Many iconic DC villains have appeared on screen in Batman: The Animated Seriesbut there were also several villains on the cutting room floor. Some were considered too dark, others simply didn’t fit the tone of the DC show, and some were nixed by the studio. However, creators Bruce Timm and Paul Dini revealed fascinating behind-the-scenes details about these unused characters. They also speculated about who would have voiced them if they had joined the series.
The creative team behind Batman: The Animated Series included Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and a stellar roster of writers and directors who redefined the Dark Knight’s rogues gallery for Batman: TAS. Timm and Dini in particular often share behind-the-scenes information through interviews and fan sites like The best in the world. They revealed details about the villains who almost appeared in the series, the likelihood of their inclusion and the actors they envisioned for those roles.
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Anarchy
To be played by Kevin Smith
Anarky, a teenage revolutionary bent on dismantling corrupt systems, would have been a bold addition to the Batman: The Animated Series. However, Dini called Anarky’s inclusion a “remote shooting” due to its open political themes. Still, his philosophy could have offered a thought-provoking clash with Batman’s ideals.
Dini believed that Kevin Smith, known for his sharp wit and strong comic book background, would have been perfect to voice Anarky. Smith is a director and actor, best known as one half of Jay and Silent Bob. Passionate delivery from Smith ccould have highlighted the ideological fervor of the villaincreating a memorable opponent.
17
Black Mask
To be played by James Earl Jones
Black Mask is a brutal crime boss with a penchant for torture. He would have been a terrible addition to Batman: TAS. As such, Dini classified Black Mask’s inclusion as a “perhaps,” recognizing that its darker themes may have conflicted with the show’s restrictions.
James Earl Jones was Dini’s dream choice for Black Mask. Jones’s commanding, menacing voice would have added an extra layer of seriousness for the villainjust like he did with Star Wars‘Darth Vader. Earls would have made him a scary counterpart to Batman.
16
Calendar man
To be played by Matt Frewer
Calendar Man, known for committing crimes tied to specific dates, was a “doubtful” inclusion according to Dini. This was mainly because the series introduced a female counterpart loosely based on the character called Calendar Girl. Still, Calendar Man’s obsession with time could have made for an intriguing episode of Batman: The Animated Series.
Dini suggested that Matt Frewer play Calander Man in Batman: TAS. Frewer is known for his eccentric and would have been the perfect actor for Calendar Man. Frewer’s ability to balance humor and menace would have made the character stand out.
15
Catman
To be played by Scott Cleverdon
Catman technically appeared in Batman: The Animated Series episode “Cult of the Cat” as Thomas Blake. However, he is not in costume or using his supervillain name. Dini wanted a more traditional portrayal of the character as Catwoman’s rival after her introduction.
Scott Cleverdon voiced Tomas Blake in Batman: TAS. Paulo Dini would have I wanted Cleverdon to go back to a full Catman. Cleverdon’s performance hinted at what could have been a fascinating exploration of Catman’s relationship with Catwoman.
14
The Knight
To be played by Tim Curry
The Cavalier, a flamboyant swordsman, was initially intended for Batman: The Animated Series. However, its inclusion was later considered a “remote shooting” by Dini. Your chivalrous behavior could have provided an interesting counterpoint to Batman’s stoicism.
Dini imagined Tim Curry for the role of Cavalier in Batman: TAS. Curry’s theatrical voice and ability to bring charisma to villains would have made the Cavalier a memorable addition. Interestingly, Curry was the original voice of the Joker before he fell ill and was replaced by Mark Hamill.
13
Gunslinger
To be played by Michael Rosenbaum
Gunslinger is a infamous DC killer who repeatedly clashes with Batman in the comics. Deadshot almost appeared in Batman: The Animated Series, but it was finally reserved for Justice League. The character’s precision and moral ambiguity could have made him a fascinating foe for Batman.
Paul Dini wanted Michael Rosenbaum to play the villain after his role as the enemy in Justice League. Rosenbaum would have brought a crisp, confident energy to the character. His representation in later projects demonstrated the potential he had for this role.
12
Doctor Doom
To be played by William Atherton
Dr. Destiny is a fascinating villain who manipulates dreams. Although Dr. Destiny was considered for Batman: TAS but finally archived. His reality-warping abilities could have created a visually stunning and psychologically intense episode thatwould have flourished in animation.
William Atherton was Dini’s choice for Dr. Destiny in Batman: TAS. Atherton, known for his role in Die Hard, really expressed the villain in animation Justice League series. Atherton’s sinister tone and chilling delivery would have elevated the character’s mysterious presence.
11
Egg head
To be played by Maurice LaMarche
Egghead is an exaggerated villain invented in the 1960s Batman series, originally played by Vincent Price. However, Egghead was difficult “no” of Batman: TAS team. Regardless, Dini admitted he had a crush on the character and I thought he could work as comic relief.
Maurice LaMarche was Dini’s choice for Batman: TAS. LaMarche is a versatile voice actor known for his work on Pinky and the Brain. LaMarche’s comedic timing and iconic voice Could have modernized Egghead’s ridiculous gimmick while keeping it fun.
10
Abnormal Movie
To be played by Rich Little
Film Freak is a unique enemy of Batman, a movie buff who uses films as inspiration for his crimes. The inclusion of Film Freak in Batman: The Animated Series was labeled “doubtful” by Dini. Still, your Hollywood Obsession Could Have Been A Smart, Unique Episode.
