC Universe. Max later announced that they would not be moving forward with the project.[16]
Released Media[edit | hide]
Films[edit | hide]
-
The Batman
(2022)
Upcoming[edit | hide]
- The Batman Part II (2025)
Television Series[edit | hide]
Upcoming[edit | hide]
-
The Penguin (2024)
-
GCPD (TBA)
Books[edit | hide]
Companion Books[edit | hide]
-
The Art of The Batman
(2022)
Novels[edit | hide]
Comics[edit | hide]
-
The Riddler: Year One
(2022-2023)
References[edit | hide]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Director Matt Reeves Confirms The Batman: Part II With Robert Pattinson: Really Excited About What We're Doing
- ↑ Max on X: "The streets will know his name."
- ↑ The Penguin will bridge the gap between The Batman and the upcoming sequel (exclusive)
- ↑ Ben Affleck To Team With DC's Geoff Johns On Stand-Alone 'Batman' Film: Comic Con
- ↑ 'Batman': Ben Affleck in Talks to Star in, Co-Write, Possibly Direct Standalone Movie
- ↑ Jeremy Irons Talks 'Justice League,' Oscar Bait Role in 'Man Who Knew Infinity'
- ↑ Joe Manganiello to Play Villain Deathstroke in Ben Affleck's Batman Movie
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Joe Manganiello reveals new details about Ben Affleck's abandoned 'Batman' movie: 'It was really cool, really dark and really hard'
- ↑ Ben Affleck Will Not Direct 'The Batman' (EXCLUSIVE)
- ↑ As You Read Here, Matt Reeves Is New 'Batman' Director
- ↑ Warner Bros. Shifts DC Strategy Amid Executive Change-Up
- ↑ 'The Batman' To Fly In Summer 2021; Ben Affleck Passes The Torch To Next Generation Of Bruce Wayne
- ↑ Robert Pattinson Is Officially 'The Batman'
- ↑ Criminals Of Gotham, Beware: 'The Batman' Has Begun Filming
- ↑ Vengeance in the Making
- ↑ Arkham Asylum TV Series No Longer Moving Forward at Max (EXCLUSIVE)