8 Key DC Characters That Nearly Made It Into Gotham Series

Throughout its run, Gotham teased the inclusion of eight major characters from the DC Universe, yet various circumstances prevented their on-screen debuts. As a prequel exploring the Batman mythos, Gotham was celebrated for its innovative reinterpretation of well-known villains and allies, showcasing the transformation of iconic characters like Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman. Over the course of five action-packed seasons, the show navigated a dark, gripping narrative that illustrated Gotham City’s descent into chaos while paying homage to its comic book roots.

Despite the engaging storytelling, the final season of Gotham was shortened from its planned length, culminating in just 12 episodes. This condensed run, along with various creative decisions, unfortunately led to the disposal of numerous character arcs and narratives. While the show’s conclusion embraced the essence of the Batman legend, it also left viewers contemplating the potential appearances of several notable characters from the DC Universe’s extensive timeline.

8 Calendar Man Was Teased Repeatedly

Gotham Repeatedly Hinted At Calendar Man’s Inclusion

Showrunner John Stephens openly advocated for the introduction of Calendar Man, a character infamous for his date-obsessed criminal activities. With his thematic connection to the calendar, Calendar Man was poised to fit seamlessly into the show’s eclectic lineup of villains. Stephens revealed that the character was nearly integrated into the storyline during season three, but those plans ultimately fell through.

Interestingly, Calendar Man’s possible appearance was hinted at as early as season two. Creator Bruno Heller teased his inclusion in promotional interviews, while the official Gotham Twitter account cryptically noted, “Call the Calendar Man, we’ve got a date for #Gotham Season 2!” This foreshadowing offered fans exciting anticipation for a character whose meticulous approach to crime would have enhanced the show’s narrative depth significantly.

Despite the hope for his return, Calendar Man never made it to the screen. Executive Producer Danny Cannon acknowledged interest in the character yet lamented that he remained undeveloped throughout the series. The chilling precision and unique personality of Calendar Man would have added a fascinating dynamic to the tumultuous environment of Gotham, but alas, he remained an unused opportunity.

7 Harley Quinn Was At One Point Confirmed

Harley Quinn Was Nearly Introduced On Several Occasions

Harley Quinn, a character who has captivated audiences worldwide, was also a potential addition to Gotham. During the season three finale, titled “Heroes Rise: Heavydirtysoul,” there were strong suggestions regarding her inclusion. Showrunner John Stephens hinted that she would be linked to the established Joker cult within the series.

Despite the buzz surrounding her character, Harley Quinn ultimately failed to appear within the series. The shortened final season severely restricted opportunities for new character developments and expansions to ongoing storylines. Fans of the show were left wondering how Harley’s unique brand of chaos could have disrupted the Joker-centric arcs and injected additional unpredictability into the narrative.

6 Killer Croc Was Planned And Would Have Been Ideal For Gotham

Many DC Monsters Appeared In Gotham

The grotesque and tragic Killer Croc was another character who came shockingly close to making an appearance in Gotham. Much like Harley Quinn, he was considered for the season three finale, “Heroes Rise: Heavydirtysoul.”With his haunting backstory and fearsome appearance, Killer Croc would have aligned naturally with the show’s diverse array of villains.

Killer Croc, or Waylon Jones, represents the classic theme of alienation present in many Gotham characters—his transformation into a reptilian figure reflecting society’s rejection of him. Such a narrative would have resonated powerfully within the show’s overarching theme of villains sculpted by their brutal environment. His storyline would have integrated beautifully into the transformations orchestrated by Hugo Strange.

Sadly, despite the promising potential, Killer Croc was ultimately left on the cutting room floor. Budget constraints may have played a role in his exclusion, as bringing his character to life would have necessitated extensive effects work. Nonetheless, his combination of ferocity and tragic vulnerability leaves his absence as one of Gotham’s most missed chances.

5 Lady Shiva’s Debut Was Scripted

One Of DC’s Deadliest Assassins

Lady Shiva, recognized as one of DC’s top assassins and martial artists, was also set to appear in Gotham. Initial scripts for season four’s finale, “A Dark Knight: No Man’s Land,” included a montage that hinted at her rise among the various villains. This introduction would have positioned her as a formidable presence in the show’s climactic moments.

