DC has an ambitious new Batman comic in the works for 2021, one that will apparently feature a hero of color taking up the mantle of the Dark Knight. As revealed at the "Legacy of the Bat" panel at DC FanDome, 12 Years a Slave screenwriter John Ridley is teaming up with Doom Patrol artist Nick Derington for a new four-issue limited series (title TBA). Check out a cover from artist Ladronn below: [caption id="attachment_2396876" align="aligncenter" width="1650"] Art by Ladronn. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] DC is keeping the identity of this new Batman a secret, with Ridley teasing during the panel, "I think it's a pretty safe bet that if I'm writing Batman, it’s probably a little better than a 47% chance he’s going to be a person of color." However, we do know this new Batman will be connected to the family of Lucius Fox, which could suggest it's Lucius' son Luke wearing the costume. Luke previously served as the armored hero Batwing, so he certainly has the right pedigree. "[Lucius] has a family and this is a family that has secrets, has kept secrets from one another,” said Ridley. “It’s a little bit different dynamic than the Batman that we've always seen.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels-of-all-time&captions=true"] To be clear, this new Batman won't be replacing Bruce Wayne. DC confirms the two versions will coexist, and James Tynion IV will continue to write the flagship Batman comic. At this point it's unclear whether Ridley and Derington's book is set in the traditional DCU or an alternate universe or timeline. The cover art suggests a possible futuristic setting. Ridley is no stranger to the DC Universe at this point, having previously written books like The Authority: Human on the Inside and a short tale in the upcoming Batman: The Joker War Zone special. Ridley is also the author of The Other History of the DC Universe, an upcoming Black Label series that reexamines DC lore from the perspectives of minority heroes like Black Lightning, Herald and Renee Montoya. DC promises more details will be revealed at the second FanDome event on September 12, as part of the Batman: The Joker War panel. For now, check out our exclusive inside look at The Joker War and learn why Joker is finally ready to end his long dance with Batman. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/22/7-minutes-of-batman-gotham-knights-gameplay"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

DC has an ambitious new Batman comic in the works for 2021, one that will apparently feature a hero of color taking up the mantle of the Dark Knight. As revealed at the "Legacy of the Bat" panel at DC FanDome, 12 Years a Slave screenwriter John Ridley is teaming up with Doom Patrol artist Nick Derington for a new four-issue limited series (title TBA). Check out a cover from artist Ladronn below: [caption id="attachment_2396876" align="aligncenter" width="1650"] Art by Ladronn. (Image Credit: DC)[/caption] DC is keeping the identity of this new Batman a secret, with Ridley teasing during the panel, "I think it's a pretty safe bet that if I'm writing Batman, it’s probably a little better than a 47% chance he’s going to be a person of color." However, we do know this new Batman will be connected to the family of Lucius Fox, which could suggest it's Lucius' son Luke wearing the costume. Luke previously served as the armored hero Batwing, so he certainly has the right pedigree. "[Lucius] has a family and this is a family that has secrets, has kept secrets from one another,” said Ridley. “It’s a little bit different dynamic than the Batman that we've always seen.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-greatest-batman-graphic-novels-of-all-time&captions=true"] To be clear, this new Batman won't be replacing Bruce Wayne. DC confirms the two versions will coexist, and James Tynion IV will continue to write the flagship Batman comic. At this point it's unclear whether Ridley and Derington's book is set in the traditional DCU or an alternate universe or timeline. The cover art suggests a possible futuristic setting. Ridley is no stranger to the DC Universe at this point, having previously written books like The Authority: Human on the Inside and a short tale in the upcoming Batman: The Joker War Zone special. Ridley is also the author of The Other History of the DC Universe, an upcoming Black Label series that reexamines DC lore from the perspectives of minority heroes like Black Lightning, Herald and Renee Montoya. DC promises more details will be revealed at the second FanDome event on September 12, as part of the Batman: The Joker War panel. For now, check out our exclusive inside look at The Joker War and learn why Joker is finally ready to end his long dance with Batman. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/22/7-minutes-of-batman-gotham-knights-gameplay"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

