Legions of Gotham Op-Ed: Christopher
Nolan's Batman Universe Needs to Continue
The Dark Knight trilogy
is too compelling of a world to let sit idle, even if Warner Brothers reboots
the story and Batman on the silver screen.
By
BRIAN HEATON
Director Christopher
Nolan has been adamant that “The Dark Knight Rises” marks the end of his
involvement with the Batman movie franchise. But after ending the trilogy with
some big question marks, the Gotham envisioned by Nolan has to continue, even if
it is relegated to officially licensed novels and comic adaptions.
From the revelation that
John Blake is Robin and Bruce Wayne leaving him directions to the Bat Cave, to
Bruce fixing the Batman signal for Commissioner Gordon on the roof of Gotham
Police Department headquarters, Nolan set the stage for his story of Batman to
live on. The question is, will it?
DC Comics and Warner
Brothers seem hellbent on rebooting the franchise on the silver screen, even if
that introduction to a new Batman character might not happen until the rumored
Justice League film gets made. But while Nolan's gritty, dark depiction of
Batman and Bruce Wayne was popular, I highly doubt any reboot of the character
will be in the same vein.
Some may view that as a
problem. But I see it as an opportunity for Warner Brothers and fans to have the
best of both worlds. A continuation of Nolan's Gotham in novels and special
graphic novels can give those who are loyal to a more realistic take on the
Batman character a broader world to explore and enjoy. At the same time, a new
feature film reboot will give Warner Brothers a chance to continue capitalizing
on the Caped Crusader's immense popularity, without destroying the integrity of
Nolan's vision.
The idea would also open
up a fiction novel market for Batman that aside from a handful of books, has
never been adequately explored. Tie-ins with specifically-written comics and
even specialized online content could make such a move even more
profitable.
Nolan's films have
transcended audiences. The people going to see “Batman Begins,” “The Dark
Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises” weren't all Batman fans or superhero geeks.
Batman was presented in such a realistic and compelling manner, people went to
the theater to be entertained by a dramatic story. That needs to be recognized
and capitalized on by DC Comics. The market for Batman isn't just
run-of-the-mill comic book fans any longer.
In addition, the story
is wide open for more adventures. There are a ton of loose ends that were never
tied up in the trilogy. The Joker's whereabouts – very carefully avoided by
Nolan in the final film – are unknown. All the mobsters and villains Batman put
away are back on the streets and Gotham is inevitably going need its Dark Knight
again once the city is rebuilt.
Some might argue that
Batman intended John Blake to take over the mantle of the Bat, therefore
bringing the story full circle. I disagree. It was clear to me that by revealing
Blake's real name to be “Robin,” that Nolan intended that Batman wouldn't be
replaced by Blake. Rather, Blake will be the Caped Crusader's understudy once he
returns. No, Bruce doesn't want to be Batman forever. But any Bat-fan worth his
or her salt knows the fling with Selina Kyle won't last.
Bruce Wayne being
“dead,” could be spun into a big story about how the eccentric billionaire faked
his death and how the money he lost was due to fraudulent transactions. After a
period of time his fortune – minus the contents of Wayne Manor, the mansion and
grounds -- might be restored. The story would fit the playboy persona of Bruce
Wayne quite easily.
The Bat Cave still
exists, Bruce could get his penthouse again, and as far as we know, the Bunker
is also still active. Nolan's Batman world is very much alive and far from
concluded.
I'm not suggesting that
DC Comics and Warner Brothers re-use Nolan's Batman template for a new movie
with new actors cast in familiar roles. Like any Batman fan, I expect them to
reboot the entire franchise and to a degree, I embrace that. Getting a fresh
take on the character is exciting.
But The Dark Knight
trilogy was a cultural phenomenon that spanned Bat-fans and general movie-goers
alike. It crossed boundaries and connected with people unlike any other
superhero film ever made. If DC Comics is smart, they'll recognize that, take
heed of other successful officially licensed continuations such as Star Wars and
Star Trek and allow Nolan's vision of Batman and Gotham City to live on through
the fans.
Brian
Heaton is a regular contributor to Legions of Gotham. When not opining on
Batman-related issues, Brian spends his days as a professional
business-to-business journalist, covering technology use and policy. He can be
reached at briman04@yahoo.com.
