James Gunn gave his perspective on the Batman origin story and the fate of the robber who killed young Bruce Wayne's parents in an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. Now leading the DCU, Gunn's insights on the DC heroes and the future of the DCU are being watched closely in order to recognize what may or may not be included in the films. While Gunn has already confirmed that the DCU Batman story will not be an origin story, Horowitz asked Gunn to reveal his favorite superhero origin story.
Gunn responded enthusiastically by highlighting Batman's story, and how Bruce Wayne became an orphan in such a violent and sudden act sets him up for a future as the vigilante Dark Knight of Gotham. And, in addition to stating this is his favorite superhero origin, Gunn clarified that the story is also made better when the robber is never caught. While some iterations reveal the identity as Joe Chill, and Batman eventually sees this killer brought to justice, Gunn explained why the mystery persisting makes the story better.
I like it when the robber never gets caught. I think that it makes more sense. If the robber is always out there and Batman's search for justice is an unquenchable thirst to right the wrongs of his childhood trauma, that he'll never be able to do. I really love Batman's origin in of the simple story.
What James Gunn's Comments About Batman's Origin Story Mean
Gunn Prefers An Origin Story That Is Preserved Rather Than Resolved
While creatives who tackle the Batman origin in film or in comics will deliver their own takes and adjust the story to suit their vision, Gunn feels strongly that Batman's tragic childhood trauma should not be resolved. Unlike other stories that Gunn has himself spearheaded, such as Rocket Raccoon's fateful encounter with the High Evolutionary in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gunn feels that Batman holding on to his anger, his trauma, and his "unquenchable thirst" makes him a more fitting hero. At least as far as Gotham is concerned.
For Batman, and any hero, the origin story is integral to shaping their journey forward. It can cause the hero to become dark, angry, and full of rage, or it could push them to help others. For Batman, he is not the standard hero. He is a man who is determined, motivated, and has the means to carry out his own brand of vigilante justice. While many heroes make peace with their work, and often find joy and happiness in it, Batman is fighting a losing battle in Gotham, a city full of powerful crooks and dangerous criminals. If Batman found his parents' killer, it could be the start of his healing and moving on.
Our Take On James Gunn's Comments About Batman's Original Story
Batman Is One Of The More Complex Superheros
That being said, Batman is a true hero. Just like other powerful heroes such as Superman or Spider-Man, he sets a code for his work, and he abides by that code. In order to keep being a hero and feeling like he is on the right side, Batman does not kill, though he may occasionally be excessively violent. For Batman, it takes a balance between his anger, and his genuine desire to make Gotham a place that is livable and decent. It appears that James Gunn understands and appreciates that about the character, and so it's likely that will translate to the DCU version of the hero.
