HBO Max is developing multiple Batman TV shows with The Batman director Matt Reeves, and here's a rundown of each upcoming series. Even though Warner Bros. and DC Films are still focusing on expanding the DC Extended Universe on the big screen, the launch of HBO Max in 2020 gave the studios a new avenue for content. This meant becoming the home for DC Universe's original series like Harley Quinn and Titans, but HBO Max is also in the business of developing new exclusive DC shows.
The first of HBO Max's original DC shows will be Peacemaker, James Gunn's The Suicide Squad spinoff series starring John Cena. There is also a Green Lantern anthology series in development from Greg Berlanti, an Aquaman animated series from James Wan, and a Justice League Dark show from J.J. Abrams. The Batman director Matt Reeves is among this group of creators working with HBO Max to develop multiple DC shows. Since he is helming the upcoming big-screen reboot of the Dark Knight with Robert Pattinson, it isn't a surprise that he is spearheading the development of multiple Batman-related shows.
His upcoming Batman shows for HBO Max vary in several ways. Some of them are direct spinoffs to The Batman and will feature actors from the 2022 blockbuster as its leads. These live-action spinoffs might be prequels set before Pattinson's Batman's debut or sequels to The Batman's events. Reeves' work isn't limited to live-action, though, as an animated show starring Batman is also in development. As the list of Batman shows grows, here's every series heading to HBO Max.
Gotham PD
The first Batman show expected to arrive on HBO Max is Gotham PD. The series is in development from Matt Reeves as a prequel to The Batman. It will be set in the first year of Bruce Wayne's vigilante acts and follow Jim Gordon, so it is expected that Jeffrey Wright will reprise his role. Gotham PD will highlight how corrupt Gotham City is by exploring corrupt cops, politicians, and more. Other characters from The Batman could also return for the series. Giri/Haji creator Joe Barton is developing the series, which will debut on HBO Max sometime after The Batman hits theaters.
The Penguin
Matt Reeves is also developing another The Batman spinoff show that will follow Oswald Cobblepot aka Penguin. Colin Farrell is expected to reprise his unrecognizable role from The Batman to bring the famous Batman villain to HBO Max. The untitled Penguin series reportedly focuses on Cobblepot's rise through Gotham's criminal underworld. It has been said that Penguin only has a small role in The Batman to begin with, so this HBO Max series can give audiences a better exploration of the character. There is no confirmed release date for the Penguin series.
Batman: Caped Crusader
HBO Max will also be the home of a new animated Batman series, Batman: Caped Crusader. The series comes from Matt Reeves, J.J. Abrams, and Batman: The Animated Series' Bruce Timm. Batman: Caped Crusader is described as a reimagining of the Batman mythology that will highlight the Dark Knight's noir roots and explore the character's psyche. It is not yet known who will voice Batman or any of his usual supporting characters. Batman: Caped Crusader does not have an official release window for HBO Max, but it could arrive sometime in 2022 potentially.
