RUMOUR: Ben Affleck’s solo Batman movie may really delve into the mythology

OK, so this is rumour and spoiler, but remember it’s all speculation… for now.

In the trailer for Batman V Superman we clearly see Robin’s costume in the Batcave (yes, my inner fanboy squeeeed – I make no apology) and it seems to be pretty obvious that Robin is, well, dead at the hands of the Joker. (check it out below in case you forgot)

Now, fans of Batman lore will know that Joker killed the second Robin, Jason Todd in the A Death In The Family series, interestingly the readers voted if Robin should live or die and in the end they voted that he be sent to the big Batcave in the sky. And it makes us giddy to see the trailer for Batman V Superman has that story in its universe.

But it looks like this might just be the tip of the iceberg…

Joblo are reporting that they have some insider info on the story for the Batman Standalone movie: “For those that don’t know, Todd was actually killed by The Joker in 1988’s “A Death In The Family” storyline by Jim Starlin & Jim Aparo, before being resurrected via a Lazarus Pit, taking on the identity of The Red Hood (originally embodied by The Joker before he became The Joker) and becoming a sort of anti-hero/vigilante/crime boss. He has since become a main player in the comics as well as a rogue member of the ever-growing Bat family.”

We have heard rumours that Red Hood was a character that DC were very keen to get in the DC movie universe and this could be the way in: “Red Hood will be a key player in the first new solo Batman film, which is said to be adapting both the “A Death in the Family” and “Under The Hood” storylines from the comics.  Essentially, Red Hood is DC’s answer to Marvel’s Winter Soldier; former sidekicks gone evil and seeking a chance at redemption.”

While Affleck is keen to direct Batman (here) he is currently writing the script with DC’s Geoff Johns and “the basic plotline of Affleck’s solo Batfilm is that Jason Todd has returned from the grave as the Red Hood, working in the shadows to make people think he’s Batman, while making  Batman look like a criminal. At the same time he leaves clues about his identity for Bruce/Batman to ultimately solve, leading to a confrontation that will involve Batman, Red Hood, and yes, The Joker, who will feature as a primary villain alongside Red Hood.”

Given all that we’re hearing officially and unofficially, we can certainly say this makes sense for the world DC seems to be building on the big screen – Todd WILL be the second Robin and Dick Grayson will be in the universe and is no longer Robin but rather is Nightwing now – in fact, we may even hear this in  Batman V Superman; honestly, if Nightwing is name checked in this movie I might shout with joy in the cinema!

Joblo say they are hearing that “WB/DC are looking for an unknown to fill the role, much like Ray Fisher for Cyborg. In terms of his look, we’re told that he’ll look very much like he does in the comics, as well as his Arkham Knight videogame series appearances. “

This is all so exciting for us as fans… the idea that Warners and DC are considering delving into the richest history of Batman – a history that is already well underway when we meet him in BvS – is so exciting for us. Also, having Nightwing, Red Hood and Robin featuring in the universe means there’s always possibilities for more spinoff movies and, while this is a smart marketing strategy, this sounds like a great prospect.

Voice off in all the usual ways…