"Should Robin show up in the new Batman movie franchise?"
This has been a big subject since "Batman Begins" was released back in 2005. The comic book communities are basically at a stalemate when it comes to this very touchy subject. There is a "Wayne Manor" full of people who absolutely feel Robin should NOT be included in this new Bat-Movie Universe, but there is a "Bat-Cave" crammed with people who want to see Robin. There are many issues with adapting the character of Robin for the movies. I will run down a few of the problems that come along with a live action Robin and his inclusion into the new Bat-Movie franchise.
AGE – It is a known fact and cemented into Batman’s comic book history that Robin was a kid when he began his training and partnership with The Dark Knight.
So here's the problem: For Robin to truly make sense as a crime fighting partner to The Batman he needs to be an older person. I don't mean Batman's age, but old enough for Batman to realistically consider or allow such a partnership. Now the main problem with Robin being an older person is the lack of character development and story if “Dick Grayson” debuts in the beginning of the movie and transforms to Robin by the end. Where's the training, how did he get a suit, where is Dick Grayson's story? The very elements that make Grayson interesting are lost when he is rushed into his Robin costume. I'm sure as hard as you tried you have not forgotten the Robin from “Batman Forever” with Ninja Laundry Room action. “We need a way to show the audience Robin knows material arts?”....”I got it! He folds his clothes using Kung-Fu!” The sad thing is someone got paid for that idea.
So let’s say you want to follow the comic book storyline. You’ll get an unrealistic child crime fighter. Not going to waste words explaining why this is a bad idea for a movie, especially in the new "realism based universe" of the current franchise. Even if you stretch out his transformation throughout multiple movies you run into major problems. Grayson aging throughout multiple movies so he may grow to become a crime fighter also ages Batman’s character. I know you fans do not want to see a 40 something year old Batman crushing bad guys.
COSTUME - Robin wears a bright colored suit.
So here's the problem: If Robin was included in a live action Batman movie he will not wear his traditional original costume. We will never see Christian Bale patrol Gotham with Burt Ward. We can all look forward to something similar to the Nightwing suit or the current Robin suit. The color of the suit is the problem. A red suit in the current movie universe will not be practical and will throw off the realism of the movie. A black or dark suit like Batman's is more practical for a crime fighter who uses the dark as a weapon or as an advantage. I personally wouldn’t mind if Robin was given a black suit, but I also feel a dark crimson red suit can work too. The Robin suit in “Batman Forever” used a dark red which blended well with the shadows.
TRAINING – Dick Grayson as a child was trained in hand-to-hand combat and crime fighting techniques by Batman.
So here's the problem: If Dick Grayson and Robin show up within the same movie you lose the whole trainer/mentor/father/son storyline he shares with Batman/Bruce Wayne. Dick Grayson will be portrayed as having some kind of training which would translate into him becoming Robin so quickly. How did he get that training?? You now have a few options as a writer or director. You can avoid the explanation entirely as seen in "Batman Forever", you can weave in and out of whatever major story plot is happening to include Grayson's training subplot, or you explain all of it in one scene, flashback, or line of dialogue. No matter what option you choose in the end it is lazy storytelling.
Should Robin be in the new Batman movie franchise??
After Christopher Nolan exits Gotham City I feel Robin should be introduced into the new franchise. If Warner Bros. decide to remain with the same cinematic tone as The Dark Knight and continue the franchise. The Robin character can provide a fresh dynamic to a new series of movies which may become same old/same old with each release. Robin is too much of a big part of the Bat-World not to be included. I believe it will only work if done right. Given the proper attention and handled with the same seriousness as Batman's origin in "Batman Begins" Hollywood can create a mature psychological adaptation and we may see Robin fly on film.
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