With Batgirl, the DCEU will officially introduce the larger Bat-Family into its ever-expanding universe. Batman is arguably DC's most popular hero, but his gallery of allies is also quite beloved by audiences, and no companion is more well-known than Dick Grayson, AKA the first Robin, AKA Nightwing.
Dick is no stranger to the big-screen, having already been played by Burt Ward in the 1966's Batman and Chris O'Donnel in the Shucmacher 90s films. However, rumor has it the DCEU will introduce Dick's adult persona, Nightwing, marking the first live-action appearance for the character. And with Nightwing being one of DC's most popular heroes, fans have a list of things they'd like to see in his live-action debut.
It should be clear enough, but it's never wrong to say it; Dick Grayson is Nightwing, and any live-action version of the character should respect this. DC Comics, famous for its Elseworlds storylines, often plays with its heroes' identities, passing them from character to character to keep things fresh.
Indeed, other characters have adopted the Nightwing persona, most notoriously Damian Wayne during the divisive Injustice storyline. However, the live-action version of Nightwing needs to be Dick. To do otherwise would be disrespectful to the character and his millions of fans worldwide.
Many fans might not know that Dick Grayson has Romani heritage. Romani people, colloquially known as Roma, are historically nomadic and don't necessarily associate with any country or territory. Dick's Romani identity played a crucial role in recent storylines, mainly in his conflict with the villain Raptor.
True, the character's original storyline didn't include this key detail, as it was first mentioned in the 2000s comic book Gotham Knights. However, it is now canon in the DC Universe, and the live-action version should respect it. Something else to consider when casting the role.
Dick Grayson is the greatest acrobat in the DC Universe. Because of his time at Haly's Circus as part of The Flying Graysons, Dick has a natural ability for gymnastics that became stronger during his superhero training. Nowadays, Dick is notorious for being one of the best fighters in the Bat-Family and the undisputed king in the acrobatics department.
Just like Superman's thing is his super strength, and Batman's is his detective sleuthing, Dick's is his athleticism, flexibility, stamina, and durability. Dick is a natural-born gymnast, and the actor who plays him in live-action must portray this accurately.
After Alfred's death, Dick receives a tender note from the butler. In it, Alfred reasserts his faith in Dick and claims the young hero has everything to be "one of the greatest forces for good this world has ever seen."
Nightwing isn't the physically strongest hero; he doesn't have Batman's fancy gadgets, Green Lantern's power ring, or Superman's plethora of abilities. Instead, Nightwing's force comes from his heart, his faith in other people, and his unbreakable empathy. The DCEU must cement Nightwing as the universe's brightest light, a beacon of hope to embody all the qualities of a real hero.
Like all good superheroes, Dick has a large gallery of enemies. Most fans might know about Nightwing's well-established rivalry with Deathstroke, which goes back to Dick's Teen Titans days. He later acquired many dangerous foes during his solo career, including the previously mentioned Raptor, his first true arch-enemy, Blockbuster, and the recently-introduced Heartless. However, the Talon and the Court of Owls might be Nightwing's deadliest foes.
All these characters would be incredible for a potential Nightwing solo movie, particularly Talon and the Court of Owls. Any superhero needs an equally compelling villain, and luckily for the DCEU, Nightwing has a plethora of those.
In many ways, Alfred Pennyworth is the most important member of the Bat-Family. He raised Bruce and Dick while providing guidance, love, and support for all of the other strays that Batman picked up along the way. Alfred is more than a butler; he is the father figure in the DC Universe.
Dick's relationship with Alfred is crucial for the character's journey. Dick wasn't afraid to be emotional and vulnerable around Alfred, unlike Bruce. The two developed a close bond that helped Dick maintain his light, even in the presence of Batman's overwhelming light. There's no way to downplay Alfred's importance in Dick's life, and the DCEU needs to find a way to accurately depict it.
Dick is one of the most important members of the Bat-Family, if not the most important. As such, he has close ties with every figure in the group, to the point where he considers them his family. Still, there's no bond stronger or more meaningful to him than the one he shares with his brothers, Jason, Tim, and Damian.
To accurately portray this version might seem daunting at first because it involves introducing multiple characters and cementing them as crucial players in the larger DCEU. However, it doesn't need to happen at once or right away. The DCEU should take its time to build the Bat-Family beyond Batgirl and Nightwing; when it does, Dick's relationship with his brothers should follow naturally.
Tom Taylor's Nightwing run has cemented the hero's legacy as a major player in the DC landscape. However, and most importantly, it has done a lot to flesh out the character, showcasing his humility and selflessness and proving that Nightwing truly is DC's most wholesome hero.
The best example is Dick's new pet, Haley, a three-legged stray dog he rescued from a gang of bullies. Affectionately nicknamed Bitewing by fans, Haley is now Dick's constant companion. It might seem meaningless to some, but it's details like this that separate Nightwing from other heroes. Dick's heroism comes from his empathy, and any live-action version needs to accurately convey it. What better way to do it than with Haley?
Dick Grayson is the first sidekick in comic book history. He might not be the most iconic version of Robin - that honor now belongs to Tim Drake - but he's still a huge part of the persona's legacy. As such, many people still see him as a sidekick, but his comic book history reveals that he's come a long way, shedding his childhood persona and becoming a hero on his own.
By now, Nightwing is one of DC's A-list heroes, and it's time everyone acknowledges it. He's a capable leader who commands respect from even the Justice League. Nightwing's solo history has been full of ups and downs, tragedies and victories that forged him to become DC's greatest force for good. It's time for audiences to finally see him for what he is: a hero on par with the Dark Knight himself.
If the Batgirl movie introduces Dick Grayson, the plot must touch upon his long-standing romance with Barbara Gordon. Comic book fans know Nightwing and Batgirl's relationship is sweet and meaningful but seemingly doomed to never come to pass.
Indeed, Dick and Babs always break up because of extenuating circumstances; however, they always find their way back to each other, often during the DC Universe's many catastrophic events. Superhero movies as a whole sorely miss romance and passion, which means Dick and Babs' legendary relationship can introduce a much-needed love element into the struggling DCEU.
