| Merry Little Batman | |
|---|---|
 Official release poster | |
| Directed by | Mike Roth |
| Written by |
|
| Based on | Batman by Bill Finger Bob Kane |
| Produced by | Rebecca Palatnik |
| Starring |
|
| Edited by | Andy Young |
| Music by | Patrick Stump[1] |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Amazon Prime Video |
Release date |
|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Merry Little Batman is an upcoming American superhero film directed by Mike Roth, written by Morgan Evans, Jase Ricci, and Etan Cohen, and based on DC Comics featuring the characters Batman and Damian Wayne. The film stars the voices of Yonas Kibreab, Luke Wilson, James Cromwell, and David Hornsby. In the film, Damian must protect Wayne Manor from villains during Christmas.
The film is set to be released on December 8, 2023, on Amazon Prime Video. A TV series based on the film, titled Bat-Family, is in development.
Premise
After Damian Wayne is left alone in Wayne Manor on Christmas Eve, he transforms himself into "Little Batman" to safeguard his home and the rest of Gotham City from supervillains during the holiday season.[2]
Cast
- Yonas Kibreab as Damian Wayne / Little Batman[3]
- Luke Wilson as Bruce Wayne / Batman[4][3]
- James Cromwell as Alfred Pennyworth[4][3]
- David Hornsby as The Joker[3][5]
- Dolph Adomian as Mr. Freeze[6]
- Brian George as The Penguin[6]
- Theresa McLaughlin as Poison Ivy[6]
- Chris Sullivan as Bane[6]
- Michael Fielding as Terry[6]
- Cynthia McWilliams as Vicki Vale[6]
- Natalie Palamides as Francine[6]
- Reid Scott as Comissioner Gordon[6]
Production
Development
In September 2021, it was reported that a Christmas animated film based on Batman and starring Damian Wayne, titled Merry Little Batman, was in development at Warner Bros. Animation for HBO Max and Cartoon Network. Regular Show writer Mike Roth was set to direct the film, while Sam Register and Roth would executive produce.[7]
By August 2022, HBO Max had officially relinquished distribution rights for the film, alongside other six series including Batman: Caped Crusader. The film would continue development as the studio searched for a new distributor.[8] In April 2023, it was reported that Amazon Prime Video – who previously acquired the rights for Caped Crusader – would distribute the film.[9]
Writing
According to Roth, the filmmakers decided to focus on Damian due to the film's Christmas setting. While the idea of featuring an older Damian who struggles between good and evil, as in the comics, was considered, the writers ultimately decided to portray him in a younger age because they felt the idea of a young Damian who wanted to be like his father "was such a fun starting point" that gave the filmmakers "the heart and comedy" they wanted for the film.[5] For the film's version of the Joker, the writers drew inspiration from Bob Fosse's performance as Snake in The Little Prince, describing him as "[the] perfect foe to a little kid because he is basically like a big, peevish child himself — coaxing, cunning, and apt to rapid and irrational tantrums".[5]
Release
Merry Little Batman will be released on December 8, 2023, on Amazon Prime Video.[3][10] The film was previously set for release on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.[7][8]
On November 10, 2022, James Gunn confirmed that all DC projects would be released under the DC Studios banner which includes animated productions.[11]
Future
In April 2023, it was reported that a television series based on the film, titled Bat-Family, was in development for Amazon Prime Video. The series will center on Batman, Alfred Pennyworth, Damian Wayne / Little Batman and "a few newcomers to Wayne Manor, as they navigate the fun and frustrations of life as a super family".[12]
References
- ↑ "Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump Scoring Mike Roth's 'Merry Little Batman'". Archived from the original on November 16, 2023. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ↑ "WarnerMedia Kids & Family Launches New Family Destination, ACME Night, Sundays on Cartoon Network Starting Sept. 19 and HBO Max Next Year | Pressroom". press.wbd.com. Archived from the original on 2023-11-19. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "DC Holiday Special 'Merry Little Batman' Sets Prime Premiere Date". www.animationmagazine.net. Archived from the original on 2023-11-19. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
- 1 2 Melissa, Billie (2023-11-14). "Luke Wilson Is Bruce Wayne in Merry Little Batman". Men's Journal | Streaming. Archived from the original on 2023-11-14. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- 1 2 3 "Batman meets 'Home Alone' in 'Merry Little Batman' first look". EW.com. Archived from the original on 2023-11-13. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Milligan, Mercedes (2023-11-19). "Trailer: 'Merry Little Batman' Brings a Lighter Dark Knight Tale to Prime Video". Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- 1 2 "Merry Little Batman Movie Announced by DC". DC. Archived from the original on 2023-10-09. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
- 1 2 Mitovich, Matt Webb (2022-08-22). "Batman Series, Urkel Holiday Movie Among Animated Projects Not Moving Forward at HBO Max, Will Be Shopped". TVLine. Archived from the original on 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
- ↑ "Batman Animated Movie & Spin-off Picked Up by Amazon". Yahoo Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
- ↑ "Amazon Acquires 'Merry Little Batman' Animated Film, Spinoff Series 'Bat-Family' From Warner Bros. Animation". MSN. Archived from the original on 2023-04-27. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
- ↑ Biordi, Jordan (November 10, 2022). "James Gunn Confirms The Batman's Status in Relation to His DC Universe". CBR. Archived from the original on November 10, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ↑ Cordero, Rosy (2023-04-26). "'Merry Little Batman' & 'Bat-Family' Among New DC Animated Projects Headed To Prime Video". Deadline. Archived from the original on 2023-05-30. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
