The DCU movie The Brave and the Bold has an immense legacy to live up to, especially when considering the three Batman-related films that crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box office. The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, and Joker each played a crucial role in proving that Batman-centric films can reach unprecedented financial and critical success. If the DCU’s The Brave and the Bold aims to replicate this success in the DCU Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, it must take key lessons from these films.
When analyzing The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), and Joker (2019), a pattern emerges that defines their billion-dollar success. All three films were distinct in their approach but shared common elements that made them cultural phenomena. These films proved that audiences will support Batman-related movies that challenge conventions, embrace serious themes, and prioritize world-building. The Brave and the Bold must recognize these strengths and incorporate them into its own vision while establishing its place in the DCU’s future.
11
Joker’s Box Office Confirms The DCU Shouldn’t Be Afraid To Lean Into Its Villain Stories
The Brave And The Bold Should Embrace Its Villains
Joker was an anomaly in superhero cinema, yet it became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, surpᴀssing the $1 billion mark with a budget of just $55 million. Unlike traditional comic book adaptations, it centered entirely on an iconic villain without needing Batman himself to drive the story. This success highlights that The Brave and the Bold doesn’t need to shy away from deep character studies of its antagonists.
The Bat-Family’s rogues’ gallery is among the best in comic book history, and giving villains their own compelling arcs within the movie could elevate its emotional depth. The DCU should take a page from Joker by making its villains fully fleshed-out characters rather than one-dimensional obstacles. A strong villain focus could ensure The Brave and the Bold achieves the same level of audience investment.
10
The Dark Knight Rises’ Box Office Highlights The Financial Potential Of Ending Movie Arcs
Most Superhero Movies Strive For Open-Ended Franchises
Although The Dark Knight was groundbreaking, its sequel, The Dark Knight Rises, ultimately made more at the box office, raking in over $1.08 billion. A key reason for this was the film’s positioning as a finale, capitalizing on the sense of closure that audiences crave. The stakes felt higher because it wasn’t just another installment – it was an event.
If The Brave and the Bold is to thrive, it should plan for an eventual, meaningful conclusion rather than banking solely on setting up sequels. Establishing a satisfying arc for Batman and his allies will not only increase emotional investment but also drive audiences to theaters in greater numbers. Nolan’s trilogy proved that a well-crafted, definitive ending can be just as profitable – if not more so – than a mere setup for future installments.
9
The Dark Knight Shows How Important Making Gotham A Core Part Of DC’s Movie Story Really Is
Gotham City Should Be Another Character In The Brave And The Bold
One of the defining aspects of The Dark Knight was how Gotham City felt like a living, breathing enтιтy rather than just a backdrop. Christopher Nolan’s take on Gotham was crucial in making Batman’s world feel authentic, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the chaos created by the Joker. This level of attention to setting is something The Brave and the Bold cannot afford to overlook.
Gotham should be more than just a city; it should be a character in itself, with its crime-infested streets, corrupt insтιтutions, and stark contrast between light and darkness. A well-developed Gotham will ground the film’s story and reinforce Batman’s importance as its protector. If the new DCU wants to set itself apart, it must craft a Gotham that is as essential to the narrative as Batman himself.
8
The Batman Mythos Flourishes In A Darker Tone
The Brave And The Bold Should Embrace A Gloomy Atmosphere
While The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman in a shared universe, it should recognize that Batman thrives in darker, more serious storytelling. The billion-dollar success of Joker and Nolan’s Dark Knight films proved that audiences gravitate toward Batman stories that embrace mature themes, psychological depth, and moral dilemmas. Even Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), though not a billion-dollar film, was praised for leaning into noir-driven storytelling.
While James Gunn’s DCU will have a broader tonal range, The Brave and the Bold must ensure it doesn’t lose Batman’s intrinsic darkness. It doesn’t need to be overly grim, but a well-balanced, serious tone will make the movie feel substantial rather than just another superhero flick. Maintaining this approach could be key to achieving billion-dollar success once again.
7
Prioritizing Strong Character-Driven Storytelling Is More Compelling
Action Should Support Characterization
Superhero films often rely on spectacle, but The Dark Knight, Joker, and The Dark Knight Rises proved that audiences respond most to character-driven narratives. Instead of just staging impressive action sequences, these films also prioritized deeply personal character arcs. Joker succeeded by diving into Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness, while The Dark Knight placed Bruce Wayne, Harvey Dent, and the Joker in an ideological battle that shaped Gotham’s fate.
The Dark Knight Rises built upon Bruce’s entire journey, showing his greatest physical and emotional struggles. The Brave and the Bold should follow this example by ensuring its characters drive the story forward, rather than letting the plot dictate their actions. Focusing on relationships, motivations, and personal stakes will make for a more engaging experience.
