Despite severe backlash, James Gunn’s DC Studios is working diligently to launch the new DCU. Fan discussions and speculations are rampant, and recently, discussions on X centered around the possibility of reintroducing Robin into the DCU after being killed off in the DCEU. Robin had previously been portrayed in live-action films by Chris O’Donnell and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
In a later interview, Zack Snyder confirmed that the DCEU Robin’s identity is Richard “Dick” Grayson. According to DC Comics, Dick Grayson moved on from being Batman’s sidekick and adopted the independent superhero identity, Nightwing. Interestingly, this Robin incarnation was prominently featured in the HBO series, Titans, played by Brenton Thwaites.
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Fans Speculate Brenton Thwaites As Nightwing In James Gunn’s DCU
Brenton Thwaites, who previously appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales as Will Turner’s son Henry, played the leader of the teen superhero team in Titans. In the first season of the series, Dick Grayson sought to step out of Batman’s shadow and distance himself from the Robin identity. By the second season, he fully embraced the identity of Nightwing and trained a new team of Titans.
The series ended after four seasons, with the later seasons declining in quality. However, fans on X have rekindled their interest in the character, hoping to see Brenton Thwaites reprise the character in the DCU. One account, @blurayangel, ignited discussions by seeking opinions about the actor and character, as he wrote:
How would you feel if Brenton Thwaites stayed as Nightwing in James Gunn’s DC universe? pic.twitter.com/YZnuCsXWnT
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) October 13, 2023
Surprisingly, fan responses were largely positive and in favor of the actor. In previous portrayals of Robin, while Chris O’Donnell’s performance received mixed responses from the audience, Joseph Gordon-Levitt never had the opportunity to fully assume his Robin identity. Interestingly, there was a point where Leonardo DiCaprio was also considered for the role.
Brendon Thwaites Gets The Thumbs-Up From The Fans
Although it’s highly unlikely for James Gunn to concede to such fan demands, Brenton Thwaites has become a popular choice for DCU’s Nightwing among fans. It is unclear whether the character will appear in the first Batman film of the new franchise, The Brave and the Bold. While fans are excited about the prospect, they pointed out the need for a new suit and better writing, two things the character lacked in Titans. Some fans shared their thoughts:
I liked him as Nightwing. Get him a better suit and I’m gucci tbh.
— 𐌊𐌉𐌍Ᏽ 𐌁’𐌂𐋅𐌀𐌋𐌋𐌀 (@kingbchalla) October 13, 2023
He was good. Best part of the show by far.
— Honestly Reckless- AKA Dave (@henrydavidmoses) October 14, 2023
That would be the DREAM
— sabrina 🦇 @ NYCC (@nightwaynes) October 13, 2023
He’s too good for Gunn
— Samuel Jones (@Helsingdemon1) October 13, 2023
Actor is good but definitely need to write home better and I’d like a suit a bit more similar to the current Tom Taylor run
— Joshuwa Shelton (@Jashforlife96) October 13, 2023
Fine. He was great. Better writing and production he’ll be greater
— Liam (@Coachable_) October 13, 2023
The first film in the DCU, Superman: Legacy, helmed by James Gunn himself, is scheduled for release in 2025. Andy Muschietti, the director of The Flash, has been brought in to direct the Batman film. It is now up to Gunn and Muschietti to decide the fate of Robin / Nightwing in the DCU.
Fans unfamiliar with the Nightwing character, and Brandon Thwaites, can form their opinions after streaming Titans on Max.
