We could obtain a fee on purchases produced from hyperlinks.
For a sure technology of DC followers, there’s nothing fairly like “Batman Past.” The collection is about in a future model of Gotham Metropolis the place the younger Terry McGinnis has taken up the mantle of Batman by donning a high-tech go well with and is being mentored by an getting older Bruce Wayne. Happening in the identical timeline as “Batman: The Animated Sequence,” the present was comparatively short-lived, lasting simply three seasons between 1999 and 2001. But, it’s no much less beloved, notably now as nostalgia has caught up with it. Sadly, these holding out for a revival would do nicely to mood expectations.
Will Friedle, who voiced Terry McGinnis within the unique collection, lately spoke on the Animate! Columbus 2025 conference (per Comicbook.com). Through the occasion, he was requested a few potential “Batman Past” revival. Even just some years in the past, Friedle mentioned he needed to see such a factor occur. Sadly, some essential issues have modified — specifically, the passing of Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman. Here is what Friedle needed to say about it:
“Should you requested me that query three years in the past, the reply can be, ‘Oh my god, sure. Get me in entrance of the microphone proper now.’ Now that Kevin’s gone, I do not know if I might do it once more. I believe they would wish to recast each roles. Being Terry and never having him reply as Bruce, I do not suppose I might do it.”
Conroy, who grew to become the definitive voice of Batman, handed away in 2022. The actor lent his voice to the character many, many occasions over time, starting with “Batman: The Animated Sequence.” For a lot of followers, he stays the “one true Batman,” and lots of the actors who labored with him over time really feel the identical. As such, it is troublesome for Friedle to think about choosing up the place he left off with out Conroy. It is exhausting to not respect that.
Batman Past might make a comeback – however with a brand new solid
If Conroy had been nonetheless with us, who is aware of? What we all know for positive is that DC Studios is within the midst of launching a brand new imaginative and prescient for the DC Universe, kicking off in earnest with James Gunn’s “Superman” this summer season. However the reboot of the DCU additionally consists of animated reveals, live-action collection, and even video video games. And whereas there are presently no plans for a “Batman Past” undertaking, such a factor does really feel, indirectly, inevitable. It could simply imply extra of a reboot or pursuing the idea in a brand new medium somewhat than a revival of the unique collection.
Warner Bros. has, for years, had curiosity in pursuing a “Batman Past” film, with Clint Eastwood eyed as Bruce Wayne for an deserted model from years in the past. However that is actually simply the tip of the iceberg. In newer years, the studio has toyed with a number of different variations of Terry McGinnis and Bruce Wayne teaming up on the large display.
An animated “Batman Past” film, Ã la “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” was in improvement at one level. It was later scrapped. The large one got here in 2023 when “The Flash” disillusioned on the field workplace. Had that movie been successful, WB was seeking to make a “Batman Past” film starring Michael Keaton.
The bigger level is that Warner Bros. and DC appear to be very curious about utilizing this idea as a springboard for one thing greater. There have been even rumors {that a} online game primarily based on the “Batman Past” animated collection was in improvement at RockSteady, although that was by no means confirmed. In any case, it nonetheless seems like it is a property throughout the bigger DC Comics canon that has a number of juice left to squeeze. Simply do not anticipate Friedle to be front-and-center, in mild of those latest feedback.
You may seize “Batman Past: The Full Sequence” on Blu-ray or DVD from Amazon.
