DC’s next Batman movie will build off The Dark Knight Rises in an exciting way, and I can’t wait for it. Earlier this month, it was reported that DC would continue its long-standing tradition of comic book-adapted animated films with an adaptation of Batman: Knightfall, a classic comic book run released in 1993 and 1994, which saw the Dark Knight out of commission after a brawl with Bane leaves his back broken. Much like Superman’s absence following 1992’s The Death of Superman, Knightfall saw Batman replaced by Azrael, a vigilante who takes the mantle in Bruce Wayne’s stead.
DC Comics is developing Knightfall as a multi-film adaptation, much like the studio’s previous endeavors with The Dark Knight Returns and The Long Halloween, all three of which are considered among the greatest Batman stories ever told. Given the positive reception to those movies, fans should have high hopes for Knightfall. This will be DC’s first animated movie since November 2024, and the first Batman animated movie since March 2023.
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Was Influenced by ‘Knightfall’
Regardless of how one feels about the third entry to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, it’s fair to say Tom Hardy’s rendition of Bane is totally iconic. Practically every fan has tried their hand (or voice) at an impression, and it speaks to the unique approach Nolan took to his trilogy. Physical stature aside, however, there’s not a whole lot Nolan’s Bane had in common with the comic book version, and the same can be said for the interpretation in Joel Schumacher’s Batman and Robin.
The most symbolic shot from this storyline is, of course, Bane breaking Batman’s back over his knee, something Nolan borrowed for his blockbuster trilogy finale. It’s clear that Nolan was inspired by this arc, just like he was with Year One, The Dark Knight Returns, and many others, but this animated adaptation will be a more accurate representation. Perhaps James Gunn’s DCU will be the first home to a comic-faithful version of Bane, but for now, Batman: Knightfall sounds like an excellent way to introduce the character to DC fans who don’t read many comics.
One could argue that the video game Batman: Arkham Origins contains the most faithful version of the character outside of comics, so, hopefully, Batman: Knightfall will allow for a more extensive look at one of Batman’s greatest rogues. DC’s animation has been hit or miss in recent years with the Tomorrowverse, but the company’s long-standing legacy of great Batman animated films suggests this will be another fantastic entry.
- Release Date
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July 17, 2012
- Runtime
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165 minutes
- Producers
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Benjamin Melniker, Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Kevin De La Noy, Michael Uslan