When it comes to big-namecomic book heroes like Batmanand Superman, movie and book fans alike know the characters inside and out. Variations of their origin stories play out on screen every few years and get rebooted in comics frequently. This is especially true when it comes to Batman. That’s why his story can be expanded in the DCEU without even focusing on him, but by giving another character’s story a chance to come to the screen.
Batman’s sidekick Robin is a huge part of his mythos. There have been many characters who have claimed the mantle, but none have appeared in the DCEU just yet. Robin has been teased - through the effects of the character’s death - instead. Though many fans are currently focused on theSnyder Cut ofJustice League, it’s time the DCEU gives fans a look at that tragic story. Long-time comic book fans know that tragedy comes from many of Batman’s “family” of characters, including Jason Todd, but that wouldn’t make the story any less impactful on the audience.
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The DCEU Gave The Audience Hints At Robin’s Story
The DCEU already teased Robin’s end in two different projects, though the audience hasn’t been given any details. Amassed from those teases, the audience can put bits and pieces of the story together on their own.
InBatman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice, the audience sees Bruce Wayne is still affected by the death of his protege. He even has Robin’s suit on display in the Batcave complete with the graffiti left on it. The “hahaha” painted on it makes it clear that it’s the Joker who completed the act. This version of Batman essentially embraces his darkness. He sets out to kill Superman only because he thinks Superman is too powerful and can be blamed for the destruction caused in the wake of one of his fights. Robin’s suit is like a reminder of that darkness, but not much more.
The firstSuicide Squadmovie gives the audience another tease. That one is in the form of Harley Quinn’s record. She’s listed as being responsible for the death of Robin, assisting the Joker in the deed. Not much more is offered up beyond that.
Which Robin Dies
The death of Robin for comic book fans is an idea tied closely with Jason Todd. He lost his life to a beatdown from a crowbar in the comics. WhenBatman V Supermanfirst teased the character’s death, many fans assumed it was the same character in the DCEU. That’s not entirely clear on screen at first. As it turns out, Zack Snyder and David Ayer both confirmed that Robin wouldn’t be Jason Todd.
Instead, the planfrom Snyder was to have Dick Graysonbe the Robin the Joker targeted. Images of a gravestone at Wayne Manor were eventually released as well. The trouble is that this particular decision wouldn’t line up with the DCEU’s timeline created as a result ofSuicide Squadbeing theBatman V Supermanfollow up. If Harley Quinn is supposedto be the Joker’s accomplicein Robin’s death, she would have had to meet him long before the flashback to their therapy sessions inSuicide Squad.
Of course, sinceZack Snyder’s visionfor theJustice Leaguedoesn’t appear to be moving forward despite therelease of theSnyder Cut, it’s still possible for either Dick Grayson or Jason Todd to be the Robin in question. Writers moving forward in Batman’s area of the DCEU would just need to pick one.
Robin’s Story Gives The DCEU Heroes Personal Stakes
While movie audiences love to see the spectacle of a hero taking on a big villain,like Steppenwolf inJustice Leagueor Thanos inAvengers: Endgame, it’s the more personal stories that hit home. Global stakes make for a good movie, but personal stakes make an emotional impact on the audience.
One of the reasons audiencesfeel for Diana Prince inWonder Woman 1984is because of the loss of Steven Trevor at the end ofWonder Woman. Lois loses Superman, then gets him back. Aquaman deals with not knowing his Atlantean family. Harley Quinn deals with a bad breakup. These all create very human story points in a super-human world.
Batman’s Robin is more than just his sidekick in a colorful costume. In every version of Batman’s story, Robin is also a teenager that Bruce Wayne helps find a path in life. Both Dick Grayson and Jason Todd can be hot-headed. They desire more responsibility and to take on bad guys alone. An attempt at growing as a hero costing one of them their life is a dark story path. It’s also one that could explain Batman’s motivations, demonstrate the real risks of being a superhero, and give the audience a truly emotional story.
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