It was back in 2022 when we first learned that Max would no longer stream the Batman: Caped Crusader animated series, leading to Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, and Matt Reeves taking the show on the road to pitch it to rival streamers.
Just like Batgirl, it seems Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav didn't view the show as a major draw for subscribers and wanted to recoup costs by scrapping the show as a tax write-off. While several projects have been shelved, never to see the light of day, the executive eventually relented and realised the studio could still earn money from another platform acquiring this Batman animated series from them.
For a time, Timm's long-awaited return to the DC Animated Universe ran the risk of never gracing our screens, only for Amazon Prime Video to later pick the show up for at least two seasons along with last year's Merry Little Batman movie.
Executive producer and writer Ed Brubaker has previously said that Batman: Caped Crusader, "[is] a lot different than [Batman: The Animated Series]," adding, "It's very much a reconception of starting over...It's sort of like the show Bruce Timm always wanted to make, but that they wouldn't let him make."
Now, a leaked look at the animated series has revealed that the story will seemingly play out close to the start of the Dark Knight's career, with Bruce Wayne decked out in a near-identical costume to the one he wore during his earliest comic book appearances.
In a handful of screenshots, we see Alfred Pennyworth looking a little heftier than usual. Character design sheets have shown off very different takes on characters like Two-Face, Gentleman Ghost, Detective Renee Montoya, Natalia Knight, Onomatopoeia, Clayface, a sinister Harley Quinn in a yellow costume, and Catwoman in her classic purple suit.
We're sure you'll notice that the animation style appears to be a cross between Batman: The Animated Series and The Brave and the Bold.
The original X posts have been hit by copyright strikes, and while we can't share them here, you can check out the character designs HERE.
"We are beyond excited to be working together to bring this character back, to tell engrossing new stories in Gotham City," J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves said in a joint statement when Batman: Caped Crusader was first announced. "The series will be thrilling, cinematic and evocative of Batman’s noir roots, while diving deeper into the psychology of these iconic characters. We cannot wait to share this new world."
The series doesn't currently have a confirmed premiere date, but stay tuned for more on Batman: Caped Crusader as we have it.