Batman and Harley Quinn Cover Art & Home Release Details
Available August 15
By Alex Burns
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment have revealed new details for the next DC Comics Animated Original Movie, Batman and Harley Quinn. In addition to the sweet cover art, we have an official synopsis and special feature listings for the Blu-Ray Edition.
In Batman and Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Jason Woodrue (a.k.a. The Floronic Man) embark on an ecological quest to save the planet – and, unfortunately, eliminate most of humankind along the way. To save humanity, Batman and Nightwing are forced to enlist Harley Quinn to catch Poison Ivy, Harley’s BFF and frequent partner-in-crime. But Batman’s patience is put to the test by the unpredictable and untrustworthy Harley during the twists and turns the reluctant companions face during their bumpy road trip. The result is a thrill ride of action, adventure and comedy no Batman fan has seen before.
The Harley Effect (Featurette): Harley Quinn, has a deep history with the fans of the DC Universe. This featurette traces her humble roots from her creators, to those that portray her at Comic book conventions. She is a symbol of strength and beloved by many.
Loren Lester: In His Own Voice (Featurette): This documentary examines actor Loren Lester’s legacy within Batman The Animated Series, Dick Grayson’s character, and the popularity that surrounds Lester’s interpretation of the Boy Wonder.
A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie: A behind-the-scenes look at the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Original Movies, featuring thoughts from the talented filmmakers and voice cast.
From the DC Vault – Batman: The Animated Series – “Harley and Ivy” and “Harley’s Holiday”
Batman and Harley Quinn is available to buy this August.
To check out our reaction to the first reveal trailer and more Batman news every week, subscribe to our podcast!
0:21:20 - Trailer Reaction - Batman & Harley Quinn
EW have debuted the first trailer for Batman & Harley Quinn, the DC Original Animated Movie from Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment.
“Executive produced by Bruce Timm, who goes back to his classic style heralded in Batman: The Animated Series, this is an original story featuring the reluctant team-up of Batman, Nightwing and Harley Quinn to try and stop a global catastrophe caused by Poison Ivy and Jason Woodrue, AKA the Plant-Master,”Empire previously detailed.
With Bruce Timm's animation style from The New Batman Adventures and both Kevin Conroy and Loren Lester reunited as Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, is it any wonder we can't wait to see this film? Also a bit of TV sitcom royalty joins the cast in the form of The Big Bang Theory's Melisa Rauch.
“I love that Harley is a badass and, beyond that, that she uses her humor as another weapon in her arsenal,” Rauch told Empire. “She knows just how to diffuse a situation with her humor, and how to incite a situation with her sarcasm. It’s a dream role.” She adds: “I knew Harley had a higher pitched tone, and a bit of a New York accent — and I come from a New Jersey family where everyone could be former gun molls. So I wanted to give a nod to my background without being as shrill. In all honesty, I used to speak exactly like that — my acting school professors really worked the accent out of me. So it was fun to find those tones and accent again.” Rauch inherits a role previously voiced by Arleen Sorkin and Tara Strong.
The film will be an original story and doesn't look to connect to the established DC Animated Universe that began with Batman: The Animated Series and finished with Justice League Unlimited. It's still great to see an animated movie back in a classic style that celebrates the spirit of those classic cartoons. Expect Batman & Harley Quinn to release Summer 2017
Check out our reaction to the trailer in the podcast below!
0:21:20 - Trailer Reaction - Batman & Harley Quinn
For more Batman news be sure to subscribe, new episodes on everything awesome every week.
Director Matt Reeves is promoting his new film War for the Planet of the Apes, speaking to Los Angeles Daily News he was asked about his involvement in the upcoming Batman solo film. While there are, of course, no big reveals in terms of plot or tone, Reeves did confess he's a lifelong fan of the DC Comics' hero and also a brief explanation of his perception of the character. “It’s a strange thing to be involved in the two franchises which were the two that I was connected to most as a child,” Reeves said. “I just was obsessed with Batman when I was a kid. What I find so interesting about him as a character is that, as far a superhero goes, he’s not superhuman, he is a person. And he is a tortured soul who is grappling with his past and trying to find a way to be in a world that has a lot that’s wrong with it and trying to find a way to reconcile all of that. “That is a really powerful character, in the same way that Caesar is such a powerful character.” You can check of Reeves' work on War of the Planet of the Apes when it hits theatres on July 14th. We'll keep you posted on all updates for the DCEU's Batman film starring Ben Affleck. Check out our podcast below to get our take on the situation.
