After a painfully quiet 2024—where the most exciting thing was watching Joker: Folie à Deux faceplant at the box office—things are finally looking up for DC fans. James Gunn’s DCU is officially here, which means we’re about to get a fresh wave of superhero content, and not just the big Superman reboot everyone’s talking about. While the live-action projects steal the spotlight, DC’s animated department is also gearing up for a busy year with several direct-to-DVD films in the pipeline. Among them are Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires and Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League. From new art styles to unique story direction, there’s bound to be a few surprises in store. But wouldn’t it be cool to see director Tim Miller involved in the next animated Batman movie?
Miller is known for his directorial work on Deadpool and Terminator: Dark Fate, but he cut his teeth as a renowned visual effects artist for many years. He co-founded Blur Studio, which has been responsible for CGI cutscenes for video games such as Need for Speed: Underground and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Perhaps less publicised, Tim Miller directed the fan-favourite Batman: Arkham Origins trailer that pitted the Dark Knight against Deathstroke. The trailer has done the rounds on the internet for years as fans have clamoured for it to be used as a template for a live-action Batman film, with its intense action sequences and moments of sheer comic book splendour.
Now, imagine a new animated film about Gotham City’s protector in the same style as the Arkham Origins trailer. Especially with Miller calling the shots and bringing his unique brand of storytelling to the forefront of this new animated universe. Yes, Tim Miller might be exploring the live-action world, but it’d be a wasted opportunity if his interpretation of Batman wasn’t explored further. Director Matt Reeves & James Gunn might be standing in his way on the blockbuster front, but the animated universe could allow Miller to do things that he wouldn’t be allowed to do in a live-action Batman film. More importantly, it could set a new standard for animated superhero feature films.
For years, fans have argued that DC’s animated movies lost their magic when they moved away from standalone stories and focused on a connected universe based on the New 52 comics. This shift started with Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013) and ended with Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020). While this approach introduced fresh takes on characters, it struggled with weak marketing and declining DVD sales.
Now, under DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn, things are changing again. The new DC Universe has already kicked off with Creature Commandos, and while some animated films may still be standalone, others will be part of this new continuity. A Batman animated film directed by Tim Miller could fit perfectly into Gunn’s DCU, helping it make a big impact right away.
Naturally, this is all hypothetical at the moment. Tim Miller has never publicly said he’d like to direct an animated Batman film, nor is it likely that DC and Warner Bros. have reached out to him to do so. In fact, Miller’s stock has risen in Hollywood and he might be commanding a fee that’s too far out of the budget for these projects. Still, fans can dream of seeing another round of the fabled Batman and Deathstroke fight, right?
RELATED: What Happened to Michael Keaton’s Batman After Batman Returns?
Tell us, would you like to see Tim Miller direct an animated Batman film? Just watch the trailer again below and tell us this wouldn’t be an amazing movie.
