The new DC Universe is continuing to expand. This time, it’s another big Batman villain taking the spotlight in a show for HBO. Not unlike The Penguin and the new Clayface movie, Warner Bros. and DC Studios are looking to a baddie instead of a hero to put the focus on. Specifically, Poison Ivy.
According to Deadline, a Poison Ivy TV series is in the works for HBO. Lauren LaFranc, the showrunner behind the Emmy-winning The Penguin series, is behind the project. No writers or directors have been confirmed at this time. It’s also unclear who may be eyed to take on the lead role. For the most part, it sounds like the show is in the early stages.
Poison Ivy debut in the pages of DC Comics in Batman #181 in 1966. Created by artist Carmine Infantino alongside writers Sheldon Moldoff and Robert Kanigher, she’s since become a staple of Batman’s world. Ivy’s powers include the power to manipulate plants as well as seduction. She’s appeared in animated shows, live-action shows, live-action movies, video games and everything in between. Ivy was a major part of the Harley Quinn animated series on HBO Max, which was also very well received.
As an important note, this would be part of the main DC Universe being put together by DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. Unlike The Penguin, it wouldn’t take place in The Batman universe headed up by Matt Reeves. The Batman Part II is in production right now but that will remain separate. So don’t expect to see Robert Pattinson running around alongside David Corenswet’s Superman down the line. More importantly, whoever plays Poison Ivy in this show would presumably crossover into the movies at some point.
HBO still hasn’t fully ruled out The Penguin season 2. Whether or not that happens, it’s still interesting how much villains have been a focus of the new DCU up to this point. Let’s not forget that this new universe technically started with the animated Creature Commandos series. It’s an interesting strategy to help set the new slate apart from what’s come in the past. It also seems to be working pretty well, so why not roll with it?
Meanwhile, several other once-planned live-action DCU shows have since been put on the backburner. That includes Paradise Lost and Waller, which would have focused on Wonder Woman’s home and Amanda Waller, respectively. The planned Booster Gold series has also been hit with several setbacks along the way.
The Poison Ivy TV show doesn’t have a release date. Stay tuned.
What do you think? Are you excited about the show? Who would you like to see play Poison Ivy? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Instagram!
