A new Batman animated series is in the works. It’ll start fresh with a new story and might ignore previous series, including the work of Kevin Conroy (known for voicing Batman). So, fans can now expect differences from what they’re used to in the Batman animated world.
The upcoming Batman cartoon series, Batman: Caped Crusader, aims to be better than the ones made by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini before.
It is planning to push boundaries beyond what broadcast television allowed. The main writer even gave a warning to viewers, saying it might be more intense than they think.
New Batman Cartoon to Start Fresh by Ignoring Kevin Conroy’s Work
In a Zoom interview with YouTubers The Comic Book Club, writer Ed Brubaker (known for Captain America: The Winter Soldier) shared that Caped Crusader will be more mature in the upcoming animated series. He said (via CBR):
“I’ll warn you guys, it’s definitely a lot different than [Batman: The Animated Series]. It’s very much a reconception of starting over. It’s not PG-13, but it’s definitely, it’s a lot different. It’s sort of like the show Bruce Timm always wanted to make, but that they wouldn’t let him make.”
Even after Kevin Conroy‘s death, rumors suggested he might voice in Caped Crusader. This speculation was fueled by an IGN report stating that Conroy’s final recordings as Batman would be in Part 3 of the Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Tomorrow-Verse DCAU feature.
Warner Bros. and Conroy’s representatives haven’t confirmed that report. Even Bruce Timm denied any connection between the late actor and the throwback noir serial. The 63-year-old wrote in an animesuperhero.com forum post:
“I have no idea if the CRISIS part of IGN’s supposed scoop is true or not, but Kevin Conroy did not record a voice for CAPED CRUSADER. We were hoping to have him do a voice for the new show (and he was eager to do it) but sadly he passed away before we could make it happen.”
He warned everyone to be skeptical of unverified news in the sci-fi/comics/entertainment world.
What’s More About the Batman: Caped Crusader Animated Series?
Ed Brubaker hinted at the series being more violent and noir. He said in the same chat with The Comic Book Club, “There’s a lot more, you know, people actually getting punched on camera.”
Though the writer didn’t give away too much information, he hopes people will enjoy the different approach of the series.
The information given by Brubaker matches with what Matt Reeves and J.J. Abrams said earlier about Caped Crusader in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. They said:
“We are beyond excited to be working together to bring this character back, to tell engrossing new stories in Gotham City. The series will be thrilling, cinematic and evocative of Batman’s noir roots, while diving deeper into the psychology of these iconic characters. We cannot wait to share this new world.”
Amazon Prime rescued Batman: Caped Crusader from cancellation and gave it two seasons. Greg Rucka and Halley Finn, along with Brubaker, wrote episodes for the show. Looks like Timm, Reeves, and Abrams are bringing in many people they believe will make the series special.
The release date for the Batman cartoon series, Batman: Caped Crusader, has not been announced yet.
