My thoughts on a the best possible way to introduce Robin on film.
1. Movie title:
Ok. We've all seen "Batman & Robin" (1997 starring George Clooney and Chris O'Donnel). We've all also tried to forget it. It should be a fresh start. In my opinion...
"Gotham Knights"
(Tag line: "Every detective needs a partner...")
2. Character Version:
Dick Grayson. End of discussion.
3. Actor:
The details of Zack Snyder's as yet untitled Superman/Batman project have yet to be released, but I would assume that this incarnation of Bruce Wayne is probably going to be somewhere in his mid-thirties. Old enough to be seasoned but still young enough for future installments. Therefore, for the sake of franchise potential, go with an actor who can pull of the 16-18 range. My first pick would be Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & the Sea of Monsters 2013). The kid has tag right build and overall look. He's a decent actor, and by the time this film would get made, he could possibly have gained more experience and depth.
4. The name "Dick":
This would probably be an issue with today's mainstream audience, mostly due to immature penile humor. Also, it's rare to find someone under the age of 65 that still goes by this nickname of "Richard". Address that early on in the dialogue between Dick Grayson and his father. Have him being called "Dickie", to which he tells his dad that this isn't the 1940's. His dad replies that "Richard" is too formal and, with them being circus folk, they're anything BUT formal. Then throw in that the names "Rick" and "Ricky" make him sound like a sleazy car salesman. "Dick" could also be his grandfather's name.
5. Legal guardianship:
What modern day court in their right minds would grant custody of a teenage boy to a middle-aged bachelor? This is where we must modernize, much to the dismay of die-hard fans. Make Alfred Pennyworth his foster parent. Alfred has already raised one young man who didn't turn out too terribly bad in the eyes of the public. That fact and the Wayne family resources at his disposal would make him an adequate caregiver in the eyes of the court. Plus, it would give the opportunity to play up the whole brotherly-bond between Bruce and Dick, as well as moments for comedic breaks from the drama likely the two of them being chastised by Alfred, looking sullenly at the floor and muttering apologies to Alfred.
6. Villains:
Of course have the person who actually performs the act of cutting the trapeze line at the circus be Billy Zucco, but have the orders come down from higher up. This could be Oswald Cobblepot. He's a pathetic crime boss who has a rich backer to fund his enterprises. A man by the name of Roman Sionis. Sionis also has a bodyguard by the name of Lady Shiva. Cobblepot's top enforcer and body guard could be a man suffering from a rare form of atavism named Waylon Jones.
7. Costume:
For the best costume on film, I would have to go with the Robin inform from the 2011 game Batman: Arkham City. For those of you just dying to see some green, make the family's performance costumes similar to the Robin costume from Batman: The Animated Series, but with solid yellow capes.
I have more in-depth opinions and outlines for this would-be project. If you think this sounds good so far, sound off below and let me know if you'd like an outline of a whole film, or you can voice any concerns and opinions of your own. I look forward to reading them.