Fans of animated superhero antics will be thrilled with the delightful and action-packed world of Bat-Fam. This series continues following Damien Wayne, also known as Little Batman, from the much-loved movie Merry Little Batman.
In an exclusive interview, Mike Roth, the executive producer and showrunner for DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, shared his insights about the series, which is streaming now on Prime Video and Amazon Kids+. Bat-Fam takes viewers on another entertaining journey at Wayne Manor, featuring Damien’s escapades alongside his father, Bruce Wayne, and new companions as well as adversaries.
Sabina Graves, io9: I’m a big fan of Merry Little Batman, so I was thrilled when I learned that this would become a series. Was it always your intention to create a series from the movie?
Mike Roth: Initially, we aimed to keep it simple with just a movie. However, as we developed it, we desired to delve deeper into Gotham and explore its various characters and villains. The unique relationship between Bruce and Damien is compelling, and we wanted to expand on that dynamic.
io9: I appreciate the concept of found family introduced early in the series with characters like Claire and Alicia. Can you explain why you chose these characters to challenge Damien and help him understand family?
Roth: You’re spot on regarding the idea of a challenge. For Damien, the arrival of an older sister-type character like Claire fulfills his wish for a sibling, creating an engaging dynamic. Claire is fiery due to her powers and age, which brings a fun contrast to Damien’s character. Their interactions beautifully illustrate a mutual yearning for family.
With Bruce and Alicia, we explore a childhood friendship that continues into adulthood. This adds depth to Bruce’s character by showing what it’s like to have a lifelong friend who can push him when needed, offering a unique perspective on his life.
io9: As a fan of Batman: The Animated Series, I love seeing familiar villains in this new format. How did you choose the villains for this season?
Roth: Absolutely! Batman boasts one of the most dynamic rogues’ galleries in comic history. In our series, we have two tiers of villains. The first includes iconic enemies like Solomon Grundy and Killer Croc, maintaining high stakes. The second group, called E-VIL (Ex-Villains Inspired to Live), comprises characters who want to reform. Their hilarious attempts at normalcy provide comedic relief, showcasing characters like King Tut and Killer Moth trying to fit into society while holding onto their villain identities.
io9: Were there any fun Easter eggs from the comics or previous series that you incorporated into Bat-Fam?
Roth: My favorite Easter egg from the movie features Carmine Infantino appearing in a toy store scene. His character humorously spills coffee on himself, and we used his voice for that character, making it truly special.
Bat-Fam is now available for streaming on Prime Video and Amazon Kids+.
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