All 18 DC Villains Who Were Almost Used In Batman: The Animated Series (And Who Would Have Played Them)
Many iconic DC villains graced the screen in Batman: The Animated Series, but there were also numerous villains left on the cutting room floor. Some were deemed too dark, others simply didn’t fit the tone of the DC show, and a few were outright vetoed by the studio. However, creators Bruce Timm and Paul Dini have revealed fascinating behind-the-scenes details about these unused characters. They’ve also speculated on who would have voiced them if they had made it into the series.
The creative team behind Batman: The Animated Series included Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and a stellar roster of writers and directors who redefined the Dark Knight’s rogues" gallery for Batman: TAS. Timm and Dini, in particular, often share behind-the-scenes tidbits through interviews and fan sites like The World’s Finest. They’ve revealed details about villains who almost appeared on the show, how likely their inclusion was, and the actors they envisioned for these roles.
18 Anarky To Be Played By Kevin Smith Close Anarky, a teenage revolutionary bent on dismantling corrupt systems, would have been a bold addition to Batman: The Animated Series. However, Dini called Anarky’s inclusion a “longshot” due to his overt political themes. Still, his philosophy could have offered a thought-provoking clash with Batman’s ideals.
Dini believed Kevin Smith, known for his sharp wit and strong comic book background, would have been perfect to voice Anarky. Smith is a director and actor, best known as one half of Jay and Silent Bob. Smith’s passionate delivery could have highlighted the villain’s ideological fervor, creating a memorable adversary.
17 Black Mask To Be Played By James Earl Jones Close Black Mask is a brutal crime boss with a penchant for torture. He would have been a terrifying addition to Batman: TAS. As such, Dini classified Black Mask’s inclusion as a “maybe,” acknowledging that his darker themes might have clashed with the show’s constraints.
The creative team behind Batman: The Animated Series included Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and a stellar roster of writers and directors who redefined the Dark Knight’s rogues" gallery for Batman: TAS. Timm and Dini, in particular, often share behind-the-scenes tidbits through interviews and fan sites like The World’s Finest. They’ve revealed details about villains who almost appeared on the show, how likely their inclusion was, and the actors they envisioned for these roles.
18 Anarky To Be Played By Kevin Smith Close Anarky, a teenage revolutionary bent on dismantling corrupt systems, would have been a bold addition to Batman: The Animated Series. However, Dini called Anarky’s inclusion a “longshot” due to his overt political themes. Still, his philosophy could have offered a thought-provoking clash with Batman’s ideals.
Dini believed Kevin Smith, known for his sharp wit and strong comic book background, would have been perfect to voice Anarky. Smith is a director and actor, best known as one half of Jay and Silent Bob. Smith’s passionate delivery could have highlighted the villain’s ideological fervor, creating a memorable adversary.
17 Black Mask To Be Played By James Earl Jones Close Black Mask is a brutal crime boss with a penchant for torture. He would have been a terrifying addition to Batman: TAS. As such, Dini classified Black Mask’s inclusion as a “maybe,” acknowledging that his darker themes might have clashed with the show’s constraints.