Not only was Lady Shiva confirmed for the fourth season, but she was also slated to play a significant role in the fifth season amidst Gotham City’s increasing disorder. Her connection to the League of Shadows, along with her unmatched fighting abilities, would have established her as a powerful foe within Gotham’s already complex dynamic.

Unfortunately, the reduction in episode count resulted in numerous storylines and character arcs being cut, including Lady Shiva’s vital introduction. Her character would have enhanced the lineup of strong female antagonists, making her absence one of the show’s more notable lost opportunities.

4 Condiment King Was Frequently Suggested

Condiment King Originated In Batman: The Animated Series

Condiment King in Batman: The Animated Series

Not every villain had to emanate darkness and foreboding. John Stephens repeatedly pitched the comedic villain Condiment King, known for his ludicrous condiment-themed weapons and antics. This eccentric character was proposed as a means to inject humor into Gotham’s otherwise dark narrative.

However, despite Stephens’ enthusiasm, the idea was even consistently turned down. Some viewed Condiment King’s quirky premise as too absurd; yet given the show’s track record of reimagining characters, it’s likely that a compelling version could have emerged. With the right creative approach, he might have served as a witty satire reflecting the over-the-top criminals inhabiting Gotham City.

A humorous subplot involving Condiment King could have introduced moments of levity amidst the show’s darker plots. As demonstrated with characters such as the Balloonman, the series had successfully embraced eccentricity within its framework. Thus, the absence of Condiment King highlights the show’s balance between gravity and whimsy, leaving fans with a lingering sense of “what if?”

3 Man-Bat Was Teased In Gotham

Man-Bat Is A Classic Batman Villain

The character of Man-Bat offered tantalizing hints toward the more supernatural elements of Gotham City. His dual nature and internal conflict would have created a compelling storyline, particularly as Bruce Wayne edged toward his fate as Batman; however, the narrative regarding this bat-winged figure remained overshadowed and unexplored during season five.

John Stephens, previously joked that fans would not see Man-Bat appear in the series for a considerable time, even suggesting a hypothetical season 13. While the character showcased during the montage might have been an Easter egg, his potential for a dynamic role in the plot ultimately went unrealized. Regardless, the missed opportunity to explore Man-Bat’s character could have added a unique layer of intrigue to the series.

2 Tabitha Galavan Never Became Tigress

Tabitha Galavan Was An Original Character Based On Tigress

Tabitha Galavan and Butch Gilzean in Gotham

One of Gotham’s most compelling original characters, Tabitha Galavan, hinted at an eventual transformation into the character Tigress. While unique to the show, she was based on the DC supervillain and demonstrated combat skills, agility, and a complex relationship with Barbara Kean that foreshadowed her evolution into this persona.

Despite her prominence in earlier seasons, Tabitha’s incomplete transformation to Tigress represents a missed narrative opportunity. Her shift from ally to antagonist could have greatly enhanced the show’s final moments, leaving viewers questioning how her character arc might have developed had the series continued.

1 Harvey Dent Never Became Two-Face

Harvey Dent’s Transformation Into Two-Face Typically Occurs After Bruce’s Into Batman

Harvey Dent’s evolution into Two-Face is among the most celebrated origin tales in Batman lore, yet Gotham never offered him that opportunity. Portrayed by Nicholas D’Agosto, Harvey emerged in season one and was elevated to series regular in season two, yet his role was surprisingly limited.

D’Agosto noted that the production team didn’t think it was the right time for Dent to transform into his notorious alter ego, emphasizing the series’ crowded character roster. Additionally, showrunner John Stephens acknowledged the difficulty in crafting a distinct portrayal of Two-Face, given the character’s transformation typically occurs after Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. Although discussions of a prototype Two-Face surfaced, these plans were ultimately shelved.

Harvey Dent’s absence in later seasons of Gotham ranks as one of the show’s prominent oversights. His tragic narrative arc of duality and descent would have enriched the series immensely as it drew closer to its climax. The lack of closure for such an essential character remains a significant disappointment, marking one of the most regrettable outcomes amid the show’s untimely cancellation.

Source&Images