| Batman: Caped Crusader | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | |
| Based on | Characters fromDC |
| Developed by | Bruce Timm |
| Showrunners |
|
| Voices of |
|
| Music by | Frederik Wiedmann |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 10 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Editor | Marc Stone |
| Running time | 24–26 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | Amazon Prime Video |
| Release | August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) – present |
| Related | |
Batman: Caped Crusader is an American animated television series based on theDC Comics characterBatman. The series is developed byBruce Timm, and produced byBad Robot Productions, 6th & Idaho Motion Picture Company,DC Entertainment,Warner Bros. Animation, andAmazon MGM Studios. Premiered on August 1, 2024, onAmazon Prime Video, the show offers anoir-inspired reimagining of the Batman mythos, focusing on a young Bruce Wayne during the early stages of his crime-fighting career inGotham City, drawing inspiration fromBatman stories of the1940s and1960s.
Unlike previous Batman-centered programming,Caped Crusader explores themes of corruption and crime in a stylized, period setting. The project was first announced in May 2021 and has been noted for itsserialized storytelling and deeppsychological exploration of its characters. Critics have praised its mature tone and complex portrayal of the superhero, setting it apart from previous adaptations.
Batman: Caped Crusader reimagines the Batman mythos with a focus on the detective noir aspects of the character. Set in a dark, forebodingGotham City,[1] inspired by Batman stories from the 1940s and 1960s,[2] the series presents a young Bruce Wayne in the early stages of his crime-fighting career. It explores his struggle against the city's rampant corruption and crime, including a corrupt police force wanting to expose him as a fraud and a city riddled withgang warfare. Much like many previous iterations,Batman: Caped Crusader emphasizes a grim, moody tone, with Batman often taking a back seat as other characters, including new interpretations of classic villains likeCatwoman andClayface, and allies likeBarbara Gordon take on more prominent roles.[1][2]
The series is noted for itsserialized storytelling, focusing onepisodic detective cases that build up to a larger narrative over the season. The show showcases a more grounded and less flamboyant take on its characters while integrating new and diverse spins on classic roles.[1][2]
Non-speaking cameos includeJoe Chill, a mugger who shotThomas andMartha Wayne andJimmy Olsen, a photographer for theDaily Planet.
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "In Treacherous Waters" | Christina Sotta | Story by :
Teleplay by : Jase Ricci | August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
Oswalda Cobblepot, owner and singer of theIceberg Lounge, has been making a name for herself inGotham City's criminal underworld as the "Penguin" while trying to eliminate her mob boss rivalRupert Thorne by destroying his organization's warehouses. However, Thorne survives with help from a leak in her circle. Believing it is her youngest son Aaron, Oswalda has her enforcer Iggy kill him. However, her eldest son and the real source Ronald seeks outGotham City Police Department (GCPD) CommissionerJim Gordon for protection. With help from Jim's daughterBarbara Gordon and a mysterious vigilante called the "Batman", Ronald safely reaches the GCPD, but Oswalda launches a missile to destroy the police station. Unbeknownst to her, the station is evacuated before it is destroyed. Batman successfully captures Oswalda. He realizes later that in doing so, he left a power vacuum in Gotham's underworld for Thorne to fill. Batman tells his butlerAlfred Pennyworth that he cannot fail again. | |||||
| 2 | "...And Be a Villain" | Matt Peters | Greg Rucka | August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
GCPD detectiveRenee Montoya is assigned to locate missing actress Yvonne Frances. Following a failed interrogation of Bruce Wayne, she investigates the film studio, where she learns Frances' fellow actorBasil Karlo may have been lying about his alibi. However, he is seemingly murdered before she can confirm. Upon further investigation, she learns Karlo was ashamed of his face, which led to him being typecasted and Frances rejecting his advances. Ultimately, he used an experimental serum to make his face more malleable. Montoya and Batman eventually stumble across Karlo, who faked his death and kidnapped Frances out of a desire to play a villain for real. Montoya rescues Frances while Batman defeats Karlo who disappears before Montoya can apprehend him. | |||||