Join Alex, Sam and Ashley for another Cape and Cowl Cast! It's all about the DCEU on our latest pod as WB confirm that Matt Reeves will direct the solo Batman film with Ben Affleck! We also have news that a solo Nightwing movie is in the works with Chris McKay in the director's chair. Big changes are in store for the future of DC Comics on film and we are pretty darn excited! Happy listening amigos!
Team Catch Up - 00:04:44
Matt Reeves to Direct Batman, discussion and analysis - 00:18:34
Listener Q&A - 00:36:25 Nightwing film in the works, thoughts and comments - 01:03:44
Empire have revealed the first official details for the next DC Animated Original Movie - Batman & Harley Quinn.
“Executive produced by Bruce Timm, who goes back to his classic style heralded in Batman: The Animated Series, this is an original story featuring the reluctant team-up of Batman, Nightwing and Harley Quinn to try and stop a global catastrophe caused by Poison Ivy and Jason Woodrue, AKA the Plant-Master,” Empire details.
With Bruce Timm's animation style from The New Batman Adventures and both Kevin Conroy and Loren Lester reunited as Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, is it any wonder we can't wait to see this film? Also a bit of TV sitcom royalty joins the cast in the form of The Big Bang Theory's Melisa Rauch.
“I love that Harley is a badass and, beyond that, that she uses her humor as another weapon in her arsenal,” Rauch said. “She knows just how to diffuse a situation with her humor, and how to incite a situation with her sarcasm. It’s a dream role.” She adds: “I knew Harley had a higher pitched tone, and a bit of a New York accent — and I come from a New Jersey family where everyone could be former gun molls. So I wanted to give a nod to my background without being as shrill. In all honesty, I used to speak exactly like that — my acting school professors really worked the accent out of me. So it was fun to find those tones and accent again.” Rauch inherits a role previously voiced by Arleen Sorkin and Tara Strong.
The film will be an original story and doesn't look to connect to the established DC Animated Universe that began with Batman: The Animated Series and finished with Justice League Unlimited. It's still great to see an animated movie back in a classic style that celebrates the spirit of those classic cartoons. Expect Batman & Harley Quinn to release Summer 2017
Variety are bringing word that Joss Whedon will write, direct and produce a new film based on DC Comics' Batgirl character. The feature film will take place within the DCEU that is continuing this year with Wonder Woman and Justice League. The film will focus on the original Batgirl, Barbara Gordon. Joss Whedon is no stranger to adapting comicbook characters to the big screen, his work for Marvel including The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Whedon is also praised for his comicbook writing and iconic television work including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the Firefly franchise. This will be his first DC Comics' film project after having been attached to a Wonder Woman solo film over a decade ago.
Whedon is notable for telling rich character-driven stories and is somewhat of a specialist in telling sweeping epic adventures featuring strong female heroes. The Batgirl news comes soon after the reveal that Warner Bros. Pictures are also developing several Batman related projects within the DCEU. There's of course the Batman solo film with Matt Reeves attached to helm but also a solo Nightwing film with Chris McKay directing and the Gotham City Sirens movie which is in active development with Margot Robbie returning as Harley Quinn as well. There's every chance Batgirl could make an appearance in any one of those films ahead of her own solo movie. We will keep you updated with more reveals from WB and DC Comics regarding this project but if you'd like to get our opinion on the projects that are creating already confirmed and creating a Batman extended universe on film, check out our podcast below. We will be talking plenty Batgirl soon so be sure to subscribe for more superhero chat!
A glimpse at the special features menu for Teen Titans: The Judas Contract has revealed our first look at the upcoming Batman & Harley Quinn animated film.
As is standard with the DC Animated Original Movies, a sneak peek at Batman & Harley Quinn will be attached to Teen Titans: The Judas Contract. This image is our first look at the animation style for the film though, it is notable as it's identical to the art design used in the classic 90's cartoon The New Batman Adventures. That series was a continuation of the critically acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series that remains to this day one of the most revered takes on The Dark Knight of all time.
Not much is know about the Batman & Harley Quinn film and thought the animation style is similar to the Batman animated series' of old, there is no official confirmation that this new original movie will connect to that universe. It's great to see Batman and Harley Quinn involved in another animated project and the appearance of Nightwing eating fast-food in the Batmobile is a great surprise for fans as well. Bruce Timm is confirmed as a producer but expect a full official release containing cast and crew from Warner Bros. Animation when Teen Titans: The Judas Contract releases in April 2017.
To check out our reaction to the first reveal trailer and more Batman news every week, subscribe to our podcast!
