James Gunn's DCU Is Making a Robin Movie With Puppets?

Last night, news dropped that James Gunn’s DCU is making a Robin movie using some sort of animated puppet technology. This immediately caught my attention because — Nerd Alert — Robin is my favorite comic book character of all time. I have vivid memories of DC infamously killing the second Boy Wonder, Jason Todd, and the rollout for Tim Drake hit like a lightning bolt to 10-year-old Mike.

However, all of that was secondary to the more pressing thought: Wait, did they say puppets? Turns out, it’s way cooler than it sounds.

Taking a page from Into the Spider-Verse, this new Robin film titled Dynamic Duo will feature a unique animated style that has some badass potential. But don’t take my word for it. Scope out the sizzle reel below, and you’ll get a feel for what Gunn and company are working with. I was terrified we were going to get Happytime Murders, but this is more Kubo and the Two Strings. You have my attention.

A Reel from Swaybox Studios

Who will do the animation for DC Studios ‘Dynamic Duo’

“Momo Animation” is a cross between CGI animation, practical elements of stop-motion, & live-action real-time performance. pic.twitter.com/lSvBey3XCe

— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) October 1, 2024

According to Deadline, who broke the news, Dynamic Duo “follows the early days of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd aka the Robins.” Here’s where things get interesting though: Matt Reeves is intimately involved in this project. His production company, 6th and Idaho, is spearheading the picture, which will not be connected to The Batman universe.

“I have wanted to make a film with Arthur and Swaybox for many years, and for that film to be Dynamic Duo, an incredibly special and unique Batman and Robin story for families, is a dream,” Reeves said in a statement to Deadline.

To be clear, Reeves isn’t directing the film. Swaybox creator Arthur Mintz will be tackling that job, but Reeves’ involvement naturally raised my eyebrow. This could be absolutely nothing and just a sign of a strong relationship with Gunn. Or to circle back to my pet theory, it could be a sign that Reeves is being tossed a bone because The Batman Part II is being canceled? Yes, I’m still trying to die on this stupid hill.

The Penguin is out here racking up viewers, which should be the clearest sign that my theory is way off, and yet I persist. It truly is a miracle that I don’t live in a one-bedroom efficiency waiting for my weekend with the kids. That’s how this story should’ve ended by now.

(Via Deadline)