Hypothetical solo spin-off for JGL's Batman

[shauner111]

This is not a thread for bashing the idea of a hypothetical solo film involving "Robin/John Blake", and whether it should happen or not. Not a thread to post negative reactions towards the rumors of Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a upcoming Justice League OR to even discuss the Justice League film at great length. We have threads for that...

This thread is for people who find the concept appealing.

If a solo movie were to happen anytime between 2016 and the mid-2020's (whether the latest rumors are true or not) how would you handle it??

-Who would you assign to direct?
-Which character/s would you bring back from Nolans trilogy to support Blake?
-Which new supporting characters should be brought along, from the comics?
-Who would be the villain?
-Who would you cast in these roles?
-Assuming it would be a one-off. Would you keep it this way? Or make a 2 or 3 film franchise out of it?
-Would you keep Nolans exact tone, build on it as if it's a shared universe, or make some kind of radical change in style??

 

[shauner111]

-Who would you assign to direct? Rian Johnson, Alfonso Cuaron, Sam Mendes, Darren Aronofsky or Nicolas Winding Refn (my top 5 picks). Id bring it down to Rian and Alfonso.

-Which character/s would you bring back from Nolans trilogy to support Blake? Definately Gordon and maybe a small appearance from Lucius.

-Which new supporting characters should be brought along, from the comics? Sarah Essen and Barbara Gordon for sure. Maybe Harvey Bullock but it wouldnt be that necessary. Rupert Thorne is another maybe.

-Who would be the villain? Riddler, Penguin, Black Mask and Mr. Freeze should be on the list. Riddler is a bit too obvious and should be used in the eventual reboot. Black Mask may be too repetitive of Falcone/Maroni, even a repeat of Two-Face in some ways. Without Selina or Bruce he would be a pretty weak character. Mr. Freeze may be too soon and better used in a different tone....so ill go with Penguin.

-Who would you cast in these roles? Philip Seymour Hoffman as Oswald. Ralph Fiennes would make a great Freeze. Julianne Moore as Essen. Michael Madsen as Bullock. No idea for Barbara.

-Assuming it would be a one-off. Would you keep it this way? Or make a 2 or 3 film franchise out of it? 1 film only.

-Would you keep Nolans exact tone, build on it as if it's a shared universe, or make some kind of radical change in style?? Coming off of JLA or not it doesnt have to be a radical change. But with Gotham rebuilding and a new director in the chair....the look of the city can be different. But nothing too drastic visually. I guess the realistic tone can still apply.


Of course if the JGL rumor is OFFICIALLY debunked, he would be Nightwing instead. Which is what i prefer in a solo movie anyway.

 

[NosfeRomas]

I do find the idea appealing but i do not wish for the Nolanverse to continue any further. It was amazing, let it rest. You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become a spinoff which could work but it could very very....very easly turn out to be a money knock off. Anyhow !

-Who would you assign to direct? Duncan Jones

-Which character/s would you bring back from Nolans trilogy to support Blake? Gordon, but i would make him sort of retire halfway through a la The Dark Knight Returns.


Which new supporting characters should be brought along, from the comics? Essen for sure and Commissioner Ellen Yindel. no Babs or sidekicks in general.

-Who would be the villain? The Riddler for a solo villain who can carry a movie by himself but im afraid it would be very Jokerish, so for Nolanverse a suppervillain team up in the form of organized crime works better, i think. The Penguin, Rupert Thorne, Wesker/Scarface and Black Mask.

-Who would you cast in these roles?
The Riddler-Johnny Depp (cliche choice but come on, he can do it). Philip Seymour Hoffman would nail Penguin, Peter Stromare for Black Mask, Vincent D'Onofrio as Rupert Thorne, and Joe Pesci for the voice of Scarface, for Wesker hmmm Matt Frewer. For Yindel Charlize Theron and for Essen Nicole Kidman maybe ?

Assuming it would be a one-off. Would you keep it this way? Or make a 2 or 3 film franchise out of it? 1

Would you keep Nolans exact tone, build on it as if it's a shared universe, or make some kind of radical change in style?? Since its the same universe the tone must be kept pretty much the same but i would give it a slightly lighter just a touch of light.

