Batgirl, Jason Todd... 4 Characters That Must Be Present to Make the Bat-Family Work in the DCEU

The Batman family of characters is as diverse as nearly any group in comic culture. Batman himself has lasted the test of time for over 75 years, and through all the years Batman has had squared off with many villains. Yet the more intriguing aspect of his career are his partnerships with the various young vigilantes and heroes in their own right.

Even though we've seen many film and television incarnations over the years of Batman himself [read more about that here], I believe that the DCEU as we know it is the best avenue to truly dive into the lore of the Bat-Family. I'm not talking about just including them in a Batman film, as they've been misrepresented before (cough... cough... I'm looking at you Batman & Robin). Let them be the major stockholder of the film as their own addition to the DCEU. Some of their films will be prequels, some will be during the period that the DCEU is representing through Man of Steel, Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice as well as what we will see in the Justice League films.

Red Hood (Jason Todd)

Jason Todd was 'killed' by The Joker during the "Death in the Family" story. Batman held himself accountable for his death, and spent years trying to recover from the emotional turmoil that he put himself through about losing Jason. That said, through the comics we know that Jason did survive (through Superboy-Prime altering reality and causing temporal ripples across the universe). Jason was taken in by Talia Al Ghul and spent years training as he held onto his anger and hatred towards Bruce for letting him fall into the hands of the Joker. The entire ordeal left Jason with an incredible amount of mental instability, ultimately leading him to antagonize Batman and his allies as the Red Hood.

Jason is snarky, sneaky and street smart. He was tough and blurred the lines between good and bad. He would bring some stark opposition to the Bat-Family.

Casting Choice: Jensen Ackles or Tyler Hoechlin

Both actors have the gritty features and ability to play badass characters, which is what would be necessary for Jason Todd.

Nightwing (Dick Grayson)

Nightwing is the first character that should be introduced to the DCEU with his own film. Dick was an acrobat along with his family; they were The Flying Graysons of the Haley Circus. Dick watched as his parents plummet to their deaths as their high wire snapped. Dick is nearly killed while he seeks vengeance against those responsible for his family's death but is rescued by Batman who ultimately reveals himself to be Bruce Wayne. Together they partner up and he remained Robin for years before deciding that he had outgrown that name and needed to become his own form of a hero. After being inspired by Superman to venture out, he became Nightwing, and becomes more upbeat and light-hearted as he is finally out from under the shadow of Batman.

We've seen hints through the [Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice](tag:711870) trailer that Batman has already lost Jason Todd's Robin to the Joker through the Killing Joke story arc.

If this is true, then Dick Grayson would have already moved on to his role as Nightwing, and possibly depending on the story told through the DCEU, he could very well be moving into his role as Agent 37.

Dick Grayson has a light-hearted attitude and is always quick with a witty comment. He would bring some levity and heart to the Bat-Family.

Casting Choice: Danny Shepherd

Honestly after seeing him on You Tube, there is nobody I think that could portray the Nightwing character as well as he has. I think he would be a perfect fit in the DCEU.

Red Robin (Tim Drake)

Robin is usually the first name that comes to mind when you think of a partner or a young vigilante working with Batman. There have been several characters who have carried the name Robin over the years, but Tim Drake remained loyal to the Robin name over the years, even as he outgrew being Batman's partner. As he grew, and once Damien Wayne was named the new Robin, Tim decided to become Red Robin and joined both the teams of Young Justice and Teen Titans for a while, as well as working freelance. I believe that Tim Drake is the current Robin in the DCEU and could possibly make an appearance.

Tim Drake is brains before brawn. Often figuring things out before Batman did, he even deduced that Batman and the then Robin were actually Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. He would add a mellowing affect to Batman.

Casting Choice: Taron Egerton

Taron is my wildcard pick, as he's incredibly popular right now, but I think his acting in Kingsman: Secret Service sealed it for me. he could totally pull off Tim Drake.

Oracle/Batgirl (Barbara Gordon)

Barbara Gordon is the daughter of police commissioner Jim Gordon, who takes it upon herself to become a super hero after stopping a kidnapping plot by Killer Moth. Barbara spends a great deal of time with the Bat-Family of characters and is an incredibly popular character. During the events of the "Killing Joke" Barbara is paralyzed by The Joker, and as she refuses to give up crime fighting, she becomes Oracle, an information broker and computer expert. This version of Barbara could be a really unique story to add to the DCEU. She would be post-Killing Joke and already known as Oracle, but working through recovery as her paralysis isn't permanent.

Casting Choice: Ellen Page or Mary Elizabeth Winstead

This casting was difficult for me, as both actresses have their pros and cons, but it ultimately depending on which version of Barbara Gordon was brought into the DCEU. As Batgirl, I would choose Ellen Page however, if we went with Oracle I'd lean towards Mary Elizabeth Winstead.