The Bat Family

***The Bat Family*** is an American television series that ran for five seasons from 2030 to 2035. It is based around the Batman affiliated characters from DC Comics, using the unofficial title given to them by fans. It is the thirteenth television series of the DCEU and the first television series of Phase 5. It first premiered on October 7, 2030.

## Plot Summary

In Batman's career, he has garnered a lot of sidekicks, and people with similar ideals who want to fight for justice. These are the ongoing adventures of... the Bat Family.

## Cast

### Main

* Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth
* Ty Simpkins as Nightwing/Dick Grayson
* Wyatt Oleff as Robin III/Meadowlark/Tim Drake
* Eva Green as Catwoman/Selina Kyle
* Hailee Steinfeld as Batgirl/Oracle/Barbara Gordon
* Teresa Ting as Black Bat/Batgirl/Cassandra Cain (recurring season 1; seasons 2-5)
* Odeya Rush as Spoiler/Stephanie Brown (recurring season 1; seasons 2-5)
* Wallis Day as Batwoman/Kate Kane (recurring seasons 2-3; seasons 4-5)
* John David Washington as Batwing/Luke Fox (seasons 3-5)
* Dante Periera-Olsen as Robin IV/Damien Wayne (season 5)

### Recurring

* Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Pennyworth (seasons 2-4)
* Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Azrael/John-Paul Valley (seasons 4-5)
* Dacre Montgomery as Red Hood/Jason Todd (season 5)
* Josh McDermitt as Harold Allnut
* Denzel Washington as Lucius Fox
* Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne

## Reception

When it first premiered, *The Bat Family* received positive reviews from critics and audiences. "Del Toro gives his signature touch to a show about characters that need a little more limelight." Many praised the performances, writing, and shining a light on lesser known heroes. The positive reviews sustained its first four seasons, with the final season receiving critical acclaim showcasing a harrowing look at the heroes that were showcased in the series. As well as shaking up the status quo with Bruce retiring as Batman.

## Trivia

* There was some controversy surrounding Wallis Day's casting as Batwoman as she was not a lesbian. Many people would begin to boycott the series if she was not removed. However, Day herself said "It's my job to act contrary to reality and I have nothing but love and care for that community, but if they can't take me playing a character that is not my orientation, simply, do not watch the show." Guillermo del Toro added "I thought she was the best actress for the job, that's all I'll say about that." Both Day and del Toro would stand their ground on the issue, and no party was removed from the show, and it continued on. Ratings would not decline because of this.
* In the season finale of season 3, Hailee Steinfeld initially didn't want to do the sex scene between Barbara and Dick because she felt it wasn't necessary. Del Toro eventually explained that it would be the "straw that broke the camel's back" in terms of the relationship between Barbara and Dick as after this, she would be shot and forced to become Oracle. It would be "the last hurrah" before both moved on to more mature relationships (for Dick it was Starfire and for Barbara it was Jason Bard). Steinfeld eventually agreed only if del Toro directed the scenes. He agreed, and also tried for the most part to be in silhouette.
* Del Toro wanted from the very beginning, to end the show with Bruce's retirement. He was cautious to tell anyone because he thought there would be blow back from executives. However, when production for the final season did begin, he eventually took the idea for Bruce to retire to the higher ups, and they actually gladly agreed. They had planned for Bruce to eventually retire as Batman anyway, with the exception of his final outing, which had not been planned yet.