The Bat-family’s various Robins have been alluded to in the DCEU, either in-universe or behind the scenes, but Robin is integral to the Batman mythos, and the omission or poor adaptation of the character has resulted in many Batman adaptations failing to truly represent their comic source material. The first Robin, Dick Grayson, was Bruce Wayne’s adopted son who was similarly orphaned by a criminal. Grayson eventually became Nightwing as an adult, and Robin soon became a title shared by various proteges of Batman. Robin’s existence in the DCEU is acknowledged multiple times, but Batgirl can truly explore the importance of this sidekick title.
The DCEU’s Robin was first alluded to in Zack Snyder’s Justice League films notably included the introduction of a second Robin, Carrie Kelley, in a partial adaptation of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns.
The DCEU’s Batgirl film will include Commissioner Gordon and possibly another appearance by Ben Affleck’s Batman, following his return to the role in Barbara Gordon’s superhero origin story, Batgirl can also explore the characterization of the DCEU’s Batman through his relationship with James Gordon and the lingering trauma left by the murder of his son. Ben Affleck most likely won’t star in a solo Batman movie, but the story of his iteration of Bruce Wayne can continue via ing roles. Batgirl should, first and foremost, be a film centered on Barbara Gordon and her journey to becoming a superhero, but it can her characterization and story by introducing the Robins to the DCEU.
Why The DCEU Hasn't Featured Any Version Of Robin Yet
The DCEU hasn’t shown any version of Robin yet, but Dawn of Justice cleverly used the absence of Robin to Batman’s story arc. Robin is one of Batman’s most important allies in addition to being his adopted son, and Grayson’s brutal murder contributed to Batman’s brutality and a gradual turn to villainy in Dawn of Justice. Wayne’s grief over the loss of his son and newfound existential terror from General Zod’s attack on Metropolis led him to break one of his biggest rules, killing criminals and planning to kill Superman. Batman eventually had a change of heart, and his return to his previous form of heroism would continue to be developed in future films.
One of the clearest indicators of Batman’s continuing characterization was Snyder’s plan to have Carrie Kelley succeed Dick Grayson as Robin. By taking on a new protégé, the DCEU’s Batman would begin to finally move on from his devastating loss. There are few known details about the planned DCEU version of Carrie Kelley, but her intended introduction is one of many examples of the DCEU drawing from The Dark Knight Returns for inspiration. Jason Todd, who succeeded Grayson in the mainstream DC Comics continuities, was infamously killed by The Joker but later resurrected, becoming the vigilante known as the Red Hood. Having Carrie Kelley succeed Grayson instead of Todd also indicates a lighter and more hopeful future for the DCEU’s Batman.
How Batgirl Can Introduce The Robins
The best way to address the DCEU’s version of Dick Grayson is through flashbacks. Batgirl should show Dick Grayson as Robin, fighting crime alongside Batman, to make their bond more tangible and emphasize how painful Batman’s loss was. Considering that the Dynamic Duo often worked alongside Commissioner Gordon, the death of Robin should weigh heavily on Barbara’s father too, making them reluctant to accept her as a new, young crime fighter in Gotham. Showing Grayson’s costume in Dawn of Justice was sufficient for the film, but seeing Batman and Robin in action would do a better job of explaining Batman’s headspace when Barbara Gordon dons a cape and cowl.
Carrie Kelley would have, presumably, been introduced in Ben Affleck’s solo Batman film, but with the movie having been replaced by Matt Reeves’ Barbara Gordon becomes an independent hero who was inspired by Batman, Kelley could become the second Robin by the end of the film.
Why Dick Grayson Should Be Introduced in Batgirl
Truly introducing Dick Grayson to the DCEU in Batgirl would reiterate Batman’s characterization in Dawn of Justice and explore it once again within the context of another young crimefighter beginning their career. Batman’s trust in Superman was shown at the end of Dawn of Justice and in Justice League, but Batgirl provides a perfect means to address Batman’s grief over Robin’s death—as long it's as one of Barbara’s ing characters. Batman blames himself for his son’s death, and he could gradually accept that people like Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon choose to become crime fighters and know the risks that entail their double life.
Moreover, having Carrie Kelley inherit the title of Robin further shows Batman’s growth. Barbara would be Batgirl by the end of the film, but Batman might begin training Kelley as Robin, tutoring her as thoroughly as he did Dick Grayson and honoring his late son by ing the Robin mantle to another up-and-coming crime fighter. The various Robins and Batgirls are essential to the Batman mythos, and while Batgirl should center on Barbara Gordon, introducing Dick Grayson and Carrie Kelley as the DCEU’s Robins would bring the continuity even closer to its comic source material.
