Earlier this week, it was announced that The Batman director Matt Reeves has signed on to create a spinoff series within his Batman universe exclusively for the HBO Max streaming service. Currently known as Gotham Central; based on the comic series of the same name that ran from 2002-2006. The series will be a police procedural focusing on the GCPD and the corruption in Gotham City. It will also reportedly be a prequel to the film and at this time it is unknown if Robert Pattinson will make an appearance as Batman in the show.
When I heard the news, I was intrigued and sent the story over to a friend of mine, a fellow Batman fan of course. His answer surprised me and gave me something to think about. He said, “That’s annoying. DC says they want to keep movie and TV universe separate, but now that there’s a paid streaming service they want to build that one aspect of their universe with a show you have to pay to be able to watch”. Does he have a point? Let's break it down.
SIMILARITIES TO GOTHAM
For the time being, Gotham Central seems to sound very much like Gotham, the FOX show that ran from 2014-2019. A prequel, no Batman front and center, following Gordon and the GCPD and other criminals is something that show explored very similarly as well.
While I’m sure Reeves will put his own spin on it to differentiate the two shows, it does sound like a very similar set up. Possibly not having Gordon as the lead would be a good place to start, but it does always beg the question: do people have interest in a show within Gotham City that doesn’t focus on Batman? I would say 98% of the time someone watches something that is related to Gotham City is because of, well…Batman!
KEEPING MOVIE AND TV UNIVERSES SEPARATE
Ever since Arrow debuted in 2012 and built its own superhero universe on the CW, fans have always longed to see some of the more famous heroes and villains, such as Batman, to appear on the shows. However, other than The Flash and a few other characters, DC largely keeps their movie and TV universes separate and its been rumored that for major characters, if they are in the DC movies they are to be kept off of the television shows. One notable example is when Harley Quinn was alluded to in Arrow but not shown, even revealed by some people on the show later that they had plans for Harley Quinn but the higher ups did not allow her to be a part of the show.
Now all of the sudden, DC is willing to build a TV spinoff from one of their movies. What gives? I think the key to all of this is the fact that it will be on HBO Max and this show, and other DC properties being developed for the streaming service, will be able to bring in subscribers for HBO Max to compete with other services. I think times have changed a lot in the last five years, with streaming being a main focus going forward. So while some characters weren’t allowed to appear on the CW shows, like Batman, it seems that DC has changed their tune a little bit, even preparing for the prospect of multiple Batmen being around in movies. Even Ezra Miller's Flash appeared on the CW show and crossed paths with Grant Gustin's Flash. I think this shows that DC is beginning to change their tune in terms of who can appear in different forms of media simultaneously.
ANOTHER BATMAN SHOW WITHOUT BATMAN?
As I mentioned before, Batman is obvious draw to all of this. Do people really want another Batman-centric show without the Caped Crusader himself? We’ve had Gotham and Pennyworth but would they generate the same about of hype if Batman actually appeared? I really think Batman is a prime character for a television show. He has the popularity, a classic rogues gallery with plenty of different types of villains, and a rich eighty plus year history for storytelling. This is exactly everything you need for a great television show if done correctly! Just look at the original 1966 Batman series with Adam West. It built on the rich history of Batman and had plenty of villains and storylines at its disposal. Can you imagine that with a darker, more serious turn perhaps like Arrow? Now that’s a show I would watch!
Will the show be successful? It certainly has the potential to be, especially if they can sneak in a Batman cameo or two throughout the show. Now will everyone who wants to see The Batman get the HBO Max service to see it? That is unknown. Many DC fans may already have HBO Max, while others might just skip it and see the movie. Is it unfair you have to pay fifteen bucks a month to have access to it? Perhaps but we really won't know until closer to the release of the film how the show and it's following shakes out. What do you think of The Batman spinoff series coming to HBO Max? Let me know in the comments below!
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