There has been much debate among fans about whether or not Christopher Nolan’s 2005 film, Batman Begins, is part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Some argue that because it was released before the official start of the DCEU, it cannot be considered a part of it.
Others believe that it should be included in the canon due to its connection to other films in the franchise. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument and try to come to a conclusion.
The Argument for Batman Begins Being a DCEU Movie
Those who believe that Batman Begins should be considered a part of the DCEU point to several factors. Firstly, there are numerous references to other DC characters and events throughout the film.
For example, there is a brief mention of Metropolis and its destruction during a conversation between Bruce Wayne and Lucius Fox. This is clearly a nod to Superman’s battle with General Zod in Man of Steel, which takes place within the same universe.
In addition to these references, there are also several Easter eggs scattered throughout the film that hint at other characters in the franchise. For example, when Bruce Wayne is training with Ra’s al Ghul in Bhutan, he sees a statue of what appears to be an owl-like creature. This is likely a reference to the villainous Court of Owls from the Batman comics.
Finally, some argue that because Batman Begins was produced by Warner Bros., who also produces all of the other films in the DCEU, it should automatically be considered part of that universe.
The Argument Against Batman Begins Being a DCEU Movie
On the other hand, there are those who believe that Batman Begins should not be included in the DCEU. One of the primary arguments against it is that it was released before the official start of the franchise with Man of Steel in 2013. This means that it was not conceived as part of a larger cinematic universe and was instead intended to be a standalone film.
Another argument against including Batman Begins in the DCEU is that it does not fit with the overall tone and style of the other films in the franchise. While Batman Begins is a more grounded and realistic take on the character, films like Justice League and Aquaman are more fantastical and larger in scale. This could make it difficult to reconcile them within the same universe.
Conclusion
So, is Batman Begins a DCEU movie The answer is not entirely clear-cut.
While there are certainly valid arguments for both sides, ultimately it comes down to personal interpretation. Some fans may choose to include it as part of their own headcanon or viewing order, while others may prefer to keep it separate.
Regardless of whether or not it is officially part of the DCEU, there is no denying that Batman Begins is a fantastic film that helped kickstart one of the most successful superhero franchises of all time.