James Gunn revealed the first behind-the-scenes footage for his upcoming Suicide Squad movie, which is being described as a "gritty 1970s war movie" according to producer Peter Safran. In an exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette that premiered at DC FanDome, Gunn and the cast shared what the tone and style of Suicide Squad will be. Idris Elba, who plays Bloodsport, described it as a graphic novel come to life, while Flula Borg, who plays Javelin, says there will be exploding genitals, among other things. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/22/the-suicide-squad-behind-the-scenes-teaser-dc-fandome"] John Cena aka Peacemaker, will play his character as a "douchey Captain America," which feels like a good summation of the irreverent tone James Gunn is bringing to Suicide Squad. The humor present in the behind-the-scenes seems to indicate that Gunn will be keeping his comedic sensibilities and action showmanship he honed on Guardians of the Galaxy. "It's going to be different from any superhero movie ever made," Gunn says in the featurette. The behind-the-scenes footage also showed off some of the visual effects work, including a look at Sean Gunn's Weasel, who looks as gross and gnarly as his character's name implies. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-suicide-squad-2021-74-new-images&captions=true"] Other insight from the trailer includes a better shot of Margot Robbie's new Harley Quinn look, shots of Polka Dot and Ratcatcher 2, as well as shots primarily from some kind of beachside location. James Gunn revealed the full roster of his Suicide Squad team at Fandome so check out which actor's are playing who. Be sure to also take a look at the full DC FanDome schedule. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-suicide-squad-whos-who-full-cast-and-character-reveals&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

James Gunn revealed the first behind-the-scenes footage for his upcoming Suicide Squad movie, which is being described as a "gritty 1970s war movie" according to producer Peter Safran. In an exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette that premiered at DC FanDome, Gunn and the cast shared what the tone and style of Suicide Squad will be. Idris Elba, who plays Bloodsport, described it as a graphic novel come to life, while Flula Borg, who plays Javelin, says there will be exploding genitals, among other things. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/22/the-suicide-squad-behind-the-scenes-teaser-dc-fandome"] John Cena aka Peacemaker, will play his character as a "douchey Captain America," which feels like a good summation of the irreverent tone James Gunn is bringing to Suicide Squad. The humor present in the behind-the-scenes seems to indicate that Gunn will be keeping his comedic sensibilities and action showmanship he honed on Guardians of the Galaxy. "It's going to be different from any superhero movie ever made," Gunn says in the featurette. The behind-the-scenes footage also showed off some of the visual effects work, including a look at Sean Gunn's Weasel, who looks as gross and gnarly as his character's name implies. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-suicide-squad-2021-74-new-images&captions=true"] Other insight from the trailer includes a better shot of Margot Robbie's new Harley Quinn look, shots of Polka Dot and Ratcatcher 2, as well as shots primarily from some kind of beachside location. James Gunn revealed the full roster of his Suicide Squad team at Fandome so check out which actor's are playing who. Be sure to also take a look at the full DC FanDome schedule. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-suicide-squad-whos-who-full-cast-and-character-reveals&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Concept art of The Flash's new suit has been revealed in concept art as part of DC FanDome, and it's a very different look compared to the suit used for Justice League. The look at the new costume was one of the biggest reveals at DC FanDome. The Flash's new threads have an "organic" look, according to director Andy Muschietti, and features what appear to be inlaid light elements. Rather than bulky armor panels like the version used for Justice League, this suit is much more form-fitting, more akin to the version worn by Grant Gustin's Barry Allen in The Flash TV show. The panel at DC FanDome also explained that Batman has designed the costume for Barry Allen. The Dark Knight himself can even be seen in the concept art. Look closely, though, and it actually appears that it is Michael Keaton's version of Batman, from the Tim Burton movies. The panel explained that The Flash movie will be the place that the 'cinematic multiverse' will be born. Ezra Miller explained that where characters had previously existed in bubbles, now they would be able to collide. He referred to the Flashpoint comic in regards to the idea. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-flash-movies-possible-dceu-cameos&captions=true"] We know that Ben Affleck is in The Flash playing Bruce Wayne once again, and it's been rumored for several weeks that Michael Keaton will also be in the film as... Batman. So that discussion of a cinematic multiverse could well kick off with at least two Batmen in The Flash. For more, check out how DC now considers both movies and TV shows as part of a multiverse. And if you need to see any more from today's panels, see how to watch DC FanDome. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Concept art of The Flash's new costume has been revealed as part of DC Fandome, and it's a very different look compared to the suit used for Justice League. The Flash's new threads have an "organic" look, according to director Andy Muschietti, and features what appear to be inlaid light elements. Rather than bulky armour panels like the version used for Justice League, this suit is much more form-fitting, more akin to the version worn by Grant Gustin's Barry Allen in The Flash TV show. The panel at DC Fandome also explained that Batman has designed the costume for Barry Allen. The Dark Knight himself can even be seen in the concept art. Look closely, though, and it actually appears that it is Michael Keaton's version of Batman, from the Tim Burton movies. The panel explained that The Flash movie will be the place that the 'cinematic multiverse' will be born. Ezra Miller explained that where characters had previously existed in bubbles, now they would be able to collide. He referred to the Flashpoint comic in regards to the idea. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-flash-movies-possible-dceu-cameos&captions=true"] We know that Ben Affleck is in The Flash playing Bruce Wayne once again, and it's been rumored for several weeks that Michael Keaton will also be in the film as... Batman. So that discussion of a cinematic multiverse could well kick off with at least two Batmen in The Flash. For more, check out how DC now considers both movies and TV shows as part of a multiverse. And if you need to see anymore from today's panels, see how to watch DC Fandome. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Director James Gunn has revealed a new trailer for The Suicide Squad, giving our best look yet at many of the oddball DC Comics characters (and the actors playing them) that are on the team’s roster in this follow-up to the 2016 film. We also got to see some of them use their powers in the new preview, like David Dastmalchian's Polka-Dot Man throwing his, well, polka dots at his enemies. The trailer also offers up new footage of Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Bloodsport (Idris Elba), TDK (Nathan Fillion), Peacemaker (John Cena), Blackguard (Pete Davidson), and more. Interestingly, we're still not clear on who Taika Waititi is playing in The Suicide Squad (but we have a few theories). [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/the-suicide-squad-official-trailer-2"] For every badass new character in the mix, there are the wacky inclusions, D-listers who are likely to serve as darkly humorous cannon fodder in an action film where the protagonists are, by their very nature, expendable. Check out the full breakdown of The Suicide Squad cast below:

