Hello CBMers, The Hulksta here with another editorial this time detailing some ideas I have for the next Batman solo film. I tried to take into account rumors and points of speculation regarding Man of Steel 2/Batman Vs. Superman but at the same time a lot of this is solely my own desires for a solo movie.
Batman's 'Family'
Some of you can hate on characters such as Robin, Nightwing, or The Red Hood but I honestly think they are a vital part of Batman's story. Ideally we would get Robin, then the death of Jason Todd, then The Red Hood down the line. Sounds a bit rushed but I think chronologically they could play with time to show Robin become Nightwing, or Jason Todd becoming The Red Hood.
We've heard rumblings of Nightwing being in Batman Vs. Superman, that's great! I think having Nightwing is a great way to show a veteran Batman. One who's been on the street and has made calls that affect others. I think a great subplot would be Jason Todd. Have breadcrumbs laid out throughout the plot of Todd where the audience will wonder: Did he leave? Did he die? Did he get fired? Then eventually show that he did die, and as a failiure of Bruce. I think this would be a great way to make seasoned Batman interesting is by showing him in remorse and full of guilt, not just over the death of his parents but also by the death of Jason Todd as well.
Then have Jason return to wreak havoc on Batman and The Joker.
Ditch The Realism
While I enjoyed Nolan's Batman, a major gripe that I had was that his take percluded villains such as Poison Ivy and Mr. Freeze from ever being featured. I think in the Man of Steel universe it's pretty clear that there is room for more then just the realistic, and that we could see villains that were considered too fantastical in Snyder's world. I'd particularly like to see Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, Mr. Freeze; as well as more faithful adaptions of characters like Bane and Ras Al Ghul.
Tools & Resourcefulness
Part of what I want to see in the next Batman is him use more tools. We
kinda got this with Nolan's trilogy but I want to see things like the Bat Boat; and even moreso show him come up with some new inventions. If he's to fight Superman in the upcoming movie for instance he'll need Kryptonite Gauntlets. I want to see an evolution of Batman from TDKR where he's constantly creating new gadgets to help him defeat/evade many foes.
Keep The Joker Locked Up
I know some of you would love to see The Joker on Day 1 but I'd rather they sit on him. Acknowledge him sure, but I want them to focus on other villains and give them the spotlight. Not only that, but we had two excellent performances of The Joker already, do you really want to test that again or would you rather take your time and find an actor and story that counts.
Explore Bruce's Fears
My final point harkens back to my first point about Batman's family. To me, Batman is a character that is trying to correct his past failings. He failed to save his parents, so he becomes Batman. Arguably, the death of Jason Todd is equally life altering for Bruce. I want a central theme of the upcoming films is Bruce's fears. What he's afraid of the most, and show that drive that comes from his fears.
Even if the use Scarecrow again, use better uses of the fear toxin. Show Batman struggling to confront with his darkest fears.