0:21:20 - Trailer Reaction - Batman & Harley Quinn
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract - World Premier and Image Revealed
Ready for Battle
By Steven Carter
Check out a brand new image for the next DC Animated feature film - Teen Titans: The Judas Contract! The movie will hold it's premiere screening Friday, March 31, 2017 at WonderCon Anaheim in the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center. The showing starts at 6:00pm and will be followed by a panel discussion featuring the film’s cast and filmmakers. Led by Starfire, the Teen Titans – Beast Boy, Raven, Blue Beetle, Robin and the just-returned Nightwing – have built a cohesive team in their never-ending battle against evil; but their newest teammate, the mysterious and powerful Terra, may be altering that dynamic. Meanwhile, an ancient evil, Brother Blood, has awakened, and familiar foe Deathstroke is lurking in the shadows – both waiting to pounce. Ultimately, the Teen Titans will need to battle their enemies and their own doubts to unite and overcome the malicious forces around them in this twisting tale of intrigue, adventure and deception.
The heroes set to feature in the comic book adaptation include; Blue Beetle (Jake T.Austin), Beast Boy (Brandon Soo Hoo), Starfire ( Kari Wahlgren), Nightwing (Sean Maher) and main hero Terra (Christina Ricci), plus the return of Damian Wayne's Robin (Stuart Allen) and Raven (Taissa Farmiga). Deathstroke is the main villain here and actor Miguer Ferrer provided the voice for the character, he sadly passed away recently but did complete his voice work on the project. Stay tuned for mored DC Animation news right here at Cape and Cowl!
Director Chris McKay is set to direct the first live-action Nightwing film for Warner Bros. Pictures. In an interview on the Shanlian On Batman podcast, The LEGO Batman Movie director explained why he is so fully invested in the character of Dick Grayson. Check out his comments below.
“Bruce Wayne in my mind came from privilege and I think that’s why he’s more dour and angry. He’s self-made as far as his becoming all of these cool things we like him for… Dick Grayson didn’t come from that. Dick Grayson came from a circus family. Essentially people who aren’t rich and they are self-made. They’re entertainers. They’re gymnasts. They’re people who live hand-to-mouth and that’s something that informs him and his attitude… he’s a fascinating guy to me, because he had all the same things happen to him. He’s got some of the same negatives as Bruce Wayne and then from a society standpoint — obviously he was adopted into Bruce Wayne’s life… but he didn’t start that way. He’s this guy who has all these negatives and then even more negatives and yet he remains… Those are things why I like Dick Grayson, why I like the idea of Nightwing as a movie.”
Dick Grayson was created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson the character first appeared in 1940 in the pages of Detective Comics #38. Introduced as a partner for Batman, so younger readers could picture themselves adventuring alongside the dark knight, the original Robin proved a huge hit and has since become one of the most iconic DC Comics characters ever. Dick Grayson fought alongside Batman for several years before eventually leaving the Robin mantle behind and forging his own path out of the shadow of his mentor to become the hero Nightwing. The Judge and The Accountant screenwriter Bill Dubuque is locked for script writing duties.
A firm fan-favourite, the news that a Nightwing film is in development is bound to raise excitement levels around the ever-growing slate of DC film projects set for release in the next few years. It's unclear at this point how the Nightwing character will fit in with the other heroes of the DCEU but we can expect Matt Reeves and Ben Affleck's solo Batman film to potentially lay the groundwork for Nightwing. It's worth noting that Nightwing also has strong ties to Deathstroke and with Joe Manganiello taking on the role of master assassin in the Batman film, there is every possibility we could see a connected story play out across films. With the appearance of Jason Todd's Robin costume in Batman v Superman there's bound to be a rich history concerning the legacy of the Robin mantle and also how Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne's relationship played out in the 20 years before BvS. After the release of Wonder Woman and Justice League this year, the other DC projects in various stages of development include:
James Wan's Aquaman starring Jason Momoa, which is very close to production proper
A Suicide Squad sequel that is looking for a director
David Ayer and Margot Robbie's Gotham City Sirens feature
A solo Cyborg film starring Ray Fischer
Green Lantern Corps set for release in 2020
The Flash starring Ezra Miller, a film that is now under-going script rewrites
A Shazam film and a Black Adam feature starring Dwanye Johnson
A rumoured solo Superman sequel starring Henry Cavil
With a Batman solo film, the Gotham City Sirens project and now this Nightwing film confirmed, there is a growing extended Batman universe in production alongside the Justice League members. There's plenty to be excited about! We'll keep you posted on updates as they come. Check out our thoughts on Chris McKay's last film - The LEGO Batman Movie in the podcast below.
