Last night I read a report on several outlets suggesting Robin would be in Batman 3 because a location scout told Michigan television station WILX that he’s looking for a spot that will serve as Robin’s hideout.
My first reaction to this news was “yeah, right” which is why I decided to stew on it overnight. This morning I’m still convinced it’s false though do agree with the majority that it’s an intriguing scoop no one expected and shouldn’t be entirely tossed in the trash just yet. After all, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s role has yet to be figured out.
Nolan has gone on record multiple times in the past assuring fans on his Batman franchise that Robin will not appear in one of his films – The Dark Knight Rises included. Christian Bale has also expressed disinterest in acting alongside any incarnation of The Boy Wonder.
Those remarks were made before the story for The Dark Knight Rises was conceived and molded into shape by Nolan and David S. Goyer. It is conceivable that the direction of their story necessitated the inclusion of Dick Grayson in some shape or form.
Debunking this rumor is the website Batman on Film which has a long history with Nolan’s Batman franchise. Their claim is “I can assure you that Robin — be it FJD, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Carrie Kelly or Damien Wayne — will not appear in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.” “Assure” is a strong word to print, especially considering this outlet’s checkered past with scoops. They have been right before so this rebuttal of WILX’s scoop cannot be dismissed.
Batman on Film also suggests that a casting call has gone out for a European actress. No other information is available so there’s nothing really to get excited about in that scoop just yet.
While I still lean toward believing Robin will not appear in The Dark Knight Rises, I truthfully wish he would. Nolan has already proven with the Joker and Two-Face that he is capable of reinventing characters to serve his story in ways we end up loving. Considering where The Dark Knight left off it is hard to fathom that by the end of The Dark Knight Rises, Gotham city will be cleansed of crime and Batman’s services are no longer needed. Robin could be introduced as an heir to keeping the city safe should Batman hangs up his cowl and settle down as Bruce Wayne for good.
For now we’re stuck in “wait and see” mode until someone definitively wipes the Robin rumor off the board or offers evidence that unequivocally backs it up.
