New Batman reboot coming...

[The Dark Knight]

Of course, Batman '89 seems like it could exist anytime, wheras the super-realistic Nolan films are only current.

Exactly.

Welcome to the site.

[Slash Man]

Thanks, it's nice to have a place where people can appreciate the work of Burton's films. His influence (on comic book movies in general) is greatly underrated.

[McAllister]

This seems like as good a place as any to make my first post here. I'm good friends with BatmAngelus, who convinced me that I should sign up. A lifetime ago, I was an active poster at Batman-on-Film. Since I left, I've been making occasional posts at the anarchic mess that is SHH. I'm not what you would call a Burtonite. I hold '89 in very high esteem, but it's not without flaws and I do hate Returns more than I hate TDK. In general, I'm a comics fan first and foremost, and it bothers me when any Batflick feels more like a Burton film or a Nolan film than a BATMAN film. Still, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Nolan's cult of personality gets in the way of meaningful discussion, so I'm just looking for a place where that mindset isn't prevalent.

Now, to the topic at hand. I've been pining for a "reboot" since the stink of TDK first became apparent. Like '89, Begins was an excellent Batman film that suffered from a few minor welts. It dealt with the origin in a satisfactory manner, so I have no real desire to see a strict origin film for the foreseeable future. That said, the death of Bruce's parents should always cast a shadow and the most organic way to revisit the issue is to tell the origin story of Dick Grayson. The first film in the new cycle could use Dark Victory for its thematic inspiration, and we could rewrite the rules of the franchise without having to focus another film on Bruce's first days in the cowl. My top two choices to direct are David Fincher and Alfonso Cuarón. I'd also love to see Guillermo del Toro direct a one-shot with Man-Bat as the villain.

[Silver Nemesis]

Welcome to the site, McAllister! It's always good to have more comic fans around. And any friend of BatmAngelus is sure to know his stuff.

As far as the reboot goes, I wouldn't object to the new series beginning in media res. One of the things I find slightly off-putting about the Superman reboot is its purported focus on the Man of Steel's origins. We've already seen Superman's origin three times in the past twenty years (L&C, S:TAS and Smallville) and I don't really want to see yet another retelling so soon. I'd rather they just jumped in at the deep end with Superman already established.

Focusing on Robin's origins instead of Bruce's seems like a logical compromise for the Batman franchise. It would start the new series off at an accessible juncture without retreading ground that's been recently explored.

[gotham22]

I want a reboot. Take Batman out of the Nolan/realistic world.
Batman doesnt live in Chicago and then moves to Pittburgh.

I wonder what Snyder and Nolan will do to Metropolis in Man of Steel. Will it be a fantasy/CGI city ot just New York City like the previous films.

[Paul (ral)]

the death of Bruce's parents should always cast a shado

I wholeheartedly agree. To me it's Batman's main motivation...it should still be on his mind and the films should show that...the best comics do (IMO)

Welcome to the site!

[DocLathropBrown]

I want an in media res Batman as well. As for who? Christopher Meloni. He's the only modern actor I can think of that evokes the character.

[BatmAngelus]

Michael Uslan was recently asked about the future of the Batman franchise, post-Nolan:
http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-batman-and-robin-movie-may-be-next-from-dc-comics-new-52

"The only thing I would direct your attention to is the new comic books. The comic books have kept this character vital, and intriguing, for seventy-two years. We are all still going back every Wednesday to see what's new. I think the character is that vital and that sustaining. He is going to be around for a long time to come."

Now, the thing is, Movieweb somehow believes that Uslan is hinting that the next Batman film may be based on the rebooted comic book title, Batman and Robin, with Bruce Wayne's Batman fighting crime with his son, Damian, as Robin. 

Problem is where the heck does Uslan ever hint about this?  What's in his words that even implies that specific title?  And isn't Uslan just saying that the character is always changing in the comics?

[BatmAngelus]

Recently, Batman Online posted this on its Facebook wall:

Word on the street is Taylor Kitsch could be in the running to take over as Batman?

Where did we hear this?

Personally, I don't believe it nor do I want it to happen.  The guy's had a terrible year box office-wise, with John Carter, Battleship, and Savages, so I have my doubts WB is considering him to headline a big franchise.  Kitsch himself swore off returning to Gambit, so I don't think he'd elect to don the Batman costume: http://www.comicbookmovie.com/john_carter_of_mars/news/?a=55241
Then again, considering the reception to his movies, perhaps he and his reps have changed their mind and think playing a known superhero would help his career.

Still, I've had to watch John Carter several times for work-related reasons and I just don't think he'd cut it.

[Paul (ral)]

Moviehole made mention of it.

Personally I don't think we will get any announcements for at least a year.