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The Dark Knight v Suicide Squad: What Batman Can Bring

The premise of a supervillain team going on deadly missions kept slightly in check by a loose governmental leash is an enticing one. Villains, generally speaking, have more fun than heroes and can revel in their colourful, maniacal attributes. With a film like Suicide Squad, the band of DC antagonists including Harley Quinn, Deadshot, and The Joker are fully realised characters whose quirks are immensely entertaining even as they dwell in cruel and malicious ways. Villains are often ready to implode with their inflated egos motivating them to take over the world. Making them work together and put their differences aside is intriguing in how many ways it can go wrong. But the point of a team, whether it’s The Avengers, Justice League, or Suicide Squad, is to fight against some threat too large to take on individually. The threat in Suicide Squad is still shrouded in mystery, but we know Batman will show up to most likely throw a wrench (or a batarang) in their plan.

In a meta sense, we know Batman is Warner Brothers’ bread and butter in their superhero films. When all else fails, throw in Batman. Even when Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice didn’t bode well with many viewers, most agreed that Ben Affleck as the Caped Crusader was a highlight. So it makes sense why they’d capitalise on one of the few positives that film received. But directer David Ayer assured that Batman was always intended to be in Suicide Squad and was even originally in the script. After all, half of these villains are from his rogues gallery so it’s in the realm of probability that their mischievous behaviour would attract his attention.

Many of the Batman naysayers will throw their arms up that we’re seeing Batman on screen yet again before some of the other A-listers in the DC universe, but his presence does prove a logical one. Simply having The Joker and Harley Quinn is enough incentive for Batman to show up. I can’t be alone when I get giddy at the prospect of Batman and Joker sharing the screen, even if for a moment. Even if they don’t fight, a quick back-and-forth exchange between the two will hit the biggest sweet spot with fans. As new incarnations in this shared cinematic universe, these characters are not only new representations in need of proper introduction, but they exist with shared history surrounding them.

The heavy implication from a graffitied Robin costume in Batman v Superman not only confirms his demise but years of battle between Joker and Batman. After all, Gotham City has, “…a bad history with freaks dressed like clowns.”. The potential of Batman and Joker’s encounter in Suicide Squad will be one built on the foundation of consistent adversaries. The Joker’s grillz are more than just a fashion statement; they’re evidence of Batman’s brutal combat.

The very quick glimpses of dialogue-less Batman in the trailers mostly indicates his role will be a glorified cameo. This is not his story, yet he works as a building block for constructing this world. What serves as a strong basis of curiosity is how his character acts based on Batman v Superman. A big point of contention was Batman’s no kill rule and how that didn’t exactly apply to Affleck’s interpretation. Yet many are taking the end of the film to suggest a redemption in Batman, a return to his heroism based on Superman’s sacrifice.

If that is the case, we’ll maybe see a less murderous Batman and more of the vigilante known from the comics. On the other hand, if the ending of Batman v Superman does not confirm a turnaround in Batman to prevent killing, then this upcoming film may need to explain a few things. Then again, these baddies are not common criminals and could give him one hell of a fight. Might need to call Wonder Woman for back up.

Are you excited to see Batman in Suicide Squad? What do you think he’ll bring to the story? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

About the author

James Leggett