This year marks the 25th anniversary of the landmark Batman: The Animated SeriesOpens in a new tab, created by animator Bruce TimmOpens in a new tab. Way back in 1992, Batman would debut on Fox Kids, and completely change the face of animated superhero programming forever, bringing a level of sophistication and maturity never seen before to weekday afternoon cartoons. Timm’s Batman series would go through several incarnations over the years, and eventually spawn the DC Animated UniverseOpens in a new tab, which would include Superman: The Animated SeriesOpens in a new tab, Batman BeyondOpens in a new tab, and Justice League UnlimitedOpens in a new tab.
Batman: The Animated Series would contribute a lot of things to the overall Batman mythos, but its largest contribution by far has to be the creation of iconic anti-hero Harley QuinnOpens in a new tab. Initially created by writer Paul DiniOpens in a new tab to be a one-off “Jokers girlfriend/sidekick” character, she proved so popular that she continued making appearances on the show over the years. She quickly outgrew her status as just the Joker’s girl, and became one of DC’s most popular characters once introduced into the comics. The box office performance of last year’s Suicide SquadOpens in a new tab can be greatly attributed to the overwhelming popularity of Harleen Quinzel.
Now an avid fan over at the ToonZoneOpens in a new tab message boards (via Comic BookOpens in a new tab) has discovered that we could very soon be seeing a return to the original version of Harley Quinn, as well as the classic Batman: The Animated Series versions of Batman and NightwingOpens in a new tab in the upcoming Batman and Harley QuinnOpens in a new tab animated film. The film was announced as a “Bruce Timm Original” last year at San Diego Comic-Con, and now a screencap for the upcoming behind the scenes preview from the special features of the new Teen Titans: The Judas ContractOpens in a new tab animated film gives us an idea of what to expect. You can see the screencap in question below, which shows Harley riding along in the Batmobile with Batman and Nightwing, who clearly stopped for some drive-thru somewhere.
The designs of the Batman, Harley and Nightwing definitely harkens back to the New Batman Adventures designs from Bruce Timm, marking a return to the DC Animated Universe for the first time since Justice League Unlimited ended back in 2006. Nightwing looks slightly more modernized, as he’s lost that late ’90s mullet. If this is indeed a return to the DCAU, hopefully we’ll get a return from voice actors Kevin ConroyOpens in a new tab as Batman, Loren Lester as Nightwing, and Mark HamillOpens in a new tab as the Joker (where Harley usually is, her so-called puddin’ Mr. J is often not far behind). But could we also see a return of original voice actress Arleen Sorkin as Harley? She retired from the role years ago, usually being replaced by Tara StrongOpens in a new tab. But could a special 25th anniversary movie be enough to coax her back to the role?
Aside from the above image, we don’t much about the upcoming movie, although it will likely come out in the summer, and probably make its debut at the San Diego Comic-ConOpens in a new tab. More info will no doubt be released once Teen Titans: The Judas Contract hits, but judging from this one image, I don’t think its too early for Batman: The Animated Series fans to celebrate – it appears at least one more return to that very beloved version of Gotham City may be imminent. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract will be released via Digital HD on April 4, 2017, and on April 18 on Blu-ray.
Are you excited about the returns of the classic animated versions of these beloved characters? Let us know down below in the comments.
Images: Warner Brothers Animation / DC Comics
Here’s a li’l more on Harley:
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