Insider, Jeff Sneider, took to Twitter to drop a major DC headline regarding an iconic 90s character. On Twitter Sneider said the following,
“Back when Hamada was running DC Films, he hired F9 scribe Dan Casey to write an animated BATMAN BEYOND movie that would’ve been DC’s answer to INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE. The status of that project is currently unknown. It may be on hold under Gunn.”
Jeff Sneider via Twitter
Hamada was obviously looking to level the playing field after the massive success of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”. The film won “Best Animated Feature Film” at the Oscars and already has high anticipation for its upcoming sequel, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”.
Background
“Batman Beyond” was a very popular animated series set in the future of the DC Animated Universe. The story followed Terry McGinnis (played by Will Friedle) as the new Batman being coached by an older Bruce (played by Kevin Conroy). The series thrived for three seasons and later received an animated film, “Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker”.
For years fans have been begging for any sort of continuation or adaptation of the story in either live-action or animation. It turns out that both a live-action and animated film were in development but unfortunately neither have come to fruition. It is safe to say that a Batman Beyond animated film would have been a triumph for fans and success on par with “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” if done right.
Possible Plans
James Gunn and Peter Safran could have scrapped this animated project or could still be developing it. If they are still working on the project, it is safe to say it would be an Elseworld and not part of their new DCU as it is just beginning.
Even if this animated project did begin development it would we would be curious to see if they would bring back Will Friedle as Terry McGinnis or cast someone new. On the same token if they were to bring back Friedle it would not be the same without his predecessor, Kevin Conroy, given his passing.