Batman fans stunned by surprise recast we didn't see coming

Batman fans across the world will be looking forward to the upcoming release of the new animated series, Batman: Caped Crusader.

Despite its presentation taking inspiration from the iconic 90s show, Batman: The Animated Series, the new Amazon Prime Video show has some surprises that may even catch the most devoted DC fans off guard.

Check out the Batman: Caped Crusader trailer below!

“Welcome to Gotham City, where criminals run rampant and law-abiding citizens live in a constant state of fear. Forged in the fire of tragedy, wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne becomes something both more and less than human—the Batman,” reads the synopsis of Batman: Caped Crusader, created by J.J Abrams, Matt Reeves and Bruce Timm.

One change that fans will be well aware of, is the new voice of the billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne aka Batman. Following the passing of Kevin Conroy, the Dark Knight in the new animated series will be voiced by Hamish Linklater (Midnight Mass).

What’s more, Harley Quinn in Batman: Caped Crusader will not be voiced by Arleen Sorkin (who tragically passed away in 2023) nor will she be voiced by Tara Strong (Batman: Arkham) or even Kaley Cuoco (Harley Quinn animated series).

Instead, Harley Quinn aka Dr. Harleen Quinzel in Batman: Caped Crusader will be voiced by Jamie Chung (who played Valerie Vale in Gotham) making the popular DC character the first Asian American interpretation. However, that is not the only big change being made in the upcoming animated series.

As reported by Variety, it was revealed during a San Diego Comic-Con panel that Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin has been gender-swapped and will now go by the name Oswalda Cobblepot in Batman: Caped Crusader and will be voiced by Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting).

“Another unnecessary gender swap for a legendary character,” said a Twitter follower replying to the post made by Prime Video revealing Oswalda Cobblepot. “As long as she’s written well, I’ll dig it,” said another fan flipping the argument.

It will be interesting to see whether or not the new portrayals of the popular DC villains will go down well with fans once the show airs, but with this franchise regularly leaning into its multiverse, almost anything goes.

Batman: Caped Crusader will begin streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video platform on Thursday, 1 August 2024.