Fandom can be a powerful thing, as the public’s love for a TV or movie can last for years. This is certainly the case when it comes to Bruce Timm’s DC Animated Universe. Many of the shows in that franchise connected with fans by simultaneously covering new ground and staying true to the essence of DC Comics. Batman Beyond is a prime example of this, and it’s clear that many fans would love to see the DCAU show return. Now, one crew member is sending a message about a revival and likely giving fans a bit of hope in the process.
The cast of Batman Beyond, along with legendary voice director Andrea Romano, recently reunited for a table read and Q&A during IGN’s Fan Fest. During the festivities, a fan asked if a new season, movie or revival of any kind would be possible in the future. While the cast expressed their doubts, Romano was more enthusiastic:
It will depend on the fans asking, and asking, and asking for it until [show owner] Warner Bros. would be foolish not to. So they have to begin a campaign of sorts and just let Warner Bros. know that that's what they want. Because we would like to make it, it would be great fun – we're all still around, we're all still available, everybody's still doing beautiful work. So yes please, and thank you.
Andrea Romano didn’t hold back in letting fans -- and Warner Bros. -- know she and the cast would love to do more Batman Beyond. Of course, she also stressed that fans would need to continue to be vocal about their desire for new episodes.
Batman Beyond debuted on Kids WB! in 1999 as the fourth TV installment in the DC Animated Universe. Unlike its predecessors, the show featured an original setting -- Neo-Gotham, circa 2039. With this, the show also introduced a new protagonist into DC lore in the form of new Batman Terry McGinnis, a 16-year-old former juvenile delinquent who is mentored by an aged Bruce Wayne. While some were initially skeptical of the show’s concept, it received critical acclaim upon its release. The series would run for three seasons before finishing its run in 2001. The show would leave a major mark, with McGinnis’ Batman even being added to the mainstream DC Comics universe.
DCAU fans have been campaigning to revive shows like Batman Beyond and Justice League for years now. Many have also been vocal about their desire for a live-action film adaptation of the show. Although there hasn’t been much progress, there’s still a chance the show could see the light of day again. After all, just a few years ago, Young Justice fans rallied to get a third season made. In addition, a recent rumor also suggests HBO Max is looking to revive Batman: The Animated Series. If (and only if) that pans out to be true, it could bode well for Batman Beyond’s chances.
As a longtime fan of Batman Beyond and the DCAU as a whole, I would love to see a reboot of some kind. We’ll see if fans can unite to help get more episodes of the iconic show made.
In the meantime, Batman Beyond is available to stream on HBO Max.