 

[shauner111]

Cool choices

Pesci doing the voice for Scarface would make my decade! Lmao!

 

[Spider-Kurt!]

-Who would you assign to direct? Rian Johnson, Alfonso Cuaron, Sam Mendes, Darren Aronofsky or Nicolas Winding Refn (my top 5 picks). Id bring it down to Rian and Alfonso.

-Which character/s would you bring back from Nolans trilogy to support Blake? Definately Gordon and maybe a small appearance from Lucius.

-Which new supporting characters should be brought along, from the comics? Sarah Essen and Barbara Gordon for sure. Maybe Harvey Bullock but it wouldnt be that necessary. Rupert Thorne is another maybe.

-Who would be the villain? Riddler, Penguin, Black Mask and Mr. Freeze should be on the list. Riddler is a bit too obvious and should be used in the eventual reboot. Black Mask may be too repetitive of Falcone/Maroni, even a repeat of Two-Face in some ways. Without Selina or Bruce he would be a pretty weak character. Mr. Freeze may be too soon and better used in a different tone....so ill go with Penguin.

-Who would you cast in these roles? Philip Seymour Hoffman as Oswald. Ralph Fiennes would make a great Freeze. Julianne Moore as Essen. Michael Madsen as Bullock. No idea for Barbara.

-Assuming it would be a one-off. Would you keep it this way? Or make a 2 or 3 film franchise out of it? 1 film only.

-Would you keep Nolans exact tone, build on it as if it's a shared universe, or make some kind of radical change in style?? Coming off of JLA or not it doesnt have to be a radical change. But with Gotham rebuilding and a new director in the chair....the look of the city can be different. But nothing too drastic visually. I guess the realistic tone can still apply.


Of course if the JGL rumor is OFFICIALLY debunked, he would be Nightwing instead. Which is what i prefer in a solo movie anyway.

I'm not familiar with all of the aforementioned directors but everything else is right about perfect.

 

[Ryan1717]

-Who would you assign to direct? If Christopher Nolan wouldn't come back for this film, I would choose either Phillip Noyce, JJ Abrams, Oliver Stone, or Neil Burger. A lot of possibilities for this one.

-Which character/s would you bring back from Nolans trilogy to support Blake? I'd definitely bring back Gary Oldman as Gordon, and Lucius Fox, I would also love a small role from Christian Bale as a mentor to JGL, and would also be open to the idea of a lead role for Anne Hathaway to come back as Selina Kyle again.

-Which new supporting characters should be brought along, from the comics? As additional supporting characters, I would definitely suggest Vicky Vale.

-Who would be the villain? The Riddler

-Who would you cast in these roles? I once saw the suggestion of Jim Parsons playing Riddler, and I think he could definitely pull it off.

-Assuming it would be a one-off. Would you keep it this way? Or make a 2 or 3 film franchise out of it? I would plan on making one film at a time, and if the interest is there, make more than one.

-Would you keep Nolans exact tone, build on it as if it's a shared universe, or make some kind of radical change in style?? I would keep Nolan's tone for the most part.

 

[FeedOnATreeFrog]

I say the riddler. Blake can explore the 'detective' side of Batman we never really got.

What I wonder is if Gotham should regress back into apathy.

Is Blake's role to step in once the city has lost hope again? (Basically Batman Begins round 2?). Or is he there to take out the extraordinary threats to ensure that the city never gets overridden by crime/corruption again?

 

[DChero]

I'd really like to see him appear as Nightwing. We don't need him to dawn the batsuit, just continue what Wayne started.

Anyway, I think that Black Mask would be a good fit for a Nightwing spin-off.

 

[shauner111]

I would only love it if JGL was in the cowl, if it was done like Batman Beyond. Just not as futuristic. Bladerunner influences but a bit toned down. Maybe like Looper almost. But it would have to begin years later.

