The Dark Knight returns to TV screens this weekend with the premiere of Beware the Batman, and during an interview with Voices from Krypton, producer Mitch Watson (Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated) has spoken about the development of the CG-animated show, revealing that one of the early ideas for the series was to have the Caped Crusader teaming up with the Man of Steel for a new twist on the World’s Finest pairing.
“The first version was an Escape From New York kind of thing, which was a lot of fun, but I agree it was probably too dark for where they wanted to go with the show,” states Watson. “Then we came up with the lighter version of the show, which was Batman – specifically Bruce Wayne – and Clark Kent at the beginning of their careers. The show revolved around Clark as a cub reporter coming to Gotham City, where he meets Bruce. They’re also just becoming Batman and Superman. Clark and Bruce become friends, but Batman and Superman hate each other. Then they realize who each other is and get on the right side and end up living in the same building.
“It was, tonally, a very different approach,” he continues. “If Beware the Batman is centered in terms of tone, this was much lighter. It explored two guys in their early ’20s as they were becoming heroes. That was the gist of the story. But there was just a feeling that although they really liked it, the timing for a Batman/Superman team-up show just didn’t feel right. Not yet. I can tell you that variations of that idea are always on the boards and something to possibly do, but it hasn’t happened yet. I think it would have been great and maybe we’ll get a chance to do it someday.”
Beware the Batman premieres in the States on Saturday morning, with a voice cast that includes Anthony Ruivivar (Banshee) as Bruce Wayne / Batman, JB Blanc (The Count of Monte Cristo) as Alfred Pennyworth, Sumalee Montano (ER) as Katana, Wallace Langham (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) as Anarky, Grey DeLisle (Green Lantern: The Animated Series) as Magpie, Udo Kier (Scooby-Doo! Mystery Inc.) as Mr. Toad, Lance Reddick (The Wire) as Ra’s al Ghul, and Brian George (The Big Bang Theory) as Professor Pyg.
Originally published July 12, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