The Suicide Squad Cast - From Blackguard to Polka Dot Man and Beyond

• Idris Elba - Bloodsport
• Margot Robbie - Harley Quinn
• John Cena - Peacemaker
• Viola Davis - Amanda Waller
• Jai Courtney - Captain Boomerang
• Joel Kinnaman - Rick Flag
• David Dastmalchian - Polka-Dot Man
• Daniela Melchior - Ratcatcher II
• Sylvester Stallone (voice)/Steve Agee (mo-cap) - King Shark (mo-cap)
• Steve Agee - John Economos
• Sean Gunn - Weasel (mo-cap)
• Flula Borg - Javelin
• Nathan Fillion - TDK
• Peter Capaldi - The Thinker
• Pete Davidson - Blackguard
• Alice Braga - Solsoria
• Mayling Ng - Mongal
• Michael Rooker - Savant
• Storm Reid - Tyla (Bloodsport's daughter)
• Jennifer Holland - Emilia Harcourt
• Joaquin Cosio - General Mateo Suarez
• Tinashe Kajese - Flo Crawley
• Juan Diego Botto - Luna

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-suicide-squad-whos-who-full-cast-and-character-reveals&captions=true"] Back in August, the DC FanDome panel for The Suicide Squad revealed that Bloodsport is in prison for shooting Superman with a kryptonite bullet, In the DC Comics, Bloodsport is a Superman foe and has been a few different people throughout the character's history. The character first appeared in Superman #2 in 1987 and was created by John Byrne and Karl Kesel. Elba’s costume certainly looks different from Bloodsport's comic book outfit. How about that mask! That menacing maw almost makes it look like a Xenomorph’s face. Playing Tyla, the daughter of Elba’s character Bloodsport, is Storm Reid, whose credits include A Wrinkle in Time, The Invisible Man, and HBO’s Euphoria. 2016’s Suicide Squad developed a relationship between Deadshot and his young daughter Zoe Lawton; seeing as how Elba is the Will Smith surrogate in this film then it’s possible Gunn transferred whatever relationship the sequel was originally meant to explore between the Lawtons to these characters and changed their names since Gunn chose not to recast Will Smith’s role. Next up is John Cena who plays Peacemaker, an extremist who wants to achieve peace so badly he will kill any man, woman or child to attain it. Cena’s costume certainly looks very close to his comic book counterpart, right down to the dopey steel helmet. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-suicide-squad-theatrical-trailer&captions=true"] Ant-Man’s David Dastmalchian plays Polka-Dot Man, aka Abner Krill. Polka-Dot Man is an obscure Batman foe whose outfit is composed of weaponized dots (seriously). Meanwhile, SNL and The King of Staten Island’s Pete Davidson portrays Blackguard. Blackguard was an enemy of Booster Gold's whose real name was, yes, Dick Hertz. In a pair of roles accomplished via motion-capture, Steve Agee plays the towering King Shark, while director James Gunn’s brother, Sean Gunn, plays the human-sized vermin known as Weasel. You may recall that Sean Gunn also plays the mo-cap reference for Rocket Raccoon in the Marvel movies. Sylvester Stallone is voicing King Shark. Another Guardians of the Galaxy alum, Michael Rooker, plays Savant, a lesser Bat-villain who later became a member of The Suicide Squad during The New 52. Steve Agee also plays a separate role, a DC Comics character named John Economos, according to a tweet from James Gunn. Gunn has also revealed that Tinashe Kajese plays Flo Crawley, another DC Comics character. The New Mutants’ Alice Braga plays Solsoria, who appears to be an original character in the film and a soldier of some kind. Mayling Ng plays Mongal, who in the DC Comics is the daughter of an alien tyrant … so she’s Gamora? We’ll see if Mongal ends up as integral to The Suicide Squad as Gamora did to the Guardians. Firefly’s Nathan Fillion reunites with James Gunn here after