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For a sure technology of DC followers, there’s nothing fairly like “Batman Past.” The sequence is ready 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 old Bruce Wayne. Going down in the identical timeline as “Batman: The Animated Collection,” the present was comparatively short-lived, lasting simply three seasons between 1999 and 2001. But, it’s no much less beloved, significantly now as nostalgia has caught up with it. Sadly, these holding out for a revival would do effectively to mood expectations.
Will Friedle, who voiced Terry McGinnis within the authentic sequence, lately spoke on the Animate! Columbus 2025 conference (per Comicbook.com). Throughout the occasion, he was requested a couple of attainable “Batman Past” revival. Even only a few years in the past, Friedle mentioned he wished 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:
“In the event you requested me that query three years in the past, the reply could 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 may do it once more. I feel they would want to recast each roles. Being Terry and never having him reply as Bruce, I do not assume I may do it.”
Conroy, who turned the definitive voice of Batman, handed away in 2022. The actor lent his voice to the character many, many instances through the years, starting with “Batman: The Animated Collection.” For a lot of followers, he stays the “one true Batman,” and lots of the actors who labored with him through the years 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 onerous to not respect that.
Batman Past may make a comeback – however with a brand new forged
If Conroy have 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 time. However the reboot of the DCU additionally consists of animated exhibits, live-action sequence, and even video video games. And whereas there are at present no plans for a “Batman Past” mission, such a factor does really feel, not directly, inevitable. It could simply imply extra of a reboot or pursuing the idea in a brand new medium slightly than a revival of the unique sequence.
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 really 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, à 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” upset on the field workplace. Had that movie been a hit, 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 keen on utilizing this idea as a springboard for one thing larger. There have been even rumors {that a} online game based mostly on the “Batman Past” animated sequence was in improvement at RockSteady, although that was by no means confirmed. In any case, it nonetheless looks like it is a property inside the bigger DC Comics canon that has a variety of juice left to squeeze. Simply do not anticipate Friedle to be front-and-center, in mild of those current feedback.
You’ll be able to seize “Batman Past: The Full Collection” on Blu-ray or DVD from Amazon.