Otherwise a Nightwing inspired suit for "Robin" would be ideal. I cant see him called "Nightwing" because it belongs to Dick Grayson and him only. The Robin nod worked because it's now a title that belongs to several characters. Same with batman now.

 

[DChero]

I would only love it if JGL was in the cowl, if it was done like Batman Beyond. Just not as futuristic. Bladerunner influences but a bit toned down. Maybe like Looper almost. But it would have to begin years later.

Otherwise a Nightwing inspired suit for "Robin" would be ideal. I cant see him called "Nightwing" because it belongs to Dick Grayson and him only. The Robin nod worked because it's now a title that belongs to several characters. Same with batman now.

Okay, I see your point. I'm not crazy about him taking over the same batsuit and gadgets as Bale's character, but I'd be fine with a Batman Beyond type of scenario. I'm just hoping that it doesn't turn into a situation in which they have the Jokers gang or anything like that. I'd like for them to stick with the original Batman villains.

 

[shauner111]

I agree 100 %. Definately not the same suit. The same gadgets i can live with, but sure. The suit has to be sleeker (depending on how buff JGL can get or not). The Beyond style would suit him perfectly. He'll need to look more demonic to get the intimidation vibe out there to criminals because he obviously doesn't have the aggression or height/build of Bale.

No Joker gang or any of that crap. No monsters or aliens either. They would have to choose between Riddler, Penguin, Black Mask and Mr. Freeze. Whoever is chosen between those four, must not be represented in the upcoming reboot. Unfortunately (or fortunately, however u see it) they ALL might make appearances throughout the decade.

Freeze is my ideal pick for a Batman Beyond villain. But in this case it would be a different take on that concept so i don't think he would be appropriate. It would be a shame if they had the oppurtunity to use another rogue or two in their universe and once again skipped over a classic like Nigma or Cobblepot. Especially since they are easy to ground in reality, and Riddlers a good match for Blake's detective skills. But i would imagine Black Mask would be the choice because..

A) Riddler & Penguin are iconic and will likely be used in the next couple of solo movies (in the REAL reboot)
B) Black Mask may be ignored in said reboot
C) He's just as easy to adapt
D) They can tie him to Bruce's past, Selina's past, Selinas friend Holly (Jen) who could still be in Gotham.

We also have Wayne Enterprises as a vulnerable corporation immediately after TDKR. Sionis could try to take advantage of this AND the lack of the "anti-organized crime" Dent Act.

Of course Penguin can do some of these things and attract more of an audience for a hypothetical film like this. But ur pick for Black Mask, DChero, seems good. Unless the JLA rumor is true then this stuff could become a reality. Which Riddler would be the first choice. Since he's probably the first automatic pick for ANY upcoming Batman film.

 

[FeedOnATreeFrog]

I agree 100 %. Definately not the same suit. The same gadgets i can live with, but sure. The suit has to be sleeker (depending on how buff JGL can get or not). The Beyond style would suit him perfectly. He'll need to look more demonic to get the intimidation vibe out there to criminals because he obviously doesn't have the aggression or height/build of Bale.

No Joker gang or any of that crap. No monsters or aliens either. They would have to choose between Riddler, Penguin, Black Mask and Mr. Freeze. Whoever is chosen between those four, must not be represented in the upcoming reboot. Unfortunately (or fortunately, however u see it) they ALL might make appearances throughout the decade.

Freeze is my ideal pick for a Batman Beyond villain. But in this case it would be a different take on that concept so i don't think he would be appropriate. It would be a shame if they had the oppurtunity to use another rogue or two in their universe and once again skipped over a classic like Nigma or Cobblepot. Especially since they are easy to ground in reality, and Riddlers a good match for Blake's detective skills. But i would imagine Black Mask would be the choice because..

A) Riddler & Penguin are iconic and will likely be used in the next couple of solo movies (in the REAL reboot)
B) Black Mask may be ignored in said reboot
C) He's just as easy to adapt
D) They can tie him to Bruce's past, Selina's past, Selinas friend Holly (Jen) who could still be in Gotham.

We also have Wayne Enterprises as a vulnerable corporation immediately after TDKR. Sionis could try to take advantage of this AND the lack of the "anti-organized crime" Dent Act.