| 3 | "Kiss of the Catwoman" | Christopher Berkeley | Story by :
Teleplay by :
| August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
At a museum displaying the Gotham elite's jewels, Bruce encounters a heiress namedSelina Kyle, who has an interest in his late motherMartha Wayne's pearls. He is later ordered to attend a month of therapy with Dr. Harleen Quinzel after assaulting a patron who insulted his parents. Meanwhile, Kyle resorts to jewel theft after being left in debt adopting the "Catwoman" persona following the arrest of her father and the seizing of his company. After being caught and outed by Batman, Catwoman takes inspiration from him by upgrading her car and using gadgets before Gotham's District AttorneyHarvey Dent bails her out, allowing her to resume her crime spree. Deducing Kyle will try and steal Martha's pearls, Bruce orders the museum to close early to lure in Catwoman, who is eventually caught once more. Selina left destitute upon learning her maid Greta sold her belongings and refuses to bail her out as her way of Greta cutting her chances. | |||||
| 4 | "The Night of the Hunters" | Christina Sotta | Ed Brubaker | August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
After Mayor Jessop orders the creation of a task force to apprehend Batman, Gordon chooses Montoya to run it. Using Dr. Quinzel's insights, corrupt GCPD detectivesHarvey Bullock andArnold Flass use a masked criminal calledFirebug as bait to lure out Batman. As part of their plan, they let Firebug go to start a fire. Batman arrives to rescue civilians, evading corrupt SWAT officers led by Bullock and Flass in the process. As Bullock and Flass kill Firebug to cover their tracks, Batman reluctantly works with Jim, who disapproves of the task force's methods, to save the remaining civilians. Afterward, Batman disappears once more, Bullock and Flass are hailed as heroes by Mayor Jessop, and put in charge of the Batman task force, with Jim narrowly keeping his job. | |||||
| 5 | "The Stress of Her Regard" | Matt Peters | Halley Gross | August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
After several wealthy businessmen abruptly donate their fortunes to charity and go missing, Barbara suspects their physician and her friend, Dr. Quinzel, is involved. In reality, Quinzel has adopted the jester-like persona ofHarley Quinn and is subjecting the businessmen to immense torture in an attempt to correct their minds. Barbara and Batman track her to the basement of one of her patients, where the latter is overpowered and knocked unconscious before the house is rigged to detonate. Nonetheless, Batman recovers and saves Barbara, though he fails to save Quinzel from falling to her apparent death. Having survived, Quinzel calls Montoya to call off a date they had planned and tell her that she is temporarily leaving Gotham. | |||||
| 6 | "Night Ride" | Christopher Berkeley | Marc Bernardin | August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
When a mysterious ghost on horseback emerges to rob Gotham's working class, Dent's mayoral election campaign is threatened due to the robberies happening on his watch. He is offered a donation from Thorne, but is hesitant to accept it. Meanwhile, Batman struggles to fight the ghost directly. Deducing that it is the spirit ofJim Craddock, the gambling-addicted former owner of an old property that Bruce's friendLucius Fox recently bought, he gains help fromLinton Midnite, who advises him to sacrifice the old property's deed and the blood of a nobleman to draw out Craddock. Though Craddock possesses Alfred Pennyworth, Batman completes the ritual using Alfred's blood and traps Craddock in a vial. He subsequently gives it to Midnite while Dent accepts Thorne's donation. | |||||
| 7 | "Moving Target" | Christina Sotta |
| August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
Jim fears that someone put a bounty on his head after assassins such asFloyd Lawton andOnomatopoeia come to Gotham and the former almost succeeds at killing him. He reluctantly agrees to be escorted to a safehouse at Wayne Gardens, but Onomatopoeia's group finds them. Meanwhile, Batman learns the hit was placed by aBlackgate Penitentiary inmate named Muller and follows Jim's detail. Narrowly fending off the assassins, Batman reveals to Jim while getting the contract cancelled, he discovered Barbara is the true target. OfficerJim Corrigan attempts to claim the bounty for himself, but is disarmed by Jim and arrested. Muller later reveals he ordered the hit because he feels he deserves better prison accommodations. | |||||
| 8 | "Nocturne" | Matt Peters | Halley Gross | August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
