For anyone disappointed that Robin has been left out of the recent Batman films (I hope you are few), there is good news: Warner Bros. is developing a movie version of the DC comic Teen Titans. Robin is one of the original members of the young super team, and though he has not always been part of the group, it is certainly a possibility that he'll make it into the movie -- if only because of his familiarity to mainstream audiences. The Hollywood Reporter does report that Nightwing, a character who is sort of like an alternative version of Robin (he is the older incarnation of the original Robin, Dick Grayson), is already a definite character. However, because the continuities of DC Comics confuse the dickens out of me, I really have no idea if Nightwing and (the more-recognizable) Robin could both be a part of the movie's team.Warner Bros.' interest in doing a Titans movie is not surprising, but it is interesting considering the studio is also currently working on a Justice League film. Mostly, I see this project as being an attempt to cater more to a young audience as well as to market the thing as comparable to X-Men. But will it actually be hip enough to attract the kids and smart enough to be as good as the (first two) X-Men films? So far the studio is on the right track with the hiring of Mark Verheiden to script the movie. Comic geeks and TV fans may know Verheiden as a writer for the comic books The Mask and Timecop, as well as their movie adaptations, and as writer-producer for the shows Smallville and Battlestar Galactica. The movie is being produced by Akiva Goldsman (Constantine) and Kerry Foster.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-31-2007 @ 1:13PM
siv_art said...
There have been three Robins. Dick Grayson, who grew up to become Nightwing; Jason Todd, who was killed by the joker and replaced by Tim Draks, who is usually represented as Robin in the current continuity. Tim and Dick have appeared together as Robin & Nightwing, so it's certainly possible they could do it again. :-) Hope this helps.
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5-31-2007 @ 1:20PM
Ytoabn said...
Tim Drake is the leader of the Teen Titans in the animated series. If they wanted to go "darker" then Dick Grayson "Nightwing" is definitely the better choice. He gave up the Robin mantle after getting angry at Batman (the exact reason why he gets angry can change depending on the continuity).
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5-31-2007 @ 1:33PM
stephen said...
I'm a HUGE Teen Titans fan so I'm going to rant for a second.
@Ytoabn: it has been pretty well decided that the Robin in the Teen Titans animated series is in fact Dick Grayson. He has the relationship with Starfire and there is an episode set in the future where he meets himself as Nightwing. The animated series is pretty much an anime take on the early Titans and the classic Marv Wolfman/George Perez run.
I would think that they would continue to pull inspiration from that period in Titans history. The upcoming direct to video DC animated Titans feature is from that period. (The Judas Contract which oddly was already done in the cartoon network series as well) As a first film it should only be Nightwing, Wonder Girl, Cyborg, Raven, Changeling (Beast Boy), Starfire, and Kid Flash. Maybe Speedy a teen version of Green Arrow.
Side note - the article on Hollywood reporter mentions that there is also a Doom Patrol film in the works. Doom Patrol being the first team that Changeling was a member of before he joined the Titans.
I can not begin to express how excited I am about this project, though I'm sure they'll screw it up good.
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5-31-2007 @ 2:15PM
Matt said...
@stephen
FYI, Speedy is actually Green Arrow's kid sidekick.
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5-31-2007 @ 2:59PM
Jonathan said...
Since Cinematical has been late to ball recently on reporting movie news widely seen on Variety, SciFi.com etc, why not take a minute (maybe two) and do a little quick wiki research on a topic you know nothing about - or perhaps assign a blogger who does? Anyways...
A 'darker' TT movie would definitely by the Wolfman/Perez version of the team. Forget the anime TT entirely (no Wonder Girl?)
Since no one has asked yet... who do you see as the team and the actors who will play them? Given the young adult ages, this could be a mega-star production. I have high hopes for the right approach.
Here are my picks:
Nightwing - Jake Gyllenhaal
Wonder Girl - Charisma Carpenter
Starfire - Scarlett Johannson
Changeling - Shia Lebouef
Cyborg - Shawn Wayans
Raven - Christina Ricci
Jericho - Justin Timberlake
Potential Villains
Deathstroke The Terminator - David Morse
Terra -
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5-31-2007 @ 3:05PM
Christopher Campbell said...