UPDATE - Check out our thoughts on the Nightwing film in the podcast below!
Team Catch Up - 00:04:44 Matt Reeves to Direct Batman, discussion and analysis - 00:18:34 Listener Q&A - 00:36:25 Nightwing film in the works, thoughts and comments - 01:03:44
Cape and Cowl Cast #57 - Nightwing Movie Hype, Director Locked for Batman Film, Listener Questions & More!
Brand New Episode!
By Alex Burns
Join Alex, Sam and Ashley for another Cape and Cowl Cast! It's all about the DCEU on our latest pod as WB announce that Matt Reeves will direct the solo Batman film with Ben Affleck! We also have news that a solo Nightwing movie is in the works with Chris McKay in the director's chair. Big changes are in store for the future of DC Comics on film and we are pretty darn excited! Happy listening amigos! Team Catch Up - 00:04:44 Matt Reeves to Direct Batman, discussion and analysis - 00:18:34 Listener Q&A - 00:36:25 Nightwing film in the works, thoughts and comments - 01:03:44
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Warner Bros are working on a live-action Nightwing film. Chris Mackay is set to direct the feature film who is hot off of the release of The LEGO Batman Movie which has been a box office success for WB and is attracting rave reviews. Dick Grayson was created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson the character first appeared in 1940 in the pages of Detective Comics #38. Introduced as a partner for Batman, so younger readers could picture themselves adventuring alongside the dark knight, the original Robin proved a huge hit and has since become one of the most iconic DC Comics characters ever. Dick Grayson fought alongside Batman for several years before eventually leaving the Robin mantle behind and forging his own path out of the shadow of his mentor to become the hero Nightwing. The Judge and The Accountant screenwriter Bill Dubuque is locked for script writing duties.
A firm fan-favourite, the news that a Nightwing film is in development is bound to raise excitement levels around the ever-growing slate of DC film projects set for release in the next few years. It's unclear at this point how the Nightwing character will fit in with the other heroes of the DCEU but we can expect Matt Reeves and Ben Affleck's solo Batman film to potentially lay the groundwork for Nightwing. It's worth noting that Nightwing also has strong ties to Deathstroke and with Joe Manganiello taking on the role of master assassin in the Batman film, there is every possibility we could see a connected story play out across films. With the appearance of Jason Todd's Robin costume in Batman v Superman there's bound to be a rich history concerning the legacy of the Robin mantle and also how Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne's relationship played out in the 20 years before BvS. After the release of Wonder Woman and Justice League this year, the other DC projects in various stages of development include:
James Wan's Aquaman starring Jason Momoa, which is very close to production proper
A Suicide Squad sequel that is looking for a director
David Ayer and Margot Robbie's Gotham City Sirens feature
A solo Cyborg film starring Ray Fischer
Green Lantern Corps set for release in 2020
The Flash starring Ezra Miller, a film that is now under-going script rewrites
A Shazam film and a Black Adam feature starring Dwanye Johnson
A rumoured solo Superman sequel starring Henry Cavil
With a Batman solo film, the Gotham City Sirens project and now this Nightwing film confirmed, there is a growing extended Batman universe in production alongside the Justice League members. There's plenty to be excited about! We'll keep you posted on updates as they come. Check out our thoughts on Chris McKay's last film - The LEGO Batman Movie in the podcast below.
UPDATE - Check out our thoughts on the Nightwing film in the podcast below!
Team Catch Up - 00:04:44 Matt Reeves to Direct Batman, discussion and analysis - 00:18:34 Listener Q&A - 00:36:25 Nightwing film in the works, thoughts and comments - 01:03:44
Warner Bros. Pictures have put to bed all of the clickbait articles from the past week and have issued an official statement confirming Matt Reeves will direct the next solo Batman film!
“We are thrilled to have Matt Reeves taking the helm of Batman, the crown jewel of our DC slate,” said Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Content Officer, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “Matt’s deep roots in genre films and his evolution into an emotional world-building director make him the perfect filmmaker to guide the Dark Knight through this next journey.” Reeves added, “I have loved the Batman story since I was a child. He is such an iconic and compelling character, and one that resonates with me deeply. I am incredibly honored and excited to be working with Warner Bros. to bring an epic and emotional new take on the Caped Crusader to the big screen.” Reeves is no stranger to big blockbuster actor and his cv includes Rise of the Planet of the Apes and War of the Planet of the Apes, and Cloverfield. Ben Affleck has removed himself from the directors chair but still remains in the role of Bruce Wayne and tweeted this response to the announcement.
