'The Batman' spin-off series on HBO Max might be a rehash of 'Gotham' and that would be a terrible idea
Matt Reeves and Terence Winter's 'Gotham PD' series that is currently in development for HBO Max is one of the most intriguing new shows announced for the service. However, if new reports are to be believed, the series may already be headed down the wrong path. According to a new report that's doing the rounds online, 'Gotham PD' will be a prequel to Matt Reeves' 'The Batman, along the lines of Fox's 'Gotham'. Variety reporter Justin Kroll is the one who revealed the news via Twitter.
"No idea if Patz will make man [sic] appearance but what I have learned is that it be set before when THE BATMAN is set and dive into how Gotham became corrupt and infested with criminals," Kroll tweeted. The problem with that approach is pretty obvious right from the surface: Why would we need another rehash of 'Gotham' when we already have the original show?
While 'Gotham' may not have had a lot of consistency with its quality, it is still regarded as a pretty good show that gave interesting origin stories for many of the Caped Crusader's villains and allies. If 'Gotham PD' were to basically do the same thing, it would generate undue comparisons to the earlier show even if it were to do a better job.
Of course, we don't have any confirmation on this report yet so we're still holding out hope that 'Gotham PD' can be a unique experience in itself. According to a statement released by Warner Bros, which confirmed that the show is set in the same universe as the movie, the goal is to launch a new Batman universe and not redo the old ones so let's hope they stick to their promise.
Here's what was said in the statement: "The groundbreaking television series to be written by Winter is set in the world Reeves is creating for The Batman feature film and will build upon the motion picture’s examination of the anatomy of corruption in Gotham City, ultimately launching a new Batman universe across multiple platforms. The series provides an unprecedented opportunity to extend the world established in the movie and further explore the myriad of compelling and complex characters of Gotham. This marks the first television project for Reeves under his recently announced overall deal with the Warner Bros. Television Group."
'Gotham PD' doesn't have a release date yet but 'The Batman' will arrive in theaters on October 1, 2021.
