‘Bat-Fam’ Series Expands Animated DC Universe on Prime Video

A new animated series, Bat-Fam, is now streaming on Prime Video, continuing the adventures of Damien Wayne as Little Batman and expanding the world established in the popular film, Merry Little Batman.

The series, from DC Studios and WB Animation, explores the dynamic between Damien and Bruce Wayne, alongside new characters like Claire, a reformed villain voiced by Haley Tju, and Alicia, voiced by London Hughes, a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne. Executive producer and showrunner Mike Roth explained the initial intention was simply to create a movie, but the desire to explore the unique relationship between Bruce and Damien, and the broader Gotham landscape, led to the development of the series. “I think it’s so special. It’s a very different kind of Bruce relationship, like with his wards and with his son,” Roth said.

Bat-Fam features a mix of classic Batman rogues and reformed villains. The series introduces a group of ex-villains, dubbed E-VIL (Ex-Villains In Living), undergoing rehabilitation, adding a comedic element to the narrative. This approach allows for both high-stakes action with characters like Solomon Grundy and Killer Croc, and lighter moments with villains attempting to reintegrate into society. The popularity of animated Batman series like Batman: The Animated Series demonstrates the enduring appeal of the character and his universe.

A notable Easter egg for fans is a cameo and voice appearance by DC Comics legend Carmine Infantino in the film, a detail Roth highlighted as a personal favorite. The expansion of the DC animated universe through platforms like Prime Video signals a continued investment in diverse storytelling within the franchise. Prime Video is increasingly becoming a key player in the distribution of animated superhero content.

Officials stated that further seasons of Bat-Fam are contingent on viewership and critical reception.