Jonathan, I actually did look at Wikipedia and elsewhere to familiarize myself with the info, but I don't want to pretend I know all about the title, so I make that clear. I think the last Teen Titans issue I read was from the mid or late 80s.
Anyway, as for your casting ideas, I think they're way too big for this movie. I doubt it will have any huge stars, if any real names at all.
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5-31-2007 @ 3:55PM
Chaim said...
Even though the kid who did Cyborg on Smallville was OK, I hope they go with a more beefy guy for Cyborg. In the comics the guy is huge, not skinny medium size height.
I'm very excited about this project, if it actually ever happens. It would be amazing if they had Superboy in this series, but I can't imagine that happening.
When are we gonna see (in toon direct to dvd or live action) the Inifinite Crisis storyline.
Also you neglected to mention that Speedy also happens to be a hot redheaded chick.
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5-31-2007 @ 3:57PM
Jonathan said...
Chris. Point taken on the research.
But.. I don't agree about the casting. Who knows about my suggestions, but you WILL have some name stars attached. This will be seen as a 'Batman Begins' or 'X-Men' level project. Forget about the anime cartoon. DC is going to show Marvel what they can do with a multi-hero flick. Being in a superhero flick is in, especially with the success of Heroes.
Anyone else care to comment?
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5-31-2007 @ 4:27PM
Christopher Campbell said...
Okay, Jonathan, I admit that you could be right. It seems to be developing as a big deal. Maybe not Gyllenhaal and Johannson big, but we could see some familiar names somewhere.
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5-31-2007 @ 4:45PM
PixelSlave said...
>> Tim Drake is the leader of the Teen Titans in the animated series...
I am not so sure about this. There's one episode that shows the future of the Titans and Robin becomes Nightwing. This basically confirms that the Robin in the animated series is Dick.
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5-31-2007 @ 5:10PM
CapAmerica said...
As long as Raven is in it and they don't f*ck her up I will be happy.
Now as to who should play the characters... I'll have to think about that, But I'm already saying a big NO on the idea of Christina Ricci playing her. *shiver at the thought*
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5-31-2007 @ 7:37PM
stephen said...
@Matt...i say I'm a huge Titans fan and you correct me? I know Speedy is Green Arrow's sidekick but is he not just a teen version of Green Arrow who wears red? Did he not just follow in his mentor's footsteps and take the mantle of Red Arrow in the current Justice League book (as predicted in Kingdom Come I might add). Trust me I know my Roy Harper. The only reason I wouldn't want him included is because he was only a part time member of the team and I know they would mess up his drug addiction story line.
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6-01-2007 @ 11:43AM
tiffany roch said...
for (robin and starfire)
"You are more than heroes"
There are also duties and responsibilities, in your heart... In making choices and in time of confusions , you must always follow your heart...
from:tiffany- a teen titan fan....
"FOR THE TEEN TITANS"
TEEN TITANS ROCKS!!!
You will always remain in my heart, in my soul
and in my mind.....
"WISH YOU LUCK"!!!!!
From: Teen Titans' fans....
NAMELY: PAOLO, RENZO, TIFFANY, MAAN
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6-02-2007 @ 5:07AM
Talian said...
Johnathan:
This screams Raven so yeah Ricci would so fit
http://venus.provocateuse.com/images/photos/christina_ricci_01.jpg
But a bit worried about Justin as Jericho .... maybe Travis Fimmel, stick a blond with a blond, even if it isn't as curly *shrugs* Suggestion if it helps
Chaim:
You do have a point, Vic was (even in the Cyborg Origins) seen and worked hard to be an athlete which means he would not have come off as scrawny by any means, and even while he is told what he can and can not do he still pushes in many of the books to outdo those set limits.
Also the hot chick ... is the second Speedy (Mia) I believe, Roy was the first, then went to Arsenal, and is now comming out with Red Arrow.
All I can say is yeah though the cartoon was a hoot and amazing my kids at having an idea of who was who and what they could do plus telling them little stories from the comics I still have hidden in my room it will be nice to see something set for the older collecters. Yes Judas Contract will be a nice change and I so intend on having one of the first copies I certainly will not miss a live action if it does finally hit the screens.
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