As we close out this year’s Batman Month, we’re going to look at one thing I’m super curious about: the possible ideas for Ben Affleck’s solo Batman movie.
Justice League opens in theaters in a few weeks, and I’m so hyped, especially to see how Affleck’s Batman evolves in it. In his last outing, we saw an older, more jaded Dark Knight lacking hope as he saw nothing but a threat in Superman. With his faith in heroes renewed to such a degree that he’s putting the League together, Affleck’s take is filled with some amazing potential when his solo movie comes out. So, here are my picks for comic stories to draw from for the film.
Under the Red Hood
First, the most obvious reason. It’s established by both the damaged costume’s presence in Batman v Superman and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it easter egg in Harley Quinn’s onscreen rap sheet during Suicide Squad, Joker has killed one Robin in this universe, and it’s fair to assume that Jason Todd was the one murdered. So this seems like a no-brainer. Even more intriguing, if this version of Batman is coming back from being jaded and has renewed hope and heroism, how bitter will Jason be when he comes back and sees Batman isn’t the person he thinks he should be (meaning more brutal and vengeful). This also gives Affleck a chance to play with the turmoil Bruce would feel having to confront his former partner, one whose death and turn to evil is something he blames himself for.
Hush
This one would work for two reasons. First, it’s one of the best mystery stories in Batman as he attempts to discover who the bandaged mastermind behind a powerful alliance of his worst enemies is, and why he wants him dead, and one thing Batman movies really need is to showcase the detective side of the Dark Knight. Second, the aforementioned alliance of villains gives so much potential for blockbuster action and to quickly introduce new takes on as many villains as the filmmakers want, from Mr. Freeze to Poison Ivy to Riddler, and anyone else they might include. That would be one of the most exciting ideas to see on film.
Cataclysm
Basically the prelude to the years-long epic No Man’s Land, Cataclysm is about an earthquake hitting Gotham, and Batman and his allies trying to save as many lives as they can. The main idea that I get from this is a Batman disaster movie, showcasing Batman doing some daring rescues while facing the worst the city can throw at him from common criminals and possible super villains. So, a mix of Day After Tomorrow and the Warriors. And if the idea of Batman beating up baseball clowns during an earthquake doesn’t make you smile, we are no longer friends.
Like this list? Have your own ideas? Let us know in the comments section, and see what stories would suit the new Batman film.
