Ever since the mainline DC Animated Universe concluded with Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, DC Animation has become a hub of Elseworlds stories and self-enclosed story ideas that focus on a small collection of characters rather than an overarching narrative. So far, this has given viewers films like Superman: Man of Tomorrow, the first film to usher in this new era of animated features.
The next film, fittingly so, is centered around Batman, more specifically, the martial arts aspect of Batman. In Batman: Soul of the Dragon, we see Bruce Wayne and a group of martial artists take on an ancient threat with a tone ripped right out of a 70s kung-fu film! With Reign of the Supermen and Batman: The Killing Joke, Sam Liu, and Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge writer, Jeremy Adams, the movie will feature some classic DC martial artists in a high octane action/adventure film. Among the many producers, Batman: The Animated Series creator Bruce Timm is also involved!
Since the movie is set for a January release, a brand new trailer has released that focuses on the film's story, giving a very retro vibe akin to movies like Enter the Dragon. The trailer introduces each martial artist and even gives a glimpse into Bruce's past and one of the many senseis he met on his quest for justice.
Since these new Elseworlds style movies are becoming the new normal for the DC Animated Universe, what versions of the heroes would you like to see? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Set in the midst of the swinging 1970s, this Elseworlds adventure finds Bruce Wayne (voiced by David Giuntoli) training under a master sensei. It is here that Bruce, along with other elite students, is forged in the fire of the martial arts discipline. The lifelong bonds they form will be put to the test when a deadly menace arises from their past. It will take the combined efforts of Batman, world-renowned martial artists Richard Dragon (Mark Dacascos), Ben Turner (Michael Jai White), Lady Shiva (Kelly Hu) and their mentor O-Sensei (James Hong) to battle the monsters of this world and beyond!
Batman: Soul of the Dragon will be released on Digital starting January 12, 2021, and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack and Blu-ray on January 26, 2021!