Is James Gunn's Batman reboot making a smart move by echoing a controversial decision from Zack Snyder's era? The DC Universe (DCU) is a whirlwind of anticipation, and one of the most intriguing aspects is the mysterious role of Batman. Despite his iconic status, the Dark Knight has been surprisingly absent. A brief cameo in Creature Commandos hints at his existence, but the upcoming The Brave and the Bold is still years away, leaving fans in suspense. But there are hints that the DCU Dark Knight will be older, just as he was in the DCEU. And that would be a good thing.
Why an Older Batman Could Be a Stroke of Genius
Batman's appearance in Creature Commandos suggests an older version, as he appears in a flashback. Furthermore, the introduction of Robin in The Brave and the Bold strongly implies an experienced Batman. It would be odd to focus on Batman's origin while also mentoring Robin. This suggests that Bruce Wayne is already well-established.
But here's where it gets controversial: making Batman older is a risky move, echoing a decision from Zack Snyder's DCEU. Ben Affleck, in his 40s when he debuted as Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, was older than most actors portraying the character in their first appearances. This Batman had already lived through significant events, like the death of Jason Todd.
However, an older Batman aligns well with the current DCU's established feel. Most heroes already exist, skipping origin stories. Having an older Batman enriches the universe, allowing Gotham to be populated with Bat-Family members and villains without rehashing origin tales. This iteration could focus on Batman's impact on others, especially his relationships with Robin and Batgirl.
The Superman Conundrum
And this is the part most people miss: an older Bruce Wayne poses a challenge for potential team-ups with Superman. In most versions, they're peers. An older Batman would create a significant age gap, potentially making Batman a mentor to Superman.
This dynamic would differ from what fans are used to. A decade or two age difference could make the DCU's main characters resemble the MCU's Iron Man and Spider-Man.
However, this age gap could make their ideological differences more interesting. Batman's cynicism could contrast with Superman's optimism. This divide already exists among other Justice League members, so it makes sense to extend this to Batman.
What do you think? Do you agree with the decision to make Batman older, or do you have another take on this? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
