X-Men ’97 has conquered the entire internet and superhero world as fans are elated to have their favorite show back after ages. In a time when the MCU is fumbling with most of its live-action projects, the animated X-Men show proves how a good show can make a difference. The animated show’s success has even raised a conversation about the revival of many other fan-favorite shows. Amidst this, certain DC fans also argue that reviving the DCAU could be an incredible move.
The ‘DC Animated Universe’ or DCAU is one of the most celebrated aspects of the world of Superman and Batman. It presented some of the best story adaptations that can even beat most of DC’s live-action adaptations. Although revisiting the animated realm of DC sounds lucrative, the absence of the legendary Kevin Conroy has the fans doubtful if it will be a good idea.
Can DCAU’s revival mimic the success of X-Men ’97?
DC live-action has not been able to compete against Marvel in the aspect of a cinematic universe. Although certain DC projects like The Dark Knight Trilogy, The Batman, and the Joker have been applauded by audiences, they could not chalk out a universal superhero universe for the fans. However, animation is a department where they won over Marvel and delivered some of the most impressive works in the DCAU and the DCAMU (DC Animated Movie Universe).
The DCAU started with Batman: The Animated Series in 1992 and gave us some of the greatest stories and adaptations of all time before having its end with Justice League Unlimited in 2006. The universe was intricately planned and can even compete with successful cinematic universes. With the late Kevin Conroy‘s series, it presented us with the best Batman adaptation of all time.
With its rich storyline, stellar voice cast, and impressive animation, the DCAU will be remembered by ardent fans for a long time. However, when the question of revisiting the animated universe was raised on X, the responses turned out to be very skeptical. Most fans agree that it can never mimic X-Men ’97’s success due to several factors, with the most notable being Kevin Conroy’s unfortunate demise.
Kevin Conroy’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader is still regarded as legendary and the best. However, sadly, the legend passed away after his final portrayal of the superhero in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (which undoubtedly failed to do him justice). His absence has also led Joker voice actor Mark Hamill to retire from his role. The man who had the best Joker laugh refused (via Screen Rant) to play the character anymore, in the absence of his dear friend and collaborator.
The fans agree that it will be a bad idea to revive DCAU
A certain section of fans may agree that even X-Men‘s entire cast did not return for the latest show, but everyone knows Kevin Conroy is the undisputable legend in voice acting. Even the most renowned actors could not match his Dark Knight popularity. On the other hand, despite two Oscar-winning iterations, Mark Hamill still has a name for the best Joker laugh of all time.
Voice acting is extremely important for an animated project. So, the absence of Conroy and Hamill will surely have a major impact if the DCAU is revived anytime now. Their legacy and the respect of the fans will have a destructive effect on the studio if things go wrong. This has led to a major discussion on the internet regarding the series’ revival, with a few fans even claiming that it should be done without the character of Batman. Let’s take a look at some tweets:
I concur. There are actors who can voice Batman as well as Kevin Conroy did, like Bruce Greenwood and Jensen Ackles, but Conroy was the DCAU Batman–irreplaceable.
— DamiⒶn (@anarkissed__) March 28, 2024
Other VAs did their respective iterations of Batman very well! That doesn’t mean somebody has to step in and take over the one Kevin was known for.
— The Green Kasey 🎃 (@RawbertBeef) March 28, 2024
I’d gladly take a movie or show not involving Batman.
— David J (@Mr_Bogard) March 28, 2024
It is not that I wouldn’t want it is more that I don’t trust modern Hollywood with it. I don’t care for nostalgia bait. If they are going to bring it back then I want it to be good as the original or even better.
— Manny マニー (@hanpanspirit) March 28, 2024
Yeah as much as I’d love this to happen it also wouldn’t be the same.
— Adam (@RicherAdam) March 28, 2024
Without Conroy, the DCAU has no touch
— NightWatchArt23 (@Alejand97241625) March 28, 2024
It can not be denied that it is extremely difficult to fill the shoes of the late Kevin Conroy. The actor has left a legacy that is impossible to replicate. While the DCAU is not likely to be revisited, James Gunn has announced that he will explore more of DC’s animated realm, and it will be connected to his new and grand DCU. The adult animated series Creature Commandos, set to be streamed on MAX this year, will kick off James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU.