Amidst a fundraiser carnival for Dent's campaign, multiple orphans are reported missing. Batman soon finds the culprit,Natalia Night, the younger sister of inventorAnton Night who suffers from a mysterious ailment that can only be staved off by draining energy from people, which grants her enhanced strength. After falling out with and attacking Anton for his perceived controlling behavior, Natalia continues her attacks until she is intercepted by Batman. After making her realize she accidentally killed Anton, who begged Batman to stop her before he died, Batman takes Natalia to safety while her victims are taken to a hospital to recover. Meanwhile, Dent meets with Thorne to accept his donation, but refuses to accept his condition of dropping charges against Thorne's friend. In retaliation, Thorne's second-in-command Tony Zito throws a flask of acid at Dent's face. | |||||
| 9 | "The Killer Inside Me" | Christopher Berkeley | Jase Ricci | August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
In the aftermath of his assault, Dent loses his mayoral bid and is left with half of his face permanently scarred which he grows insecure about. Bruce attempts to cheer him up with a night on the town, but a paranoid Dent has an outburst in a restaurant. Alfred scolds Bruce for his poor attempt at getting through to him. Craving justice against those who wronged him, Dent goes on a violent spree throughout Gotham taking out several of Thorne's men. Batman intervenes before he can hurt Thorne himself. Guilt-ridden, Dent snaps out of his rage and willingly goes toArkham Asylum where he discovers Barbara signed on to become his lawyer. | |||||
| 10 | "Savage Night" | Christina Sotta | Ed Brubaker | August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01) | |
Barbara explains to Dent that she is willing to help him, insisting that he was led astray. Meanwhile, Thorne's men, Bullock, and Flass seek revenge on Dent, prompting Barbara and Batman to establish a form of contact between each other and join forces with each other, Jim, and Montoya to protect him so he can testify in court. Amidst a fight at the docks however, Dent sacrifices himself to save Barbara from Flass. Batman loses his temper and threatens to shoot Flass, but ultimately spares him. Following this, Alfred assures Batman that while he failed to reach Dent's humanity, Batman still has his. Elsewhere, amysterious man kills a series of victims with a toxin that makes them laugh uncontrollably. | |||||
Warner Bros. Animation approached longtimeDC Comics producerBruce Timm with the idea of producing arevival ofBatman: The Animated Series (1992–1995) set after the events ofThe New Batman Adventures (1997–1999), but Timm refused to develop a Batman show that was a continuation toThe Animated Series, as if he were to revive aDC Animated Universe (DCAU) show, that would beJustice League (2001–2006) due to his feelings more could have been done there, but Warner wasn't interested in reviving that show. However, after a discussion with James Tucker regarding the offer, Timm recalled several ideas he had forThe Animated Series that he was unable to do due to the target audience, particularly having "more of a pulp, serial, mystery,film noir" depiction of the character, inspiring him to develop a new series based on those ideas.[5][8] Timm, who decided to work with Tucker on the new series, was later informed by Warner Bros. Animation thatJ. J. Abrams andThe Batman directorMatt Reeves were interested to work with him on a new show,[5] after which Timmpitched them his ideas for the new series, which impressed Reeves and Abrams, who decided to work on the series.[8]
In May 2021, It was announced that a newBatman animated series developed by Reeves, Abrams, and Timm, titledBatman: Caped Crusader, would premiere onCartoon Network andHBO Max.[9] Timm serves asshowrunner on the series,[10][3] with the first season consisting of ten episodes.[9] In January 2022, comic book authorEd Brubaker has been announced to be serving as head writer and executive producer for the series;[11] Brubaker agreed to work on the series due to his love forBatman: The Animated Series,[12] and originally approached Timm to work on the show as a freelance writer, thinking thewriters' room was already hired. Timm instead hired him as head writer.[13] Additional executive producers include Tucker, Daniel Pipski, Rachel Rusch Rich andSam Register.[14]
