The DCEU: The Near Perfect Batman Movie Adaptation I’ve Been Waiting For and My Disappointment at Its Absence

Though Batman has not enjoyed any dedicated solo films within the DCEU, the franchise made strides towards adapting some of DC’s most legendary narratives into live-action. Various iterations of the Dark Knight have graced the big screen, each exploring different facets of Batman’s rich lore. From his early days and origins to his enduring conflict with the Joker and his dynamic relationships with characters like Alfred, James Gordon, and Robin, the cinematic portrayal of Batman has taken many shapes over the years. Yet, numerous iconic stories remain untouched by the lens of Hollywood.

Significant story arcs such as Batman: RIP, Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, and Batman: The Killing Joke still await faithful film adaptations. Furthermore, villainous figures like Hush, Hugo Strange, and Solomon Grundy, alongside heroes such as Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown, have yet to make their live-action debuts. Looking forward, James Gunn’s upcoming DC Universe (DCU) promises a deeper exploration of Batman’s expansive mythos. Interestingly, the DCEU nearly brought to life a narrative that the new DCU may not touch for some time.

The DCEU Had Everything It Needed To Adapt Batman: Under The Red Hood

The DCEU Could Have Had A Batman Solo Movie Centered Around Red Hood

In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the portrayal of a hardened Batman came to the forefront, depicting him as a cynical vigilante who was pushed beyond his limits. This version of Ben Affleck’s Batman reveals his darker side, breaking his code against killing in response to the tragic murder of Robin at the hands of the Joker. A poignant scene shows Batman mourning Robin’s death through a brief moment where he gazes at the tattered remains of his sidekick’s costume, vandalized by the Joker. Harley Quinn’s backstory in the DCEU also suggests her involvement in this tragedy.

What set the DCEU apart from other live-action adaptations of Batman was its sprawling universe filled with fantastical elements and characters. Following Robin’s death, Batman faced the tremendous task of preventing an apocalyptic event, leading to the formation of the Justice League to resurrect Superman after his battle with Doomsday. Had the DCEU not come to a close, the resurrection of Robin could have paved the way for a cinematic rendition of Batman: Under the Red Hood.

It May Take A Long Time For The DCU To Have Its Red Hood

The DCU’s Jason Todd Will Probably Remain Robin For A While

Batman DCU With White Eyes Tease Custom Image — Custom Image by Kevin Erdmann

With the conclusion of the DCEU, the next opportunity for DC to bring the Red Hood storyline to life in a live-action film lies in James Gunn’s DCU. The new Batman debuted in Creature Commandos, featuring glimpses of his character throughout the series. Upcoming projects such as Dynamic Duo intend to introduce DCU’s Jason Todd, hinting at his tragic fate and transformation into the Red Hood. However, it may take over seven years before audiences see this evolution, as the franchise needs to first develop its Batman and Bat-Family narrative.

Starting a franchise with the Red Hood storyline may not be the most suitable choice, given that it heavily relies on audience investment in the character through multiple appearances. The DCU will bypass Batman’s origin narrative, and by the time he is portrayed in The Brave and the Bold, he will already be in the role of mentor to Damian Wayne. Consequently, all past Robins will need some background establishment before diving into Jason Todd’s story arc.

A DCU Red Hood Storyline May Still Be Better Than A DCEU Adaptation

The DCU’s Red Hood Story Could Be Better Than The DCEU’s Adaptation Would Have Been

Red Hood With Batman and dead robin Jason Todd in background

Although the DCEU had the potential for a remarkable live-action adaptation of Batman: Under the Red Hood, it may not have captured the true essence of the comic book storyline. Reports indicated that Zack Snyder originally envisioned the deceased Robin as Dick Grayson rather than Jason Todd, leaving the DCEU with a singular Batman sidekick narrative that would lack depth. Additionally, Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker has not resonated well with audiences, which could have diluted the weight of major moments, such as Robin’s death, in flashbacks.

In contrast, the DCU appears committed to portraying characters’ true identities, whether they be popular figures like Superman or lesser-known heroes like the Creatures Commandos. The announcement of Dynamic Duo indicates that the DCU is poised to give the Robins and the Bat-Family the exposure they rightfully deserve. Therefore, if a Red Hood storyline is realized within James Gunn’s universe, it is likely to be more faithful and impactful compared to any adaptation the DCEU could have conceived. For now, audiences can look forward to the Red Hood narrative in Titans, which remains the only current live-action interpretation of this storyline.

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