6
The Dark Knight Demonstrated That Gotham’s Criminal Underbelly Should Be Fully Realized
The Brave And The Bold Shouldn’t Forget Gotham Complex Criminal Network
One of The Dark Knight‘s greatest strengths was how it portrayed Gotham City’s criminal ecosystem. From organized crime figures like Carmine Falcone and Sal Maroni to street-level thugs, the film made the city feel like a living, breathing environment where corruption thrived. Even after the Joker disrupted the hierarchy, Gotham’s criminal element remained crucial to the plot.
The Brave and the Bold should embrace this world-building, ensuring that Gotham’s underbelly isn’t just background noise but a major force shaping events. The Court of Owls, Black Mask, or even a return of Falcone’s influence could provide a rich backdrop for Batman’s latest cinematic outing. By showcasing the city’s criminal infrastructure, the film can create a Gotham that feels more immersive and dangerous than ever.
5
Emphasize Complex Morality And Psychological Depth
The Brave And The Bold Should Include Nuanced Characterization
All three billion-dollar Batman films thrived because they explored deep moral questions rather than presenting clear-cut good-versus-evil narratives. The Dark Knight forced Bruce Wayne to consider whether he was truly making a difference and explored the Joker’s belief in chaos as the natural order. Joker humanized Arthur Fleck while still making him a terrifying figure, blurring the line between victim and villain.
Even The Dark Knight Rises asked whether Gotham deserved to be saved, especially when its people quickly turned on Batman. The DCU’s The Brave and the Bold needs to engage with these kinds of moral complexities and psychological nuances. Instead of a straightforward superhero adventure, the film should challenge Batman and his audience with difficult choices, gray morality, and thought-provoking psychological dilemmas.
4
Establish A Thematic Core Beyond The Superhero Action
The Best Batman Movies Proffer A Thematic Exploration
A great Batman film isn’t just about Batman – it’s about something deeper. The Dark Knight was ultimately about the battle for Gotham’s soul and the forces of chaos and order. Joker examined systemic neglect and mental illness, while The Dark Knight Rises tackled fear, legacy, and rebirth.
While The Brave and the Bold will introduce the father-son dynamic between Bruce and Damian Wayne, the film needs a thematic backbone that resonates beyond the action sequences. Whether it explores generational trauma, redemption, or the blurred lines between justice and vengeance, The Brave and the Bold should ensure its themes hold as much weight as its spectacle. When a Batman film has something meaningful to say, it becomes more than just a blockbuster – it becomes a cultural milestone.
3
The Dark Knight Trilogy’s Focus On Practical Effects Made It Timeless
Many Modern Superhero Movies Use Extensive CGI
One of the key reasons The Dark Knight trilogy still holds up today is its reliance on practical effects over CGI. Christopher Nolan’s insistence on real stunts and minimal digital effects gave the action sequences weight and realism. The truck flip in The Dark Knight, Bane’s plane hijacking in The Dark Knight Rises, and the high-speed chases throughout the trilogy all felt visceral because they were filmed practically.
Similarly, Joker also embraced a grounded aesthetic, adding to its believability. The Brave and the Bold should follow suit, avoiding excessive CGI in favor of real-world stunt work. Batman thrives in grounded action, and a more practical approach will ensure that the film ages well and feels tangible compared to more effects-heavy superhero movies.
2
Both The Dark Knight And Joker Benefited Greatly From Effective Scores
The Brave And The Bold Needs A Memorable And Iconic Musical Score
Music played a crucial role in both The Dark Knight and Joker, elevating the intensity and emotional weight of each film. Hans Zimmer’s The Dark Knight score, especially the Joker’s unsettling, escalating theme, helped build tension throughout the film. Meanwhile, Joker’s haunting cello-driven soundtrack by Hildur Guðnadóttir underscored Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness.
A great Batman score isn’t just background music; it becomes a defining part of the character’s world. The Brave and the Bold should invest in a bold, distinctive score that enhances the film’s atmosphere. Whether it leans into something orchestral or more experimental, the music should complement the film’s tone and reinforce the emotions of every scene. A memorable soundtrack could be the key to making this new Batman stand out.
1
The Dark Knight Made The Toll Of Being Batman A Compelling Central Theme
The Brave And The Bold Should Look At The Burdens Of Heroism
Christian Bale’s Batman wasn’t invincible – he was deeply human, and The Dark Knight trilogy emphasized how much Bruce Wayne suffered for his mission. From losing loved ones to being physically and emotionally broken, his journey felt personal and grueling. Even Joker showed how someone could be broken by Gotham, making Arthur Fleck’s transformation inevitable.
The Brave and the Bold should acknowledge the cost of being Batman, especially with Damian Wayne in the picture. Bruce’s responsibility as a father, mentor, and crimefighter presents new layers of struggle. The film should explore the burden of Batman’s double life, showing how it affects his body, mind, and relationships. By making Batman’s sacrifices a key part of the narrative, The Brave and the Bold can deliver an emotionally resonant experience.
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
-
Superman
- Release Date
-
July 11, 2025
Powered by
-
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- Release Date
-
June 26, 2026
Powered by
-
The Batman Part II
- Release Date
-
October 1, 2027
Powered by
