Everyone and their sister seem to have a podcast these days. But however flooded the market may be, great podcasts still make wading through the mediocre (or just plain bad) ones worthwhile. Enter Batman’s new podcast Batman Unburied, to save the day and keep things interesting.
The Origin Story
Back in 2020, Spotify made a deal with Warner Brothers and DC Entertainment to have access to their catalog of characters for future scripted podcasts. The only caveat—the podcast would be new material, not connected to any storylines featured in other movies or television shows. Thus…Batman Unburied.
With Spotify’s recent controversy, I have mixed feelings about this very cool-sounding show being only available through them. But I’ve definitely been following the news about it. Here’s what we know so far.
What is ‘Batman Unburied?’
Batman Unburied, written by David S. Goyer (who co-wrote the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight Trilogy), takes fans to an alternate timeline of Batman’s early years. Instead of being the usual rich boy, Bruce Wayne works as a forensic pathologist in Gotham Hospital by day and cape crusading by night. The dark-toned series brings a new serial killer, the Harvester, to Gotham.
The cast includes existing characters Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), Alfred, Renee Montoya, and Vicki Vale. Interestingly, Thomas and Martha Wayne feature in the series, leaving me to wonder if they did not die in this universe. (But then, what was the catalyst for Bruce to become Batman? I have so many questions.) Because the storyline is not the normal Batman tale, it is difficult to tell how different Bruce and the other characters will be. At least they have announced the cast, making the May 3rd premiere date that much more exciting.
Gotham’s Who’s Who
Winston Duke (Black Panther) as Bruce Wayne and Batman.
Jason Isaacs (The Harry Potter series) as Bruce’s beloved butler, Alfred.
Phil Pritchard (As Worlds Collide) as Reader.
Jessica Marie Garcia (On My Block) as Detective Renee Montoya.
Toks Olagundoye (Arcane) as Martha Wayne, Bruce’s mother.
John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings series) as Dr. Hunter.
Lance Reddick (John Wick series) as Thomas Wayne, Bruce’s father.
Sam Witwer (Supergirl) as the new villain, The Harvester.
Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) as Barbara Gordon and her alter ego, Batgirl.
Ashly Burch (The Ghost and Molly McGee) as reporter Vicki Vale.
The diverse casting brings fresh voices to Batman’s long history. Make sure to check out the audio trailer. I love that it gives old-timey radio show vibes, keeping the drama and suspense of the movies alive even though it is only through audio. When done right, Batman never gets boring.
(feature image: Spotify/DC Entertainment)
