James Gunn's Latest Batman Update Is Devastating For DC Universe Fans

A new Batman franchise update reveals that an exciting DC Universe project is truly dead, and that takes away the chance to explore a key part of the Dark Knight’s mythos. Currently, DC has many plans for Batman in live-action. The DCU’s Chapter One will introduce a new Bruce Wayne, with James Gunn keeping The Brave and the Bold‘s story under wraps.

The Batman 2 and more projects set in Matt Reeves’ Elseworlds universe will continue to exist outside DCU canon. With those two live-action Batman franchises, DC will cover many of the most important elements of the Dark Knight’s comic book history in the coming years, but a recent TV show update remains a devastating blow to Batman’s Rogues’ Gallery.

James Gunn Has Shared A Devastating Batman Spinoff Series Update

For some time, we have known that DC planned to develop an Arkham Asylum series. The project was developed for both The Batman universe and later the DCU, with work on it dying down. Despite fans’ hopes, James Gunn has now confirmed to BobaTalks that the Arkham series is definitely not coming back, saying, “You know, it just didn’t work.”

While it had already been revealed that the Arkham show was not moving forward, Gunn’s comments serve as the final nail in the coffin. The Batman spinoff series is not returning in any form, and so we lose the chance of seeing a TV show that could have been solely dedicated to exploring Batman’s rich Rogues Gallery, which includes some of DC’s most iconic villains.

The update is devastating because of the Arkham Asylum series’ potential. Villains like the Joker, Bane, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, Harley Quinn, and many more could have made their DCU debuts on the series, later appearing in other projects in the DCU slate. The series would have been the perfect Batman villain launching pad, introducing and developing characters before sending them off.

How Arkham Asylum Could Still Be Key To Future Batman Projects

Sofia (Cristin Milioti) bleeding from her nose after being beaten by another inmate at Arkham Asylum in The Penguin Season 1 Episode 4

While the Arkham series is dead, that does not mean that the Asylum itself will not be important for future live-action Batman movies. The DCU is a living, breathing comic book universe. As such, Arkham should be a key part of the franchise, with Batman sending many of his villains to the facility. The potential remains, even if not solely focused on Arkham.

Arkham Asylum will, at the very least, remain present in Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise. In Robert Pattinson’s first Batman movie, the Joker and the Riddler were last seen together at Arkham. Now, Sofia Falcone/Gigante is also there. As such, Arkham will still matter in live-action, which helps make up for the latest devastating Batman franchise update.