Plot details are all speculation at this point but we know that Joe Manganiello has been cast as the villain, Deathstroke and it's expected he will face off against Ben Affleck's Batman.
You can catch the dark knight in action later this year in Zack Snyder's Justice League. We will bring you more updates on the project as they come.
Team Catch Up - 00:04:44 Matt Reeves to Direct Batman, discussion and analysis - 00:18:34 Listener Q&A - 00:36:25 Nightwing film in the works, thoughts and comments - 01:03:44
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract - Blu-Ray Details Revealed
The Next DC Animated Adventure
By Alex Burns
Check out the full home video listings on the next DC Animated feature film - Teen Titans: The Judas Contract! Led by Starfire, the Teen Titans – Beast Boy, Raven, Blue Beetle, Robin and the just-returned Nightwing – have built a cohesive team in their never-ending battle against evil; but their newest teammate, the mysterious and powerful Terra, may be altering that dynamic. Meanwhile, an ancient evil, Brother Blood, has awakened, and familiar foe Deathstroke is lurking in the shadows – both waiting to pounce. Ultimately, the Teen Titans will need to battle their enemies and their own doubts to unite and overcome the malicious forces around them in this twisting tale of intrigue, adventure and deception.
There are a few variant editions available from April 18, 2017: Standard DVD Edition ($19.98 SRP) Blu-ray Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) - The Blu-ray Combo Pack includes the movie in high definition on Blu-ray Disc, a DVD, and a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet Blu-ray Deluxe Giftset ($39.99 SRP) - Movie on HD Blu-Ray, DVD and digital along with an exclusive figurine of Blue Beetle in a numbered, limited edition gift set. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract will be released via Digital HD on April 4, 2017.
Check out the first official trailer for the upcoming DC Animated movie - Teen Titans: Judas Contract!
The heroes set to feature in the comic book adaptation include; Blue Beetle (Jake T.Austin), Beast Boy (Brandon Soo Hoo), Starfire ( Kari Wahlgren), Nightwing (Sean Maher) and main hero Terra (Christina Ricci), plus the return of Damian Wayne's Robin (Stuart Allen) and Raven (Taissa Farmiga). Deathstroke is the main villain here and actor Miguer Ferrer provided the voice for the character, he sadly passed away recently but did complete his voice work on the project.
We are really excited to see this iconic comicbook storyline translated in animation and will keep you updated on developments as we get them. You can check out DC Animated's next film - Justice League Dark when it releases next month!
Check out a first look at the upcoming DC Animated movie - Teen Titans: Judas Contract! The first image shows off some of the heroes set to feature in the comic book adaptation including (from left to right) Blue Beetle (Jake T.Austin), Beast Boy (Brandon Soo Hoo), Starfire ( Kari Wahlgren), Nightwing (Sean Maher) and main hero Terra (Christina Ricci). Other heroes set to feature include the return of Damian Wayne's Robin (Stuart Allen) and Raven (Taissa Farmiga). Deathstroke is the main villain here and actor Miguer Ferrer provided the voice for the character, he sadly passed away recently but did complete his voice work on the project.
We are really excited to see this iconic comicbook storyline translated in animation and will keep you updated on developments as we get them. You can check out DC Animated's next film - Justice League Dark when it releases next month!
Warner Bros. have finally confirmed that they will be moving forward with a third season of Young Justice. Ever since the critically acclaimed animated DC adaption ended with season 2 fans have been actively campaigning for the series to make a comeback. There's more icing on the cake with the confirmation that original producers Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood, Superman: Doomsday) and Greg Weisman (Star Wars Rebels, Gargoyles) will be returning for the new season. “The affection that fans have had for ‘Young Justice,’ and their rallying cry for more episodes, has always resonated with us,” said Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series. “We are excited to bring the show back for this loyal fanbase and to provide an opportunity for new viewers to discover this excellent series.”
In Young Justice, the teenage Super Heroes of the DC Universe come of age in a world of super powers, Super-Villains and super secrets. Used strategically as the secret covert weapon of the Justice League, Nightwing, Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and a host of others strive to prove to their legendary mentors, as well as to themselves, that they have what it takes to be heroes. For season 3 of Young Justice audiences can expect “new twists, turns and dangerous new threats for the team, but most importantly, the opportunity for fans to finally continue the adventures of some of their favorite Super Heroes.” WB will reveal more specifics on the project at a later date including release date and returning characters, we'll keep you in the loop right here at Cape and Cowl.
