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If Ben Affleck Retires the Batman, is Nightwing DC’s Backup Plan?

The Batman has a director, again! Mere days after reports indicated that negotiations had broken down, Matt Reeves has officially been hired to direct and produce the next solo Batman film. That would have been a big story in of itself, had WB not followed that up with a press release that conspicuously left Ben Affleck‘s name off of it. Look, everyone makes mistakes…but that was clearly an intentional move that only feeds the rumors that Bat-Fleck is already looking to escape the entire DC Extended Universe. Today’s Nerdist News is diving into the Batcave as we explore a possible backup plan for the Dark Knight!

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Join special guest host Amy Vorpahl as she walks us through the latest developments in the Bat-saga, as well as the intriguing possibility that Warner Bros. and DC already have another option. It’s no coincidence that the Batman announcement was soon followed by the news that Nightwing is about to get his own solo movie as well. For you non-comic fans out there, Dick Grayson, the original Robin, went on to become Nightwing in the comics…and he’s even had a few stints as Batman as well. Could that happen on the big screen as well?

We think that it’s entirely possible. Consider this: Affleck’s Dark Knight was introduced as a man in his ’40s or ’50s during the events of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. He’s Batman, but he’s not a young man. It’s far more likely that this Batman could be close to the end of his time under the cowl. And while Batman v Superman established that Robin is dead in this universe, it never said which Robin died. That means Dick Grayson’s Nightwing can easily be added to the DC Extended Universe. Sorry, Jason Todd! You’re probably out of luck.

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Potentially, the Nightwing movie could be used to give Dick Grayson a big introduction to a new generation of fans, who would then follow him over to the Bat-franchise as he potentially takes over for Bruce Wayne. But the real question is whether the public is willing to accept anyone other than Bruce Wayne as Batman. If nothing else, Grayson could sub into the role for a movie or two and leave room for Batman to return with a new actor as Bruce Wayne.

Do you want to see Dick Grayson become the next big screen Batman? Let’s discuss in the comment section below!

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