Edgy Robin Curses Batman in Titans TV Show Trailer
Content Editor, Film Critic and Writer for ComiConverse.com, the Founder and co-host of the official Nerdcast Network Podcast
Have you ever wanted to hear an edgy Robin say “Fuck Batman” before killing criminals, well today is your lucky day with the very first trailer for DC Universe’s upcoming live-action Titans series. The darker tone is the complete opposite of the high octane laugh filled Teen Titans Go!, which should divide fans.
Rather than teasing fans with glimpses of each signature hero in action, the Titans trailer focuses on demon hybrid Raven (Teagen Croft) and her haunted emotional relationship with an otherworldly spirit. Searching for help in moody detective Dick Grayson (Brenton Thwaites), using bee psychics abilities to help Robin in his darkest hour to stop an unforeseen threat with the potential to destroy our world.
The trailer also features various shots of Beast Boy (Ryan Potter) in his green makeup and Starfire (Anna Diop) using energy projection abilities, but the darker tone feels uneven. I understand Warner Bros’ Entertainment reasoning behind the change, as the success of Stranger Things and Riverdale has changed teens mindsets on TV. But the extreme tonal difference feels at odds with these goofy comic book characters, more in line with the awful Fantastic Four (2015) reboot.
It could be an exciting change, but the run poorly cut trailer did not boost confidence for me, DC’s push for mature television might lead to substantial results but taking and removing its values might alienate fans. Titans have potential, but fans will have to wait until the series launches on DC Universe in August.
Titans follows young heroes from across the DC Universe as they come of age and find belonging in a gritty take on the classic Teen Titans franchise. Dick Grayson and Rachel Roth, a special young girl possessed by a strange darkness, get embroiled in a conspiracy that could bring Hell on Earth. Joining them along the way are the hot-headed Starfire and loveable Beast Boy. Together they become a surrogate family and team of heroes.
Previously announced original TV shows exclusive to the service are still here — including the live-action Titans and Doom Patrol, and the animated Harley Quinn and Young Justice: Outsiders. But DC Entertainment is also promising a well of classic DC Comics television and film adaptations, a curated selection of “thousands” of comics to read, fan forums, a canon encyclopedia, and exclusive access to DC merchandise and rewards.
Subscribers will gain access to movies like Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and Richard Donner’s Superman (as well as its three sequels) at launch — and to television series like Batman: The Animated Series, Static Shock, Young Justice, Teen Titans, Lois & Clark and Wonder Woman ’77, the latter of which will be remastered in HD for the first time.