previously appearing in Guardians of the Galaxy, Slither, and Super. Fillion plays TDK, an original creation of Gunn’s. [ignvideo width=610 height=374 url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/26/the-suicide-squad-official-trailer] Daniela Melchior plays Ratcatcher 2. While not the same Ratcatcher who tangled with Batman in the sewers of Gotham, her incarnation has a similar Pied Piper-like ability to communicate with and train armies of rats. Former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi plays The Thinker. There have been a few different incarnations of the character throughout DC history, where he’s battled the Flash and Firestorm, and served as a member of the Injustice Society. German actor-comedian Flula Borg portrays the gaudily attired Javelin, whose dopey outfit sure seems to paint quite the target on him. Javelin is a Green Lantern villain who has also been a member of the Suicide Squad in the comics. Jennifer Holland plays Emilia Harcourt, who in the comics was an NSA agent who worked with Amanda Waller. Joaquin Cosio plays General Mateo Suarez. Finally, Juan Diego Botto plays Luna, who appears to be a general or ruler of some kind. So what do you think of the lineup for The Suicide Squad? And who do you think will be the first one of them to buy it in the movie? Let us know in the comments! [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-suicide-squad-2021-74-new-images&captions=true"] And for more Suicide Squad coverage, find out what the title of Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League could really mean, check out the logo for James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, learn what the 2016 film’s director, David Ayer, said about that Joker/Fake Harley Quinn theory, and watch Jared Leto’s transformation into Joker. Editors note (4/1/21): This story has been updated with the latest information about The Suicide Squad.

DC considers the crossover of Ezra Miller's Flash with the Flash CW show as "the beginning of a whole new generation" for crossovers between its movies and TV shows, and now considers all of its filmed properties to be part of a multiverse. Speaking during the Multiverse 101 panel at DC FanDome, Arrowverse boss Greg Berlanti explained that the Flash crossover "feels like the beginning of a whole new generation of how we can do these things." Warner Bros.' DC film exec Walter Hamada added that, "Moving forward, there's more opportunities for us to do things like this." Hamada then ran through how the Justice League in the Snyder Cut can have their adventures, while those same characters can exist in other TV shows and movies without having to worry about continuity. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-character-in-the-arrowverses-crisis-on-infinite-earths-crossover&captions=true"] Hamada even made clear that Joaquin Phoenix's Joker and Matt Reeves' The Batman are part of the DC multiverse - even if those versions of the characters will never necessarily cross over with other properties. Responding to a query about if the multiverse was gone after the events of the CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths specials, Berlanti made clear that, "It’s not gone". "That was to help us," he continued, "sort of like the original reason for Crisis [in the comics]… for the purpose of The CW those worlds are now one, but off-network is like being off-planet in a different part of the multiverse, it’s still alive and well." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/18/crisis-on-infinite-earths-crossover-review"] There's lots more to come from DC FanDome - here's how to watch along with us. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

