A live-action version of The Dark Knight Returns still possible, apparently

By Andre Farquharson | Apr 2, 2020

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Director Zack Snyder attends the European Premiere of "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice" at Odeon Leicester Square on March 22, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) /

The director behind Man of Steel, Batman v Superman and Justice League suggested there could be a live-action film of The Dark Knight Returns.

Zack Snyder recently hosted a live commentary on his 2016 film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. During the watch party on Vero, Snyder discussed the possibility of The Dark Knight Returns being adapted in live-action on the big screen, revealing that he still thinks it’s possible.

The Dark Knight Returns, authored by Frank Miller, who scripted the 4-issue comic series and lent this pencils and inks to the graphic novel, was published in 1986. The story is set during an alternate future during the ’80s where Bruce Wayne gave up the mantle of the Batman following the death of the second Robin – Jason Todd – and crime was on the rise as a result.

Carrie Kelley took took over the mantle of Wayne’s late ward as the retired Dark Knight returned to action to save his city one more time. Superman was then called in by the President to arrest the ageing Wayne once he came out of retirement and donned the cape and cowl once more.

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Miller’s outstanding work went on to sell millions of copies and the comic book creator received a Kirby, Harvey and Eagle Award. The graphic novel is credited for darkening Batman’s image in the comics once again, as it was influenced by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams’ run from the early 70s.

Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, penned by David S. Goyer and Chris Terrio drew heavy inspiration from The Dark Knight Returns in terms of the initial premise and the confrontation between the heroes, a battle-worn and aged Batman and not to mention an armored suit with a similar appearance to the one in the comics.

The filmmaker’s belief that his film, Batman v Superman, does not take away any chances of The Dark Knight Returns being adapted is actually quite true as no director/producer has done a straight-forward live-action adaptation of the story before (or any Batman story). Who knows? Maybe we’ll see it come to life one day.

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