Summary
The Batmanis only getting one of many workshopped small-screen spinoffs from filmmaker Matt Reeves despite the massive potential for a new expansive interconnected universe under DC’s Elseworlds label, and now the creative behind the hit movie reveals why.
The Batmantook the world by storm when it premiered in 2022, delivering a fresh take on one of DC’s most iconic characters right as the DCEU and the superhero genre were starting the sharp decline that would cumulate in 2023’s abysmal box office performances. With the film’s massive success, it was no surprise when it was announced that the project would be the first in a newBatmantrilogy set in Reeves’ alternate universe, as well as spawning a number of other spin-off projects for television and streaming. WhileThe Penguinwas the most high profile of these and is now set asone of the most anticipated TV shows of 2024, the other projects pitched for TV weren’t so fortunate.
It was confirmed in July thatthe planned Arkham Asylum spinoff TV series had been scrapped, and another spin-off centered on the Gotham City Police Department would meet the same fate along the line. Speaking toEntertainment WeeklyaboutThe Penguinspin-off still set for release in October, director and de facto franchise head Reeves took time to discuss the canceled projects. “As we were writing the movie [The Batman], I was like, ‘Hey, you know what? I think there are some cool shows that we could do," Reeves recalls. “It was actually why I wanted to make our deal at Warner Bros.” However, these spin-offs wouldn’t make it out of the drafting room, thanks in part to HBO execs sharing their vision for the future. Reeves revealed this, we well as explaining in brief how those ideas made it intoThe Penguininstead.
They were like, “We like what you’re doing, and we want to lean harder into the marquee characters.” What’s interesting is that, in the movie, the big red herring of the story is it seems like the person they’re looking for, that the Riddler’s pointing to must be the Penguin, some kind of informant. This movie creates a power vacuum, and because Penguin is so underestimated, people don’t really see who he is.
If the worldbuilding and important beats from the other series could be compressed into The Penguin, then it’s hard to argue that this was the wrong decision, as every company in the streaming space is looking to cut costs. Better yet, there’s a lot of effort being put into the one show left on the cards, as can be seen from its recent move to linear TV.The Penguin’smove to HBO is a promising signthat the spin-off is being taken seriously and mirrors the similar treatment being given to other big IP projects in the Warner Bros. Discovery fold. While linear TV is limited in its reach, it still gives shows a premium feel akin to a theatrical release for a feature film. Whether or notThePenguinfinds its main audience on TV or on streaming, the prestige of being on HBO’s vaunted schedule is sure to attract more investment and planning.Reeves also mentioned in the interview that the show was set to bridgeThe Batmanwith its upcoming sequel film, making it more than just a throwaway spin-off.
The Penguincould open up new worlds for superhero media, and maybe some of those will involve more shows set in the same universe. There’s a lot of room for grittier, more grounded narratives in the genre, and even the Marvel Cinematic Universe was reportedly looking to pivot, albeit well after committing to a multiversal-level event to cap off the current overarching ‘Multiverse Saga’. Whether these new projects materialize at all, or even make the jump to James Gunn’s new DCU, remains to be seen.
The Batmanis available to stream on Max, with The Batman - Part II set for theatrical release on August 02, 2025.
The Batman
Directed by the visionary Matt Reeves, Robert Pattinson plays a dark, gritty and tormented caped crusader, looking to save his home from the corruption that eats at it, and the criminals looking to destroy it. With a stellar cast of Andy Serkis, Zoe Kravitz, Collin Farrell and Jeffrey Wright, The Batman takes a new approach to Gotham’s protector, one not seen since the Nolan trilogy.
