While The Batman has been a massive success with large amounts of excitement for sequels and spin-offs, the DCEU still has the better setup for an eventual Bat-Family of vigilantes joining the Dark Knight in his crusade. Considering Michael Keaton's upcoming return as Batman in The Flash and beyond in projects such as Batgirl, it does seem as though Keaton will become the new Dark Knight of the DCEU. As such, it makes much more sense for Keaton's Caped Crusader to have a family of sidekicks and allies than it would for Robert Pattinson's Batman, who exists in his own franchise apart from the DCEU.
Directed by Matt Reeves, The Batman features Bruce Wayne during his second year as a vigilante investigating a dark case about Gotham's hidden secrets thanks to the Riddler (played by Paul Dano). As such, he's very unrefined and not yet the fully formed Dark Knight, still learning to balance his desires for vengeance with true justice, becoming a protector of the innocent rather than simply hunting down criminals in the night. As a result, it seems as though the new franchise needs to focus on Bruce Wayne's personal evolution, rather than rushing things and giving his version of Batman a Robin too soon. Combined with his youth, it really wouldn't make sense either unless Reeves is planning on some significant time jumps (which would likely be controversial).
In comparison, the possibilities are much more open for the DCEU to have multiple Robins, Batgirls, and more Batman family members. 2023's The Flash will see Barry Allen in a multiversal adventure that will reportedly be Ben Affleck's final film as Batman. Furthermore, it's been confirmed that Michael Keaton will be reprising his role as the Dark Knight from Tim Burton's films. Combined with set photos confirming that Keaton's Batman will be in the upcoming Batgirl film starring Leslie Grace, it seems as though Keaton will become the new Batman for the DCEU going forward (replacing Affleck). It also makes much more sense given Keaton's age that his Batman would have already had Robins and more allies, having expanded his crusade over time. This is also supported by set photos from Batgirl that have featured a mural of Keaton's Batman with a Robin, along with teases and rumors that Dick Grayson's Nightwing will be making an appearance in the film (Batman's first Robin who grew up to become his own hero).
At the moment, the odds are much greater for Keaton's Batman to have a family of heroes than it would be for the much younger "Battinson" who's still on his own journey in becoming Gotham's primary vigilante. Furthermore, it also comes down to a matter of tone and whether or not the version of Gotham Matt Reeves has created could support an entire Bat-Family. At most, it seems like it could perhaps feature a singular Robin near the end of the rumored trilogy the director has in the works (along with the reported spin-off series).
Warner Bros. should undoubtedly look at The Batman as a success. However, it's hopefully not lost on them that they'll soon have the benefit of two versions of Batman operating in two very different spaces following The Flash. The opportunity will be huge. While many have wanted to see the live-action Bat-Family consisting of Nightwing, Red Hood, Tim Drake, Batgirl, and more, Keaton's Batman is the best equipped to feature them narrative-wise within the greater creative space of the DCEU.
