The follow-up to The Penguin may be a Joker show, plus 4 other ideas for Batman spinoffs

The follow-up to The Penguin may be a Joker show, plus 4 other ideas for Batman spinoffs

As a seasoned comic book enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate worlds of DC and Gotham City, I must say that the potential for these hypothetical series is nothing short of exhilarating.


As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t hide my excitement as I prepare to witness the grand finale of “The Penguin” this coming Sunday. The anticipation for a potential second season is high, but one thing is certain – HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery are thrilled with the show’s warm reception so far.

Devin Faraci, host of the Marvelvision podcast, has shared an interesting piece of information. He suggests that the next DC villain series will focus on the Joker, reprised by Barry Keoghan who made his first appearance as the iconic character in a cameo at the end of The Batman. In line with The Penguin’s role bridging The Batman and The Batman: Part II, a potential Joker series might cover the timeframe between Part II and Part III.

It’s not surprising that Warner Bros. Discovery might create a show around the iconic supervillain, the Joker, given his renowned status as history’s most famous villain. They’ve already introduced him in ‘The Batman’, making the foundation for such a project well-established. However, some fans feel that he appears too frequently, with the recent release of ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ being met with unfavorable reviews from both critics and audiences. Yet, Reeves is tasked with establishing a franchise, and the Joker attracts a large audience, so it seems inevitable that he’ll receive attention eventually.

To clarify, it’s not just the Joker who can carry a solo series among Batman’s villains. When discussing possible spin-off ideas, here are some other characters that come to mind.

The follow-up to The Penguin may be a Joker show, plus 4 other ideas for Batman spinoffs

Catwoman

Among all characters in “The Batman”, Catwoman stands out as an ideal protagonist for a standalone series. Not only does she debut in that comic, portrayed by Zoë Kravitz, but her exploits were plentiful; she developed a connection with Batman, and we delved into her past. In the final scenes of “The Batman”, Catwoman departed Gotham City before it plunged into turmoil. Can you guess where she might have gone?

Catwoman boasts an extensive backstory, exhibiting both villainous and heroic traits. While she is ruthless enough to commit theft, she also possesses qualities that earn her recognition as a hero or anti-hero. She embodies the spirit of adventure yet harbors a tender heart. She is trustworthy enough for Batman to rely on, but cunning enough to deceive him. Her character is multifaceted and compelling, making her an ideal candidate for starring in her own television series.

Two-Face

In a manner that aligns perfectly with Matt Reeves’ gritty and realistic take on Batman, Two-Face emerges as a formidable adversary. Typically portrayed as Harvey Dent, a lawyer who undergoes a psychological breakdown following a grievous facial injury, transforming into the criminal figure known as Two-Face.

Previously, Dent’s character has been portrayed on screen, most memorably by Aaron Eckhart in the 2008 film “The Dark Knight”. In a similar vein, a series based on Two-Face could explore legal dramas, depicting how Harvey Dent, initially with noble intentions, becomes increasingly embroiled in the criminal underbelly of Gotham City. This descent might culminate in his face being disfigured midway through the show, followed by him battling with his new identity before ultimately transforming into the villain we’re familiar with. Such a role could provide an excellent opportunity for a talented actor.

Poison Ivy

When discussing potential villains for television adaptation, director Craig Zobel expressed interest in creating a series centered around Poison Ivy, an eco-conscious antagonist who escalates her passion for preserving the environment to deadly, power-hungry extremes. Her preferred method of attack is through the use of poison, and in some versions, she exhibits near-mystical command over flora.

One way to rephrase this passage could be: Characters like The Penguin, Catwoman, and the Joker are villains who exist within a realm that’s grounded in reality; they engage in criminal activities, while Batman battles crime. Poison Ivy, on the other hand, might delve into more fantastical territories reminiscent of comic books, yet this doesn’t necessarily have to be a negative aspect. If desired, her eccentricities could be toned down.

It’s possible to develop a narrative where Poison Ivy appears as a protagonist rather than a villain, given the right perspective. One reason she remains a compelling character, even as a long-standing antagonist, is because as we become increasingly aware of the destructive practices of large corporations towards our planet — for instance, did you know that global warming has recently surpassed a critical, concerning milestone? — her mission appears more legitimate. A group of writers could find inspiration in exploring such themes.

The follow-up to The Penguin may be a Joker show, plus 4 other ideas for Batman spinoffs

The Scarecrow

Here’s another way of putting it:

If The Penguin is a crime drama, the Two-Face show a legal drama and the Poison Ivy series all about corporate malfeasance, a Scarecrow show could bring in horror elements. Imagine a series where Dr. Crane works at Arkham or some other hospital and discreetly tests his fear toxin on patients, going further and further until he’s caught. As he sees it, he has only one choice left: own it and become the Scarecrow. I would expect lots of trippy hallucinogenic sequences showing us what his victims see.

It’s widely recognized that Batman boasts an exceptional collection of villains in the comic book world. The Penguin has set the stage impressively for this hypothetical series of shows. Sustaining such high-quality production from one show to another over a prolonged period is challenging, but if they manage it, the benefits will be substantial for all involved.

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2024-11-08 23:42

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