Paul Dini wanted Rich Little to dub Film Freak. Rich Little is a respected comedian and impressionist with a long career in American entertainment. Little’s ability to imitate famous voices could have added depth to the character’s movie-inspired antics.
9
The General
To be played by Haley Joel Osment
The General is a child prodigy and military strategist who is traditionally portrayed as a psychopathic child. Dini considered including the villain in Batman: TASpossibly as a contemporary of Dick Grayson. His calculating nature and young age would have created a fascinating dynamic with Batman, but Dini considered the possibility of including him a “maybe.”
Haley Joel Osment was Dini’s top choice for the role of the General in Batman: TAS. Osment had just starred The Sixth Sense and was widely praised for his surprisingly mature acting talent. Osment young but imposing voice could have captured the character’s intelligence and arrogance.
8
Phantom Gentleman
To be played by Patrick Stewart
Gentleman Ghost is a spectral thief from Batman myth. As a very kid-friendly but dynamic villain, Gentlemen Ghost would have been ideal for Batman: TAS and was classified as “likely” by Dini if the series had more contemporary episodes. His supernatural powers and refined demeanor would have been an exciting challenge for Batman.
Patrick Stewart was Dini’s dream cast for Gentleman Ghost in Batman: TAS. by Stewart sophisticated voice and imposing presence It would have perfectly complemented the character’s ghostly elegance. Stewart would have brought a charming but arrogant demeanor perfect for the enemy.
7
King Tut
To be played by John Goodman
King Tut is a delusional Egyptologist who believes he is a reincarnation of the famous Pharaoh. King Tut was created for the 1960s Batman series, although it has subsequently appeared in other DC media. Even though King Tut is one of the few villains from the campy 1960s era that Paul Dini actually likedhe ended up being fired as “It never happens.”
John Goodman was Dini’s choice for King Tut. Goodman’s grand presence and booming voice would have brought seriousness and humor to the role. In fact, Dini suggests that Goodman would be perfect for a live-action King Tut.
6
Mr.
Will be played by John Malkovich
Zsasz is a psychopathic killer who marks each of his kills with scars on his body. Consequently, he was considered too violent for Batman: The Animated Series target audience. Its inclusion could have brought a darker, more psychological edge, but it would have required too many changes to get past the sensors.
Paul Dini suggested John Malkovich for the role in Batman: TAS. Malkovich’s disturbing intensity would have perfectly captured Zsasz’s chilling demeanor. He would have brought an exotic strangeness perfect for Zsasz.
5
nocturnal
To be played by Lara Parker
Nocturna is a DC vampire with a tragic story. Although Dini and Timm pushed for her inclusion, she was vetoed by the network due to their anti-vampire policy. The team actually wrote a story for the character, but it was passed on because it was very graphic and bloody.
Paul Dini suggested Lara Parker as Nocturna in Batman: TAS. Parker is known for her role as a vampire in Dark Shadowsand it was the ideal choice for nightlife. Parker’s sensual and mysterious voice would perfectly complement the character’s dark allure.
4
Killer moth
To be played by Dan Aykroyd
Killer Moth is a Batman adversary whose representations range from monstrous to pathetic. The inclusion of Killer Moth in Batman: TAS was initially rejected by Bruce Timm, but Dini saw potential in portraying him as a “loser villain” with underdog status. A comical version of the character could have provided some levity, but may have detracted from the serious tone of the show.
When Timm dismissed Killer Moth, he joked that he would only work if he was voiced by Dan Aykroyd. This suggestion seemed perfect, and Dini wholeheartedly endorsed the cast. Aykroyd’s humor and charm could have turned Killer Moth into an unexpectedly captivating character.
3
The rat catcher
To be played by Johnny Rotten
The Ratcatcher is a villain who controls rats. Paul Dini considered its inclusion “doubtful” to Batman: The Animated Series. His unique abilities and connections to the underworld could have made for an intriguing and Could have been linked to other enemies living in sewers like Killer Croc and the Sewer King.
Paul Dini thought Johnny Rotten would have been perfect for the opponent. Rotten is best known for his work in the British punk band Sex Pistols. Rotten’s bold voice and rebellious energy would have added a unique advantage to the character.
2
The ghost
To be played by Christopher Walken
The Spook is a master of illusion with the ability to terrorize his victims with ghostly tricks. Although the Spook could have brought an element of horror to Batman: TASin line with other scary villains. Paul Dini considered the Spook “highly unlikely” compared to other spectral characters.
Dini dreamed of Christopher Walken in the role of the Spook. Walken’s distinctive voice and eerie delivery would have made The Spook unforgettable. That may have been a little beyond the program’s budget but it certainly would have been appropriate.
1
Tally Man
To be played by Richard O’Brien
Tally Man is an obscure DC assassin with a tragic past that is themed around an old-fashioned tax collector. As with others, Tally Man was considered too dark for the show. His complex motivations could have added depth to the rogues gallery.
Richard O’Brien was Paul Dini’s choice to play Tally Man. Richard O’Brien is known for creating and starring The Rocky Horror Picture Show. O’Brien’s theatricality and sinister tone would have brought the character to life perfectly if he had been allowed in Batman: The Animated Series.
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