The upcoming Batman: Knightfall animated movie has gotten fans curious about the new character, Azrael. Its recently released trailer has given the first look at this caped vigilante, temporarily replacing Bruce Wayne. So who is Azrael, and what is his connection to Bruce? Here’s everything you need to know.
Batman: Knightfall’s Azrael explained
DC Studio’s upcoming movie, Batman: Knightfall, adapts one of the greatest story arcs of the Caped Crusader. The renowned trilogy, consisting of “Knightfall,” “Knightquest,” and “KnightsEnd,” shines the spotlight on Azrael.
Jean-Paul Valley, also known as Azrael, takes over the role as Gotham’s new protector after Bruce Wayne is left gravely injured by Bane. The new movie’s trailer gives a sneak peek at Azrael in action, teaming up with the third Robin, Tim Drake, to take down new evil entities plaguing the city.
Unlike the monochromatic black design of Bruce Wayne’s Batman, Azrael dons a red-and-gold suit. The end of the trailer also shows him wearing a blue and yellow suit with a flared cape. According to the DC canon, Azrael boasts an enhanced physiology that provides him with accelerated healing power, enhanced senses, speed, strength, and more.
Most recently, Peter Girardi, executive VP of Warner Bros. Animation, introduced the film at the 2026 Annecy Animation Festival. “You all know this is a very important story in the Batman mythology,” he told the crowd. “It is so big, and it was so consequential to the Batman story that it takes place over three films. So this is a trilogy of films. All animated” (via Variety).
WB’s DC Studios has not yet announced the official release date of the first movie of the planned trilogy, “Part 1: Knightfall.” The movie features the voices of Anson Mount as Batman, Michael Mando as Bane, and Pablo Schreiber as Jean-Paul Valley.