Of course Penguin can do some of these things and attract more of an audience for a hypothetical film like this. But ur pick for Black Mask, DChero, seems good. Unless the JLA rumor is true then this stuff could become a reality. Which Riddler would be the first choice. Since he's probably the first automatic pick for ANY upcoming Batman film.

If they wanted to they could do some 'mask' parallels as well (though that might be a tad redundant with Bane's mask thing)

Maybe even call the movie "The Black Mask" as both a reference to the villain and Batman.

 

[shauner111]

That's not a bad idea actually.

 

[CJ]

Gore Verbinski as director.

Jonah Nolan as screenwriter.

Call it either Nightwing or Batman Resurrection. I'm not sure whether I would like Blake to be Batman or Nightwing.

I would bring back Gordon to the series. Blake and him had a partnership in TDKR. Have Gordon find out early on that Blake is Batman.

The story should focus on a cocky Blake learning what it means to take up the mantle of Batman and the sacrifices he must make in order to protect Gotham. Maybe he has a girlfriend in the beginning of the film, and decides in the end, to do like Peter Parker did, and abandon her for her safety. (Only in a less cheesy manner, and he wouldn't go back to chasing her in a sequel. She would be out of the series entirely after that. Maybe to make it a bit more dramatic, we find out they were in a relationship for a few years before the events of this movie, and he was planning on popping the question)

I don't know who would be the villain. Maybe Penguin.

A teenage Barbara Gordon should be in. By the third-film, she should be old enough to be in a relationship with Blake, who is reluctant to the idea.

Adding Lucius would be tricky. He works at Wayne enterprises, and has never met Blake. I don't see how Blake would get access to all of Wayne's tech that Lucius was entrusted with. Maybe they could explain that Batman left a lot of his gadgets in the Batcave, ready for Blake to use during the events of TDKR. Lucius isn't necessary.

I see Gordon as a father-figure to the orphan Blake. Maybe Gordon finds out very soon that Blake is Nightwing. I would like Gordon to be like who Alfred was to Bruce.
Gordon's family left him, so maybe Gordon sees Blake as sortof an adopted son? They're the only two people to know Bruce Wayne was the original Batman.

Oh, and give Christian Bale a cameo in the last film of Blake's movie series.

I think the Nightwing/Blakeman series should use some of the lesser-known villains that don't really have a shot in the main Batman series, like Scarface.

 

[DChero]

I agree 100 %. Definately not the same suit. The same gadgets i can live with, but sure. The suit has to be sleeker (depending on how buff JGL can get or not). The Beyond style would suit him perfectly. He'll need to look more demonic to get the intimidation vibe out there to criminals because he obviously doesn't have the aggression or height/build of Bale.

No Joker gang or any of that crap. No monsters or aliens either. They would have to choose between Riddler, Penguin, Black Mask and Mr. Freeze. Whoever is chosen between those four, must not be represented in the upcoming reboot. Unfortunately (or fortunately, however u see it) they ALL might make appearances throughout the decade.

Freeze is my ideal pick for a Batman Beyond villain. But in this case it would be a different take on that concept so i don't think he would be appropriate. It would be a shame if they had the oppurtunity to use another rogue or two in their universe and once again skipped over a classic like Nigma or Cobblepot. Especially since they are easy to ground in reality, and Riddlers a good match for Blake's detective skills. But i would imagine Black Mask would be the choice because..

A) Riddler & Penguin are iconic and will likely be used in the next couple of solo movies (in the REAL reboot)
B) Black Mask may be ignored in said reboot
C) He's just as easy to adapt
D) They can tie him to Bruce's past, Selina's past, Selinas friend Holly (Jen) who could still be in Gotham.

We also have Wayne Enterprises as a vulnerable corporation immediately after TDKR. Sionis could try to take advantage of this AND the lack of the "anti-organized crime" Dent Act.

