Batman & Robin might have been an epic letdown back in 1997, but that doesn’t mean we’ve lost hope for the Caped Crusader’s fan-favorite sidekick. Matt Reeves’ The Batman and Todd Phillips’ Joker are great examples of DC’s maturity beyond Marvel, giving us hope for the superhero universe’s future over all. These installments were also both DC’s only successful movies in decades, so it’s clear that fans want more mature films and heroes.

And as James Gunn helps take the reins on launching his DC Studios, we remain hopeful that the Dark Knight’s teammate, Robin, will re-enter the picture at some point in the new DCU. He was teased through Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character in the final moments of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, but that’s a whole different franchise that seemingly ended as just a film trilogy. Here’s a closer look at why Robin joining Batman’s side is essential for DCU’s silver-screen future.

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History of the Batman and Robin Duo

     DC Studios

As we know from past comic books and films (both animated and live-action), Robin the Boy Wonder was a kid-sidekick icon. Acrobat Dick Grayson was the youngest member of his parents’ death-defying circus act, but after their cold-blooded murder, he vowed revenge. Seeing a part of himself in the boy, Batman took Dick in and gave him a better outlet for his anger. Becoming Batman’s protégé, Robin is an expert fighter, and as Dick matured into his own entity, Robin no longer needed Batman to protect him from criminals.

Batman and Robin, the ongoing comic book series, dates back to the 1940s. The storyline evolved to the point where the original Batman, Bruce Wayne, dies at the hands of DC Comics villain Darkseid, with Dick ultimately ascending to the role of Batman, while Bruce’s son Damian Wayne became the new Robin. But that was then, and this is now. The brand-new comics installments continue to hit the masses with a rebooted Batman storyline, and Robin remains in the picture in general as a trusted sidekick.

Meanwhile, on the big screen, we first see Robin portrayed by Burt Ward in the 1966 film Batman. In more recent years, he’s appeared in a number of animated films and TV series, and the latest generations of superhero fanatics might associate Robin with Chris O’Donnell’s scene-stealing portrayal in both Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.

Why the New DCU Needs a Batman-Robin Team-Up

     20th Century Fox

According to Man of Steel director Zack Snyder, Robin died before the events of 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This story beat aimed to help establish where precisely Batman was in his life by the time the (very) dark film hit the masses. Robin’s absence has loomed large over the DCU as a result, and his inclusion would have changed the universe’s dynamic. Eventually, Snyder confirmed the DCU’s Robin as Dick Grayson.

Which brings us to our next point: Dick was also a more lighthearted character than Batman in nearly every respect, so Robin’s presence in any future DCU film installments would certainly create a refreshing balancing act — even if Gunn and company want to keep up the Snyder-level darkness. The capacity for that darkness was there, of course, but Dick’s Robin typically kept it in check. This was especially true during his own time as The Dark Knight after the original Batman’s theoretical death in the comics. Dick wasn’t one to condone cruelty and was quick to talk Bruce down whenever the Caped Crusader turned up the heat.

In addition to Robin creating a much-needed balancing act when it comes to lightness/darkness, Robin is also very skilled in his line of work, with his renowned acrobatic skills often coming in handy to save the day. They are superheroes, after all, so when push comes to shove, Robin would certainly help a perpetually struggling Batman defeat his sworn enemies. And with a continued Batman-Superman crossover potentially in store for Gunn’s DC plans, Robin’s wits could even help take down acclaimed villains like Lex Luthor, dare we say.

Future of the DCU

     DC Comics

He has been behind some of the most exciting DC projects of the last few years, and it’s exciting to know Gunn has been appointed as co-chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios at Warner Bros. Discovery along with Peter Safran. The newly formed production arm of the studio will be responsible for overseeing DCU’s output going forward. Fans are rejoicing over the major changes coming to DC, which promise to lead the tired and beaten franchise into a new era.

In terms of DCU and DC-related films hitting the masses this year, there’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, The Flash and Blue Beetle. Next year, we of course have the Joker sequel, whose working title is now “Juliet.” There’s a good chance Robin won’t appear in Todd Philips’ sequel to his Joaquin Phoenix vehicle — but again, there’s plenty of opportunity to weave Robin’s likable wits into future DC Studios projects, especially with the “horribly beautiful mind” of Gunn at the helm.