The surprise cancellation of the Batman Beyond animated movie by Warner Bros. and DC is a crushing disappointment for fans who grew up with the beloved series. After the massive success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse for Marvel Studios, many hoped Warner Bros. would finally give Batman Beyond the beautiful animated treatment it deserves. But alas, those hopes have been dashed.
Batman Beyond first premiered in 1999, following Terry McGinnis, a teenager who becomes the new Batman under the guidance of an elderly Bruce Wayne. Set in a futuristic neo-Gotham, Terry dons a high-tech Batsuit and continues the legacy of the original Dark Knight. For many 90s kids, Batman Beyond was their introduction to the World’s Greatest Detective.
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The series amassed a devoted following that still clamors for more than two decades later. So when concept art surfaced from production designer Yuhki Demers for a Batman Beyond animated feature, fans rejoiced. Demers had worked on Into the Spider-Verse, so his pitch seemed promising.
“[Five] months ago Patrick Harpin walked into [Warner Bros.] [DC] and pitched a Batman Beyond animated feature,” Demers revealed on X. “Before we pitched, they warned us ‘There is absolutely no way we can do a Beyond movie,’ but they loved our enthusiasm. We pitched the outline for the entire film, and what started as a ‘never’ turned into a ‘maybe.'”
The fact that he went on to say, “In the time since, we’ve been pitching our way up the company hoping to get to [James Gunn],” suggests that neither DC Studios nor James Gunn were present at this meeting. After the meeting with Warner Bros. and DC, the project was regrettably scrapped.
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While Warner Bros. moves forward with the Robert Pattinson-led Batman films, they seem unwilling to revisit the Batman Beyond concept. They may view it as outdated or niche, preferring to focus on mainstream live-action outings. But Batman Beyond could introduce the character to a new generation if given the chance. The cyberpunk aesthetic and teenage protagonist would resonate with young viewers today.
Not to mention, Batman Beyond could be the perfect vehicle for Michael Keaton to reprise his iconic role as an elderly Bruce Wayne. Passing the torch to a new Batman would satisfy fans eager to see Keaton back in the cowl. And with the multiverse established, an animated Batman Beyond could exist separately from Pattinson’s films.
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Sadly, Warner Bros. remains short-sighted regarding the franchise’s potential. While Batman will always be profitable, studios should aim higher than mere profitability. They should strive to inspire audiences and nurture artistry within the superhero genre. Batman Beyond could have accomplished that if handled with care.
But alas, it seems Warner Bros. lacks the courage and vision required to revisit this beloved series. They cling tightly to the Batman they know, unwilling to evolve with the times. As a result, a generation of fans is left disappointed.
Perhaps one day, the powers that be will recognize the opportunity Batman Beyond represents. Until then, our only option is to rewatch those classic episodes and reminisce about what could have been. Despite Warner Bros.’s lack of faith, Batman Beyond remains a series ahead of its time, waiting to be unleashed upon the world once more.
How do you feel about this movie cancellation? Are you disappointed that it won’t come out? Let us know in the comments!
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They’d have just butchered it; I have no faith in either Warner or any of these other dying megacorps when it comes to adapting/remaking such great works as Batman Beyond, so it’s all for the best in my book.
If you’re not going to go to college, get whatever degree is needed to get a job at Warner Bros./DC, and make a change to all these things you all constantly complain about. Such as the how bad you all think the cgi is, how bad you think the storylines are, or crying what movie you think they should make. If you are not willing to take the previously mentioned steps to go fix what you feel is so wrong, then please for the love of God just shut up, and let the rest of us enjoy it. I mean those of us born and raised in the eras where we couldn’t see Aquaman fighting under water, the flash almost get hacked down by superman, or green lantern flying through space. Just shut up, and I mean that as disrespectfully as possible. Thanks.
WBD pitch reply: “Flirt with profitability and build goodwill with fans? Nah, we’ll stick to making flops that create apathy. Thanks.”
If you’re not going to go to college, get whatever degree is needed to get a job at Warner Bros./DC, and make a change to all these things you all constantly complain about. Such as the how bad you all think the cgi is, how bad you think the storylines are, or crying what movie you think they should make. If you are not willing to take the previously mentioned steps to go fix what you feel is so wrong, then please for the love of God just shut up, and let the rest of us enjoy it. I mean those of us born and raised in the eras where we couldn’t see Aquaman fighting under water, the flash almost get hacked down by superman, or green lantern flying through space. Just shut up, and I mean that as disrespectfully as possible. Thanks.
If you’re not going to go to college, get whatever degree is needed to get a job at Warner Bros./DC, and make a change to all these things you all constantly complain about. Such as the how bad you all think the cgi is, how bad you think the storylines are, or crying what movie you think they should make. If you are not willing to take the previously mentioned steps to go fix what you feel is so wrong, then please for the love of God just shut up, and let the rest of us enjoy it. I mean those of us born and raised in the eras where we couldn’t see Aquaman fighting under water, the flash almost get hacked down by superman, or green lantern flying through space. Just shut up, and I mean that as disrespectfully as possible. Thanks.
Sorry for the typos. But I was typing, and crying at the same time because marvel won’t Rocket Raccoon his own movie 😭😭😭🤣.
Be Gone Bot!! You’re not Andrew Tate. Just stop it.