Of course Penguin can do some of these things and attract more of an audience for a hypothetical film like this. But ur pick for Black Mask, DChero, seems good. Unless the JLA rumor is true then this stuff could become a reality. Which Riddler would be the first choice. Since he's probably the first automatic pick for ANY upcoming Batman film.

The Riddler wouldn't be a bad pick at all for JGL's character mainly because he could be viewed as his Joker, if you get my meaning. The reason that I like Black Mask is because it would actually surprise the audience of who the villain actually is, similar to Talia in TDKR.

 

[DChero]

If they wanted to they could do some 'mask' parallels as well (though that might be a tad redundant with Bane's mask thing)

Maybe even call the movie "The Black Mask" as both a reference to the villain and Batman.

I really like this idea. It may even show how the Batman's legacy can be interpreted different ways.

 

[shauner111]

Adding Lucius would be tricky. He works at Wayne enterprises, and has never met Blake. I don't see how Blake would get access to all of Wayne's tech that Lucius was entrusted with. Maybe they could explain that Batman left a lot of his gadgets in the Batcave, ready for Blake to use during the events of TDKR. Lucius isn't necessary.

Blake and Fox not only were together at Bruce's funeral but they met in Wayne Enterprises in the 3rd act of the movie. Also when Blake spoke to Fox, it was under the impression that they met each other previously.

I would give Lucius a cameo where he makes Blake a new suit. I think he would be necessary for that.

The Riddler wouldn't be a bad pick at all for JGL's character mainly because he could be viewed as his Joker, if you get my meaning. The reason that I like Black Mask is because it would actually surprise the audience of who the villain actually is, similar to Talia in TDKR.

Maybe they can do both in the same movie. Juno Temple's Holly can stick around. Barbara Gordon is introduced, Sarah Essen as well. They can come up with a great story with these characters.

 

[DChero]

Blake and Fox not only were together at Bruce's funeral but they met in Wayne Enterprises in the 3rd act of the movie. Also when Blake spoke to Fox, it was under the impression that they met each other previously.

I would give Lucius a cameo where he makes Blake a new suit. I think he would be necessary for that.

Maybe they can do both in the same movie. Juno Temple's Holly can stick around. Barbara Gordon is introduced, Sarah Essen as well. They can come up with a great story with these characters.

I believe it was shown that Barbara was Gordon's wife and he only had a son in TDK. Maybe they have a niece named Barbara? Either way, it's better than being Alfred's niece...

 

[shauner111]

He had a son and a daughter in TDK AND Begins.

 

[DChero]

He had a son and a daughter in TDK AND Begins.

Ah, ok. I've just been watching TDKR recently, heh. Hopefully Batman and Robin don't both hook up with her this time.

 

[shauner111]

Haha, Barbara would be the Oracle and not Batgirl. Perhaps Joker returns and shoots her, paralyzing her like in Killing Joke. Therefore leaving her to work for Blake's Batman/Nightwing as the Oracle. I would definately write a romantic link between the two as well.

 

[DChero]

Haha, Barbara would be the Oracle and not Batgirl. Perhaps Joker returns and shoots her, paralyzing her like in Killing Joke. Therefore leaving her to work for Blake's Batman/Nightwing as the Oracle. I would definately write a romantic link between the two as well.

The Killing Joke was an awesome book. I'd love to see that arch, but unfortunately we'd need a re-casted Joker to pull it off.

Btw - Did they ever make an animated movie about that yet?

 

[shauner111]

Nope. But i heard about a year ago that the next animated Batman adaptation after TDKReturns could be Killing Joke. Might take a while, but yeah it would be awesome.

 

[DChero]

Nope. But i heard about a year ago that the next animated Batman adaptation after TDKReturns could be Killing Joke. Might take a while, but yeah it would be awesome.

I remember them referencing it in Batman Beyond, but can't remember if they actually showed much of the story. Good times, either way.

 

[TheWatcher]

I would want a backstory that explains how he was Dick Grayson before his father was killed, but then he went into the Witness Protection Program. At the end of the movie, he takes down the mastermind behind it all(The Penguin), who also happens to be his fathers killer(he was gamboling in the Iceberg Lounge.)