In August 2022, it was reported that the series would no longer be moving forward on HBO Max as part of the service's original programming, but would continue production while being shopped to another network, withApple TV+,Hulu, andNetflix reportedly interested in the series.[15][16] In September 2022, the series officially began being shopped around to networks with Netflix,Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ being the big contenders.[17] In March 2023, it was announced that Amazon would serve as the new distributor of the series and had renewed it for a second season.[18] Brubaker was unable to return for season 2 due to the2023 Writers Guild of America strike and scheduling issues,[19] while Tucker was mentioned as a showrunner for the season.[20]
The writing process for season one began in 2022.[21] The series features contributions from writers such asGreg Rucka,[22]Marc Bernardin,[19]Halley Gross, Jase Ricci, Adamma Ebo and Adanne Ebo, with Sean Lee serving as a writer's assistant.[12] Rucka specifically wrote the second episode.[13] In June 2024,J. M. DeMatteis revealed he had written an episode for the show's second season.[23] Reeves, Abrams, and Timm described the series as "continuing theBatman mythology" with Warner Bros. Animation andCartoon Network Studios presidentSam Register saying it will follow the "groundbreaking legacy" of Timm'sBatman: The Animated Series, aiming to re-shape the audience perception of the Batman mythologies in a similar vein toThe Animated Series. All the executive producers called the series "thrilling, cinematic and evocative of Batman's noir roots while diving deeper into the psychology of these iconic characters".[24]
The series is aperiod piece set in the 1940s, which was decided by the producers as a way to distinguishCaped Crusader fromThe Animated Series.[25] The writers used both films and Batman comics released during that period as an influence on character portrayals and design, particularly regarding Catwoman and Clayface.[25] The series draws particular inspiration from noir films, with Tucker being a fan of the genre and wanting to implement it to the series to create an interpretation of the character that hasn't been done in animation.[3]
Brubaker said the series would have a more adult tone while still catering towards a young audience, comparing its rating toStar Wars and theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU),[12] with the series focusing on solving murder mysteries and Batman's self-destructive tendencies.[3] This was reaffirmed during the 2023 Annecy Film Festival by Warner Bros. Animation vice-president Peter Girardi, who noted the series would target an older audience, which gave Timm more creative freedom thanThe Animated Series, where he had to discard ideas due to censorship.[26] Timm noted some elements of the series were recycled from plans he discarded fromThe Animated Series, such as depicting "this emotionally messed-up version of Batman, who's extremely aloof and almost inhuman".[3]
In August 2022,Diedrich Bader accidentally revealed he did voice work for the series.[27] In June 2024, the voice cast were revealed withHamish Linklater announced to be voicingBatman and Bader to be voicingTwo-Face.[3] Despite never had any voice acting experience in the past, Linklater wanted an opportunity to portray Batman at some capacity. Having watched previous Batman-centered animated shows prior, Linklater looked to the character's longtime voice actor,Kevin Conroy as an influence.[28] The following month,John DiMaggio was revealed to be reprising his role asHarvey Bullock from the animated film,Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, whileMinnie Driver was revealed to be voicing a gender-bent version of ThePenguin with the character being renamed as Oswalda Cobblepot.[5]
Animation services were provided by Studio IAM and Studio Grida.[5] James Tucker returns from previous DC animated media as a character designer.[12] Post-production for the series began in January 2024, with early cuts for some episodes having already been developed by that point.[13] The character design for Batman was inspired by his 1930s comics design, which artists used as a "starting point" for a more stylized take to differentiate his appearance from his design in previous media.[5]
The anticipation forBatman: Caped Crusader kicked off with an official announcement on May 19, 2021, featuring anoir-inspiredposter of Batman that set a dark and atmospheric tone for the series. During theDC FanDome 2021panel on October 16, creatorsBruce Timm,J.J. Abrams, andMatt Reeves presentedconcept art and discussed the show's direction, emphasizing its unique animation style and thematic depth, although no video clips were shared.[29][30] May 2024Entertainment Weekly published an exclusive first look, unveiling several images that highlighted the series' distinctive art style and character designs, including a fresh take on classic villains and allies.[31]
