DC Comics
DC Films has recently been making some interesting decisions. James Gunn, who shares the title of DC Studios’ co-president with Peter Safran and is the director of the upcoming “Superman” film featuring David Corenswet, announced the latest DC project on social media. This new project is titled “Dynamic Duo,” but it’s not a Batman movie. Instead, it will feature the first two Robins. As stated by James Gunn, “I’m thrilled to announce the latest greenlit film from DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation for theaters, ‘Dynamic Duo,’ which tells the story of Robin… or should I say, Robins, specifically Dick Grayson and Jason Todd.” DC is collaborating with Swaybox, a puppetry/animation studio based in New Orleans, for their first feature film. You can view Swaybox’s reel showcasing their blend of different mediums below:
A Reel from Swaybox Studios
Who will do the animation for DC Studios ‘Dynamic Duo’
“Momo Animation” combines CGI animation, stop-motion elements, & live-action performance in real-time. pic.twitter.com/lSvBey3XCe
— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) October 1, 2024
Gunn revealed that the film will utilize a combination of animation, puppetry, and CGI. The script for “Dynamic Duo” will be penned by Matt Aldrich, known for “Coco” and “Lightyear”. The production company 6th & Idaho, led by “The Batman” director Matt Reeves, will also be involved in the production. However, according to Deadline, the film will not follow the continuity of Reeves’ “The Batman” or the spin-off series “The Penguin.” It’s also uncertain whether the film will follow the continuity of Gunn’s new DC Universe.
Just last week, DC Studios announced another unexpected film featuring popular DC Comics villains Bane and Deathstroke. The initial slate of DC Studios did include “The Brave and the Bold,” a father-son film about Batman and Robin directed by Andy Muschietti. It’s certainly exciting to see Gunn bringing the beloved character of Robin back to the big screen.
The Importance of Robin to Batman, Explained
DC Comics
For casual Batman fans, it may come as a surprise that Batman has a whole flock of Robins. The key ones are Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne. These four are often compared to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; with Dick being the cool-headed leader like Leonardo, and Jason being the hot-headed rebel like Raphael. The live-action Max series “Titans” also highlighted the brotherly relationship between Dick (Brenton Thwaites) and Jason (Curran Walters).
However, Robin has seldom been the star in Batman movies since 1997’s “Batman & Robin,” a film so critically panned that it forever changed the landscape of superhero movies. Robin only appears as an Easter egg in “The Dark Knight Rises,” and Zack Snyder had Robin long deceased in “Batman v Superman” (because the only Batman comic he seems to care about is “The Dark Knight Returns”). “The Lego Batman Movie” is the only Batman movie since the ’90s that features a proper Robin. While some may dismiss the film as a parody, it truly understands the significance of Robin to Batman.
Batman’s driving force isn’t vengeance, but compassion. He strives to prevent anyone from experiencing the pain he felt when his parents were killed. His mission is primarily accomplished through adopting a boy who is dealing with similar pain and guiding him towards the right path. This concept is best illustrated in the “Young Justice” episode “Agendas,” where Batman is criticized by the Justice League for essentially turning Robin into a child soldier. When Wonder Woman asks Batman if he wanted Robin to turn out like him, Batman responds, “So that he wouldn’t.”
As of now, “Dynamic Duo” does not have a release date, but it is intended for a theatrical release.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
