The Batman 2 could finally give Robin his time to shine.
Matt Reeves’ The Batman 2, also known as The Batman Part II, is coming. Granted, it’s still more than two years away, at this point, but it’s still coming. There’s been no official word as to what the plot may be about; however, there has also been no shortage of online rumors suggesting who could show up in the DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures movie.
Could we finally get a decent Robin in The Batman 2?
One of these rumored characters is none other than the Dark Knight’s trusty sidekick, Robin. Which Robin it could be remains a mystery at this point, though Dick Grayson seems the most likely, assuming they’re sticking to DC Comics lore, since he was the first Boy Wonder to debut.
It’s worth noting that DC Studios’ James Gunn has thrown some cold water on the Robin theory. After Jeff Sneider’s The InSneider reported that the character was in Reeves and Matt Tomlin’s script, Gunn responded on Threads by saying, “Guys, please stop believing this nonsense. I think six of us have read the script. No one knows anything about The Batman 2.”
Note, however, that Gunn didn’t outright say, “Robin is not in The Batman 2.” While that may indeed be what he’s implying, Gunn similarly made a vague social media post downplaying Ultramar’s role in Superman, and the villainous character still showed up in the DCU movie.
Robin has been a joke, a teaser, or dead in previous live-action Batman movies
Let’s assume, for now, that the rumor is true and Robin will be in The Batman sequel. It’s about time. Past live-action interpretations haven’t been especially kind to the character; Burt Ward’s version fits that time period that the 1960s Batman show was released, but it’s obviously pretty goofy.
Brenton Thwaites in Titans is the only time we’ve actually had a live-action Nightwing, and that show wasn’t particularly received well. There’s also Chris O’Donnell in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin, but, uh, you’d be hard-pressed to find some genuine fans of those movies.
Then you’ve got Joseph Gordon-Levitt suddenly blurting out that his real name is Robin in The Dark Knight Rises, a reveal that didn’t go over particularly well with DC fans. And the DCEU decided not to even bother; they just killed Dick off-screen and washed their hands of the whole thing.
A character that has such a huge role in the DC universe deserves better
Even if the Batman 2 rumors turn out to be false, we know that the Damien Wayne version of Robin will show up in The Brave and the Bold movie; although, depending on who you ask, that project could be canceled or was announced just to hide the fact that they’re bringing Robert Pattinson into the DCU. We’ll see what happens there.
Nonetheless, we’re due for a good, live-action version of Robin. There are countless stories to tell, not just about the Dynamic Duo, but Robin on his own — if we ever want a Young Justice or Teen Titans project, Robin is necessary. More recent Nightwing comics have really stepped up their game, too; Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s run is a really exciting read.
And that’s just the Dick version. Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Damien — all these characters have been Robin, all of them are really unique and interesting people, and DC fans have been waiting to see them get some proper representation on the big screen.
Let’s hope Reeves makes it happen. And, if not, we’ll see how Gunn and Andy Muschietti handle the character.
