HBO Max wants to make its own extended Batman universe. The streamer just announced a series commitment to The Batman.

The Batman TV series will be set in the same world as the upcoming feature film of the same name starring Robert Pattinson. Matt Reeves and Terence Winter, both working on the film, will be involved in the series.

“This is an amazing opportunity, not only to expand the vision of the world I am creating in the film, but to explore it in the kind of depth and detail that only a longform format can afford — and getting to work with the incredibly talented Terence Winter, who has written so insightfully and powerfully about worlds of crime and corruption, is an absolute dream,” Reeves said.

However, The Batman series focuses not on the caped crusader himself, but on the Gotham City police department. It will examine corruption in Gotham while extending the world explored in the movie. 

For now, it is unclear if Batman will make an appearance. It seems more likely he will just be referenced from time to time. Conceptually, the show sounds similar to Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Robert Pattinson as The Batman

A Batman Extended Universe?

The announcement of The Batman series hints at the future HBO Max wants to build around its DC properties. Chief Content Officer Kevin Reilly implied that future projects may be in the works.

“Our collaboration with Warner Bros. and DC allows us to elaborate and grow fan connections across these powerful brands for years to come. This is Batman as most audiences have never seen before, and we know fans will want to spend more time in this new world inspired by the film,”  Reilly said.

Since its launch, HBO Max made DC properties a cornerstone of their appeal to consumers. In addition to hosting many DCEU films, the streamer has several series in the works, including Green Lantern, Strange Adventures, and Justice League Dark.

HBO Max also holds the streaming rights to Batwoman. The series recently announced Javicia Leslie would take over the title role.

For more Batman news, be sure to check back to That Hashtag Show.

Source: Deadline