The Batman franchise rebranded as the 'Batman Epic Crime Saga'

When it comes to shared universes, you need a name for your franchise that can instantly sell your brand. However, at the start, you may have to keep the brand “universes” until you have a thorough plan and not to announce your slate of films or series before your first project’s release (ala Dark Universe).

As for the DC Elseworlds franchise this writer dubbed “The Batman Universe”, centered on characters specific to Batman and his setting that Matt Reeves’ The Batman is a part of. The upcoming Max series, The Penguin, finally has a name for that franchise and is called “The Batman Epic Crime Saga” according to IGN.

What is part of The Batman Epic Crime Saga?

Aside from the previous and upcoming entries I mentioned under the DC Elseworlds banner, there is The Batman – Part II, which is set to come to cinemas on Oct. 2, 2026. It has been revealed that both the Arkham and Gotham P.D. series have been axed. Despite this, it was stated that elements from Gotham P.D. found their way into the Max series, Penguin, coming this September 19.

Another TV show is in development Reeves’ producing partner, Dylan Clark, through their film and TV Production Company 6th and Idaho. About the new project that is in the works, “We’re looking at this entire world as it relates to who Batman is – the antagonists around them, all the crime that has to be navigated in the city – and trying to figure out where are the areas that are best to explore,” Clark said.

We are unsure what is next for The Batman Epic Crime Saga beyond The Batman – Part II, but all we know is that execs at HBO want Reeves, Clark, and Lauren LeFranc to zero in more towards some of the “marquee characters.”