When you think of Batman characters who need an origin story, Joker is one of the first names to come up. However, this logic has a few problems. First, as popular as Joker is, it’s unclear whether his comic book character is enough to justify a solo project. That includes the comics. His solo series (Joker by James Tynion) was more about Jim Gordon than Joker. Joaquin Phoenix’ joker had nothing in common with the comic book character. This helped to create a profitable film. A new story was designed for a different audience.

Second, the Joker is far from the only Batman character who deserves an origin story. For example, characters like Clayface and Kite Man (Hell yeah!) have improved through retcons and better writing. This shows that there is more to Batman’s story than the Joker.

This article will introduce five different characters that could play a role in successful original films. Some of them are obvious, while others require explanation. Let’s start with some villains.

It takes a special villain to endear themselves to established and popular comic book heroes. Some fans want the antagonists they know and that’s it. Then there’s the Court of Owls. They’re a secret society that people in Gotham thought was a myth. Readers discover that the Court of Owls has been around for decades and has strange ties to the Wayne family and Grayson.

Their rise to power and influence over Gotham City would draw viewers in. They have used underhanded tactics, intimidation and violence to get what they want. There are also experiments to create their Talons that are disturbing and brutal. It would be like The Sopranos with a hundred times more influence.

A theatrical release may not be a good idea, but a digital release or release on a streaming service would be perfect.

For some reason, people love train wrecks, and Jason Todd’s upbringing is just that. His father was an abusive loser who worked for several supervillains and liked to show off his Batarang scar. His biological mother was a good person who didn’t stay in Jason’s life long and eventually caused his death (Batman: A Death in the Family). The woman who raised him was well-meaning but addicted to drugs. Eventually both of his parents died, leading to him being placed in an abusive foster home.

As bad as his life was, it led to the moment that changed Jason’s life. When he tries to steal the wheels from the Batmobile, he is caught by Batman. Bruce laughs and invites Jason into his life and eventually becomes Robin. It’s a tragic story that leads to a somewhat happy ending. Who wouldn’t want to see this story?

How does a guy older than Wolverine become one of the most dangerous people in the world? Are Ra’s al Ghul’s extreme measures the right course of action? What moments influenced his mindset? What was his training like? All of these questions could be answered in a cinematic masterpiece. The right creative team and actors could make Ra’s al Ghul more popular than the Joker. At least Ra’s stands for something.

We have seen several versions of Harley Quinn’s origins, but Stjepan Sejic’s Harleen is the best. It didn’t just change aspects of Harley’s life. It also changed the characters that influenced it. The Joker wasn’t as abusive (at least not yet), Harvey Dent was a jerk, and Harley had people who cared about her. There was also a story about her first encounter with Batman. That moment combined with insomnia reinforced her descent into madness.

This would be a different story than the one where Harley goes crazy because of a psychopath. Even better, she understands that what she is doing is wrong. However, Stjepan Sejic’s explanation helps put the blame on Harley while making people understand her logic.

This is the movie we didn’t know we needed. Batman: I am Bane showed Bane’s tragic origin during his time in Peña Duro prison. Every day, the water in his cell would rise and he would nearly drown. Each time that happened, he had to swim or die. He ate raw fish to survive and swore to his dead mother that he would avenge her death and punish criminals. Comic fans know that doesn’t happen.

Bane’s early life would bring people to theaters or streaming platforms. This could be an animated project or a live-action film. They just need to stick to the source material. The source material depicted everything perfectly. Of course, some moments would have to be changed for the film format, but it’s still an easy win that would be better received than joker.

Which other characters deserve an origin story in a movie? Are these five worth a project?