Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021)

[thechase]

Sources at GWW have received information regarding a new direct-to-video Elseworlds Batman film. The film is called ‘BATMAN: SOUL OF THE DRAGON.’ Not much information is known in terms of casting, however we have the official plot and potential release window below:







In this new version of Batman, his Martial Arts training becomes the focus. The film will reportedly center around Batman, Bronze Tiger, Lady Shiva, and Richard Dragon as we learn they all share a common acquaintance. The Martial Arts Master that trained not only Batman but this set of rouges has been missing for a number of years and under mysterious circumstances. When a cursed relic resurfaces the mystery of their dead master re-opens and Batman and his former classmates face-off in the ultimate test of their Martial Arts kills to gain control of this dangerous relic.







It seems that this film may be taking inspiration from Richard Dragon: Kung-Fu Fighter written by Dennis O’Neil. Despite that run being based off a novel by the same author; Richard Dragon, Bronze Tiger, and Lady Shiva all made their comic debut in that series. Richard Dragon is a master at martial arts but also is a thief, he uses his abilities for good. Bronze Tiger is a vigilante antagonist/antihero who stops crime bosses and drug lords throughout Gotham. Lady Shiva as well is a master at martial arts, but sometimes an assassin-for-hire. Both Bronze Tiger and Lady Shiva have been allies to Batman in the past.

thegww.com/exclusive-new-bruce-timm-animated-batman-film-to-release-in-2021/

[Bub (BLM)]

You know what I like? It sounds like between the new Superman and this, they may be moving back towards stand-alone animated features and leaving the shared universe concept in the past. Definitely an improvement over trying to cram things like Hush, Reign of the Supermen, The Judas Contract, etc. into the same time and visual style. Just did not work.

[EDIT]

That said, Bruce Timm is involved so get ready for an uncomfortable Batman/Shiva rape fantasy scene.

[A Platypus Rave]

Stand alone and elseworld stories are great and perfect for animated movie purposes and it lets you play around with styles and themes a lot more than a fully shared universe can. (I don't think there's anything entirely wrong with that... but like taking stories taht took place from wildly different time periods and cramming them to fit just flat out doesn't work)

[thechase]

More details.



www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-soul-dragon-sets-voice-cast-1306722

[The Ichi]

Sounds like a Batman/Yakuza crossover...which now has to happen.

[Mike Strike]

[The Thread Barbi]

Aug 12, 2020 12:28:26 GMT -5 thechase said:

More details.



www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-soul-dragon-sets-voice-cast-1306722

Enter the Dragon with Batman? Cool.

[DSR]

Aug 12, 2020 13:25:02 GMT -5 The Thread Barbi said:

Aug 12, 2020 12:28:26 GMT -5 thechase said:

More details.



www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-soul-dragon-sets-voice-cast-1306722

Enter the Dragon with Batman? Cool.

[DSR]

Bumping up this old thread because the animated flick has been out for awhile now, and I just watched it and thought I'd give a review.

BATMAN: SOUL OF THE DRAGON (2021) was directed by DC Animation regular Sam Liu from an original script by Jeremy Adams. Set in the 1970s, the film sees martial artist and spy Richard Dragon (Marc Dacascos, JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM) discovering a mysterious criminal syndicate with plans for world domination. Realizing he's in over his head, Richard seeks the help of Bruce Wayne (David Giuntoli, NBC's Grimm). In this film's continuity, Bruce and Richard trained under the same sensei before Bruce put on the cape and cowl that struck fear into Gotham's criminals as Batman. Richard and Batman will join up with two more ex-trainees, Lady Shiva (Kelly Hu, X2: X-MEN UNITED) and Ben "Bronze Tiger" Turner (Michael Jai White, BLACK DYNAMITE). Together, our fierce foursome of fighters will learn the syndicate is actually a cult with supernatural powers and ties to their long-gone sensei!

SOUL OF THE DRAGON milks the 70s setting for all its worth with clothing designs, a funky soundtrack, and dialogue all inspired by the decade (Ben Turner even refers to Bruce Wayne as a "turkey" in one instance). The film also features a James Bond-inspired opening title sequence, a car and motorcycle chase sequence, and all the martial arts action you could want from an action film of the era! It's also completely unhindered by the special effects limitations live action cinema of that era struggled with (though depending on your viewpoint, those limitations led to charming results back then).

SOUL OF THE DRAGON is by no means a masterpiece, but it's briskly paced and loaded with action. It's a tiny bit of a bummer that Batman gets top billing in what is largely a Richard Dragon story, but it's not like Batman isn't prominent in the story. Oh well. This sets up a sequel, and I say bring it on!

[Johnny B. Decent]

Aug 12, 2020 12:28:26 GMT -5 thechase said:

More details.



www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-soul-dragon-sets-voice-cast-1306722

LOL. Batman looks so out of place there.

[Deleted]

I have nothing to add to this.. but i did start watching the DC Animated Movie Universe films and have been really enjoying them. I just question how could they not make a decent live action JL movie?