Thepromotional campaign forBatman: Caped Crusader unfolded gradually, with a variety of clips and images released to build anticipation. Throughout 2024 and leading up to August 2024, several promotional images were revealed, showcasing key characters, villains, and settings that highlighted the series' artistic direction and emotional depth. These visuals reinforced the show’s commitment to its dark and moody aesthetic, aiming to bring a noir-inspired take on the Batman mythos while appealing to both new viewers and long-time fans.[32][33][34]
An early animation reel for the series was shown during the 2023Annecy International Animation Film Festival.[26]Batman: Caped Crusader was originally set to release onHBO Max andCartoon Network as part of itsACME Night slate,[15] however, it was released onAmazon Prime Video, on August 1, 2024.[35] The second season was slated to be released in 2025.[36][37] However, it was delayed to 2026.[38]
According toWhip Media, which tracks viewership data for the 25 million worldwide users of itsTV Time app,Batman: Caped Crusader was the most anticipated new series of March 2024.[39]
Batman: Caped Crusader has received a varied response from critics, many of whom commend itsnoir-inspired roots, with Graeme Virtue ofThe Guardian noted its effective incorporation of noir elements within the familiar Batman mythos.[40] Critics also highlighted the storytelling, with Josh Bell ofThe Inlander finding it engaging,[41] and Joe George ofDen of Geek viewing it as a promising start with classic potential.[42] Craig Mathieson ofThe Age praised the series for presenting fresh narratives,[43] while Erin Maxwell ofLA Weekly applauded its deep exploration of the character's history, effectively balancing heritage with modernretconning.[44] Ross McIndoe ofSlant Magazine noted its hard-edged crime narrative within a kid-friendly framework.[45]
Darker, period-specific details were also noted, with Bill Goodykoontz ofthe Arizona Republic enjoying these aspects.[46] Joshua M. Patton fromCBR appreciated Batman's return to his detective roots,[47] while Nick Schager fromthe Daily Beast characterized it as a stylish throwback.[48] Zaki Hasan from theSan Francisco Chronicle deemed it a successful reinvention of the character.[49] Johnny Loftus ofDecider enjoyed the moody animation and compelling villains, although he noted some narrative imbalance.[50] Ben Travers fromIndieWire suggested the series could appeal to both casual viewers and die-hard fans, potentially attracting a new generation.[51]
Some critics celebrate the show as a fresh, engaging series with strong potential, while also noting some areas for improvement in originality like, Bradley Russell ofGamesRader regarded it as a tremendous first effort with great potential for future seasons.[52] Alan Sepinwall ofRolling Stone found it enjoyable but not particularly groundbreaking.[53] Kambole Campbell ofEmpire viewed it as a renewal rather than a simpleretread of previous series.[54] Erik Adams ofIGN Movies found it captivating, focusing on engaging whodunits rather than operatic origin stories.[55] Reuben Baron ofLooper found it engaging but lacking the "wow" factor of earlier iterations,[56] while Elijah Gonzalez ofPaste Magazine appreciated its successful blend of various Batman eras.[57] Michael Thomas ofCollider felt it struggled to carve out its own identity but marked a solid return to form.[58] Witney Seibold ofSlashfilm considered it the best Batman media in a decade.[59] Roxana Hadadi fromVulture offered a fresh perspective, stating that the series takes foundational aspects of the noir genre—paranoia, conspiracy, and dramatic chiaroscuro visuals—and gives them a spin recognizable to Batman fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.[60]
In contrast, some critics were less favorable. Zach Rabiroff ofPolygon argued that the show is "a slightly smarter, slightly slower, but much less interesting version of Timm’s ’90s masterpiece."[61] Further voices in the critique included Jarrod Jones ofAV Club, who described it as a moody and thrilling journey through Gotham City,[62] while Angie Han ofHollywood Reporter felt it was steady but rarely spectacular.[63] Gavia Baker-Whitelaw fromTV Guide found it well-executed yet conventional,[64] while Hoai-Tran Bui ofInverse identified it as ambitious, with some lulls but overall engaging.[65]
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | Critics' Choice Television Awards | Best Animated Series | Batman: Caped Crusader | Nominated | [66] |
| Saturn Awards | Best Animated Television Series or Special | Nominated | [67] |
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
