Gotham Cast and Creators Reflect on Fox’s Batman Prequel Series
There have been numerous Batman TV shows over the years, both animated and live-action. However, Fox’s Gotham stands out as a unique entry in the Batman universe. The series serves as a prequel focusing on Jim Gordon, played by Ben McKenzie, as he investigates the murder of the Waynes while Bruce Wayne, portrayed by David Mazouz, is still a child. The show explores the origins of iconic Batman villains, who are depicted as young adults or around Bruce’s age. Despite its unconventional premise, Gotham enjoyed a successful five-year run, spanning 100 episodes, and garnered a passionate fan base that remains devoted to the series.
As Gotham approaches its 10-year anniversary on September 22, IGN released a comprehensive retrospective on the show. The feature includes interviews with the core cast, creator Bruno Heller, and executive producer Danny Cannon. Heller revealed that the idea for Gotham emerged after Warner Bros. and CBS passed on his legal drama, The Advocates. Inspired by his son Felix, a dedicated comics reader, Heller decided to focus on Jim Gordon rather than Batman himself. This decision led to the concept of a young detective investigating the Wayne murders, laying the groundwork for the entire series.
Cannon shared that Heller had two key ideas for the first season of Gotham: Gordon’s commitment to solving the Wayne murders and the rise of Penguin, portrayed by Robin Lord Taylor. The juxtaposition of Bruce’s journey to becoming Batman and Penguin’s ruthless ambition to achieve power added depth to the narrative. The cast members recounted their auditions for the show, with many initially unaware that they were trying out for a Batman series. McKenzie, who was specifically written for the role of Gordon, and Mazouz, who auditioned for Bruce, reflected on their experiences joining the cast.
Looking back on their time working on Gotham, the cast and crew expressed fond memories of their collaboration. Pertwee emphasized the camaraderie among the actors, while Taylor highlighted the show’s ability to reimagine classic Batman storylines in innovative ways. Bicondova praised Gotham for bringing an edge to comic book narratives that set it apart from other shows of its time. The cast believed that the series humanized the characters in the Batman universe and offered a fresh perspective on familiar stories.
Despite the challenges of adapting a beloved comic book property, Gotham succeeded in creating a compelling and unique portrayal of the Batman mythos. The show’s exploration of complex characters and intricate plotlines set it apart from other superhero series. Heller reflected on Gotham’s legacy, acknowledging its place within the vast Batman mythology. He expressed hope that the show honored the iconic character of Batman while also providing a fresh and entertaining take on the story.
In conclusion, Gotham’s impact on the superhero genre and its ability to push boundaries in storytelling have left a lasting impression on fans and creators alike. As the show celebrates its milestone anniversary, it continues to be remembered for its bold approach to the Batman universe and its enduring legacy in the world of television.