A world where a sequel to The Batman has its Robin finally seems feasible. There has been a lot of speculation and rumors that suggest that Robin would be joining Robert Pattinson’s side in The Batman 2. That being said, most critics and audiences doubt that a lighthearted sidekick would fit in such a dark, brooding universe.

However, in a post to Instagram, the cosplay team of o.b_arkham, ecto_titan, and wens.1998 may have cracked the code as far as how to make sure Robin fits in the world of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Their shared post can be found below.

There’s been much debate regarding the matter, but this post confirms how Robin might fit in a world like this. However, given everything that Robin has come to represent in Batman’s world in the comics, this begs an entirely new question: should Robin fit in such a grim take on Batman lore? How necessary is the contrast to Batman’s character?

Robin Can Actually Fit in The Batman‘s Sequel

But Should He?

The cosplay in question shows that Robin can work in The Batman’s world if Robin is essemtially blended into the background. Then, it becomes less about making Robin work in this world and more about making the world work for Robin, fixing the Robin problem. If The Batman’s universe is going to be dark and brooding, so must Robin and his costume, and this cosplay paints them in muted colors against a signature dreary backdrop. Character-wise, this Robin isn’t cracking a smile like a trademark Boy Wonder, but he poses just as menacingly as his mentor.

However, this creates a dilemma of its own. In the comics, Robin always represented a shining light in Batman’s life. Whenever things get too dark or if Batman gets too dark, it’s the contrast of a cheerful partner in crimefighting that brings Batman back to reality before he goes too far. As Tim Drake would put it, Batman needs a Robin, but it’s debatable that he needs his Robin to be a spitting image of him, tone-wise. This version of Robin would perfectly duplicate Robert Pattinson’s vibe, fitting in the world as a result, but it sacrifices the dynamic of the Dynamic Duo.

If Robin Is in the Next Batman Movie, Reeves Needs to Make a Choice

A Robin Who Complements Batman or a Robin Who Contrasts Him?

On one hand, as said, a Robin who complements this cinematic Batman fits the story tonally. Meanwhile, a contrasting Robin might be disorienting to watch, but that was always intentional in the comics, for Robin’s unapologetic joy to work against Batman’s more angst-ridden vibe. Each approach has its respective pros and cons, so the debate boils down to personal preference, but it is a curious thought exercise, to consider which approach Matt Reeves might take. That is, of course, assuming any rumors about Robin being in The Batman sequel are correct.

Source: o.b_arkham