DC making a movie about Batman villains Bane and Deathstroke, another about Robin(s)

It feels like the DC Universe is on the crest of a wave right now. On one hand, we've got James Gunn's MCU-style franchise in the works. Then there's Matt Reeves' The Batman Universe, which is currently airing its spinoff series The Penguin. And what's more, there's a new Joker movie in theaters!

In the midst of all the hype over the 'Batverse,' The Hollywood Reporter recently dropped the huge news that DC Studios is working on bringing more of Batman's most iconic villains to the big screen: specifically, Bane and Deathstroke, who would feature in their own movie. It's being penned by Matthew Orton, who also worked on the MCU's upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. The Bane-Deathstroke movie won't be a standalone film, but rather part of James Gunn and Peter Safran's all-encompassing 'DCU.' Currently, there is no director attached to the project.

This movie is exciting for a number of reasons. Deathstroke has made myriad appearances through several mediums. Since his inception in 1980, he's had numerous comic book runs. He's also been the main villain in Batman video games, and recently made a cameo in Zack Snyder's Justice League.

As for Bane, fans will no doubt know him best from Tom Hardy's fantastic portrayal in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises (2012). He also appeared in live-action in Batman & Robin (1997), but the less said about that, the better.

Villain-centric films have become more common in recent years. Of course, there's Joker (2019), one of the biggest successes in the subgenre. Sony has produced more movies focused on baddies, but to much less critical acclaim, such as Morbius and Venom.

If any villains can become a success on the big screen, it's Batman villains. He's got the best rogues gallery of any hero. Movies about Batman villains already have an excellent track record. Long may it continue!

James Gunn announces animated movie Dynamic Duo, following two Robins!

Speaking of DC movies, James Gunn recently announced a very "special" project called Dynamic Duo, which follows two Robins. "Over the moon excited to announce the newest DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation greenlit film for theaters, DYNAMIC DUO, the story of Robin… or should I say, Robins, as in Dick Grayson and Jason Todd," he posted on X.

The animated movie is very much a standalone project and won't tie in to any of the larger continuities. It's definitely worth keeping an eye on this movie, if only because Robin tends to be overlooked in Batman stories nowadays.

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