Why Integrating Batman and DC Comics into a Continuation of the DCEU Would Have Been Infeasible

Would Warner Bros. and DC Comics (WB/DC) have been better off trying to integrate a continuation of the Dark Knight Trilogy into the expanding DC Extended Universe (DCEU) by slowly introducing characters like Robin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Joker, discovering Superman, Flash, and Wonder Woman, rather than starting a fresh DCEU? The answer is no, and several factors support this conclusion.

Theinfluence of Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy

Nolan was quite clear that characters like Superman do not and cannot exist in his Batman stories. His Trilogy, characterized by a grounded and realistic tone, introduced a Batman that was a ninja in a cape rather than a purely comic book character. This unique approach, as exemplified in films like Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Trilogy, effectively portrayed a story line that prioritized realism and psychological depth. Borrowing this approach for other comic book characters would have required significant adjustments and risks.

The Dark Knight Universe and Its Influence on the DCEU

There is no indication that the DCEU didn't continue the Dark Knight Trilogy to some extent. The current DCEU movies did not invalidate the DKT trilogy. It is merely a continuation of an older and angrier Batman, with Superman and other characters not appearing until much later. This overlap and transition have been part of the narrative and timeline without conflict, suggesting that careful planning and execution could have managed any blending.

The Challenge of Nolan's Veto Power

Integrating Batman and the DCEU would be a challenging endeavor, given Nolan's clear stance against such integration. Nolan's Batman films, as self-contained as they are, remain a unique and standalone series. His veto authority over any further Batman involvement is well-established. While WB might be able to offer substantial financial incentives, the risk of alienating fans of the original trilogy and potentially derailing the established tone of the DCEU is significant.

The Tone of Batman Films vs. Comic Book Characters

The biggest flaw in films like Batman vs. Superman and Justice League was the attempt to make a movie about comic book characters without actually making a comic book movie. The foundational tone of the Batman films, rooted in a gritty, realistic approach, did not align well with the fantastical elements required for other comic book characters. Crafting a coherent narrative between these disparate elements would be near impossible without significant creative compromise.

Conclusion: Not a Feasible Idea

Given the unique nature of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films and the well-established differences in tone and approach, integrating Batman into the DCEU would not have been a viable strategy. Nolan's firm stance and the inherent contradictions in trying to bring a more grounded Batman universe into a world with Superman, aliens, and metahumans demonstrate why this idea would not only have failed but also disrupted the successful formula of Nolan's original trilogy.