Summary

• Nightwing’s potential as a major player in the DCU surpasses the excitement of a new Batman casting.
• Dick Grayson as Nightwing offers a unique perspective on Batman’s world, and his connection to the Teen Titans strengthens his chances of being in the DCU.
• Nightwing shares similarities with Spider-Man, and could become a key figure in the DCU, leading his own franchise.

I think Nightwing coming to the new DC Universe is a more exciting prospect than a new Batman being cast. Don’t get me wrong, I will always be looking forward to more Batman. There is a reason behind Bruce Wayne’s popularity, with the character having perhaps the biggest potential for storytelling in DC Comics. That said, there have been many live-action Batman actors over the years. Even the DCEU saw multiple stars play Batman not so long ago. While Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen was the star of The Flash, that movie featured three versions of Batman.

The Flash had the DCEU Batman, Ben Affleck, and the return of past Batman movie stars Michael Keaton and George Clooney. While The Flash director Andy Muschietti will return to helm Batman’s The Brave and the Bold movie, none of the actors will play Bruce Wayne. That is because the DCU will be after a new portrayal of the Dark Knight, one which includes Bruce’s son, Damian Wayne, and other players of the Bat-Family. With several Batman movies and actors, the prospect of finally seeing more of the Bat-Family, and Nightwing specifically, on the big screen is very exciting.

I Want To See Nightwing Play A Major Role In The DCU

It’s Time For Dick Grayson To Shine

While the new Batman’s casting is definitely an exciting affair, I am more keen to see Nightwing be a major player in the new DC Universe. Since members of the Bat-Family are confirmed for The Brave and the Bold and Damian Wayne will be one of the film’s main stars, it is almost certain that Dick Grayson will be in the film and already have left his Robin persona behind in favor of his Nightwing identity. This is a great thing, as Nightwing is one of DC’s most beloved characters in the comics.

The DCU’s Teen Titans movie and Nightwing’s connection to the team in the comics also makes Dick Grayson’s DCU debut more likely.

Nightwing is my favorite DC hero, and that means I want to see him be a big part of the DCU after he was never used in the old DCEU. Having Dick Grayson play a supporting role in projects for members of the Bat-Family would be exciting, as it would make him a true franchise player. Nightwing is also a big enough name to anchor his own movie series. Having been the leader of many teams in the comics and even donning the Batman mantle, Dick Grayson has the potential to play a key role in uniting the DCU’s heroes.

Dick Grayson Deserves Redemption After His Last Movie Appearance

Batman Has Been Without A Robin For Too Long

Director Zack Snyder wanted to make Dick Grayson the dead Robin of the DCEU instead of Jason Todd, which, thankfully, didn’t move forward. That said, Dick’s last movie appearance was even worse than if the character had just died off-screen. Dick Grayson was played by Chris O’Donnell in 1997’s Batman & Robin. While he wore a red Nightwing suit, the character was still called Robin. The movie ended up being considered one of the worst Batman entries and superhero films overall, which stopped future Batman movies from using Dick and other Robins.

With Damian Wayne confirmed for the DCU, it’s finally time to put an end to that trend. No, Batman will not suddenly become silly just because he has a Robin by his side and others who served in the role in the past. As James Gunn has reiterated that the DCU will be faithful to the comics, Nightwing and other Bat-Family characters could help show a different side of Batman. I think by having an older actor as the Dark Knight, perhaps fan-favorite Jensen Ackles in the role, the contrast between him and other younger heroes could elevate the franchise.

I Think Nightwing Can Be The DCU’s Spider-Man

Dick Grayson Can Be One Of The DCU’s Leads

I firmly believe that Nightwing can be for the DCU what Tom Holland’s Spider-Man is for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The characters have a lot in common in the comics. Both Nightwing and Spider-Man are charismatic heroes who put as much effort into looking out for the little guy as they do for multiverse-ending threats. Both heroes also have the signature move of making quips as they fight, which unnerves villains. Nightwing and Spider-Man also have an acrobatic fighting style and are beloved members of the superhero community.

With a sleek superhero costume, charisma in spades, impeccable comedic timing, and having great interactions with other heroes, I think Nightwing could be as big for the DCU as Holland’s Spider-Man is for the MCU. Batman’s The Brave and the Bold reboot and the reported Teen Titans movie could show how well Dick Grayson works as part of a team, which comic book fans know all too well. Dick could then lead his own movie franchise, shedding away the negative image the character has with moviegoing audiences due to Batman & Robin, forging a new path forward for Nightwing.

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  The Brave and the Bold

  The Brave and the Bold is the first Batman movie in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, which reboots the Dark Knight after Ben Affleck’s take on the character. It introduces Bruce Wayne’s son, the Robin Damian Wayne, and draws inspiration from Grant Morrison’s work on the comic book character.

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