WB announced Gotham Knights, the new Batman game from Batman: Arkham Origins dev WB Games Montreal, and promised a new take on the Batman universe, as players won't be playing as the dark knight himself. Gotham Knights allows for players to choose from four different Bat-family members, and even play together as they explore Gotham. According to the official details released so far for the game, which is set to be released in 2021 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC, Gotham Knights will allow for up to two players to play together online cooperatively, in addition to experiencing Gotham Knights as a single player game. There's no indication there will be local co-op, nor more than two players able to play cooperatively at this time. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/22/7-minutes-of-batman-gotham-knights-gameplay"] As for who you'll play, Gotham Knights features four characters — Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Red Hood — each with their own fighting style, gear, and moves that players can take advantage of and watch grow throughout the game. Here is the official description of all four playable characters:

• Batgirl, also known as Barbara Gordon, is a determined fighter and a skilled hacker. As the daughter of deceased Gotham commissioner, Jim Gordon, she had helped Batman as Oracle in the past. Now, after years of recovery and preparation, she is ready to step into her new role, wielding her melee tonfa, and harnessing her training in kickboxing, capoeira and jiu-jitsu.
• Nightwing is Dick Grayson, the first Robin, who was Batman’s protégé before becoming a hero in his own right. He’s a natural leader and the eldest and wisest member of the Batman Family. Nightwing’s mastery in acrobatics is complemented by his expertise use of his signature dual Escrima Sticks, making him proficient at taking out enemies.
• Red Hood, formerly known as Jason Todd, is an intense and volatile anti-hero, which stems from his death and forced resurrection by one of Batman’s most dangerous foes. Red Hood has trouble keeping his temper in check but will not hesitate to step into the line of fire when a friend is threatened. His training has given him peak human strength and proficiency in multiple combat techniques with all manner of weapons – both traditional and high-tech.
• Robin is Tim Drake, the young prodigy and genius of the team, who is a master of deductive reasoning. As a true believer in Batman’s mission, he is motivated by the conviction that Gotham City needs protecting and hopes to be the type of hero Batman personified. An expert fighter armed with his collapsible quarterstaff and skilled in a variety of stealth techniques, Robin also possesses a background in combined psychological warfare and behavioral sciences.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=batman-gotham-knights-gameplay-screens&captions=true"] Gotham Knights won't hit consoles and PC until 2021, but be sure to check out everything from the Gotham Knights reveal at DC FanDome, as well as all the new Gotham Knights gameplay and story details we've learned so far. And be sure to check out how to watch all of the DC FanDome panels for more.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy recently spoke about the future of the Star Wars franchise now that the nine-part Skywalker Saga is complete. With creator George Lucas' original story, which had been the focus for most of the company's creative energy for so long, finally complete, Kennedy says "now we’re stepping back." Speaking to The Wrap, Kennedy explained that "stories have been told within this universe over the last 40-odd years, and there’s now the realization that this is a mythology that actually spans about 25,000 years, when you really start to look at all the different stories that have been told, whether it’s in books and games." "We just need the time to step back and really absorb what George has created," she continued, "and then start to think about where things might go. That’s what we’ve been doing, and we’ve been having a great deal of fun doing it, and meeting with lots of different filmmakers and talent. There’s so many fans out there and so many filmmakers that have been influenced by Star Wars for so long that it’s a fantastic opportunity to get a sense of who wants to be a part of this. So that’s what we’ve been doing." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=star-wars-rip-offs&captions=true"] Beginning December 22, 2023, Disney has three confirmed dates for upcoming Star Wars films, but next up, with regards to the sprawling shared universe, is Season 2 of The Mandalorian, which premieres in October. Kennedy sees streaming shows, on Disney+, as a hugely integral part of the Star Wars universe going forward. "I’ve already seen evidence of it," she said. "The ability to be very character-driven, with extended storytelling and connected storytelling, I think this space offers us a great opportunity to do that." There is also an Obi-Wan limited series in the works, which was originally set to be a movie. The show will take place 8 years after Revenge of the Sith and will be directed by Deborah Chow, who helmed episodes of The Mandalorian. Joby Harold also recently signed on as a writer for the series, even though its production has been on hold since the beginning of the year. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/21/the-true-story-behind-the-snyder-cut"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.