Warner Bros. Animation usually takes the opportunity at San Diego Comic-Con International to announce its slate of DC Universe Animated Original Movies for the following year, but with the 2020 convention cancelled due to the ongoing health crisis, it’s not quite clear when we’ll get official word on what the studio has in store for DC fans in 2021.
However, if a report from Geeks Worldwide is accurate, one of next year’s releases will see DC animation legend Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) returning to the world of the Dark Knight once more for an original Elseworlds tale entitled Batman: Soul of the Dragon.
According to the site, the film will focus on “Batman, Bronze Tiger, Lady Shiva, and Richard Dragon as we learn they all share a common acquaintance. The Martial Arts Master that trained not only Batman but this set of rouges has been missing for a number of years and under mysterious circumstances. When a cursed relic resurfaces the mystery of their dead master re-opens and Batman and his former classmates face-off in the ultimate test of their Martial Arts skills to gain control of this dangerous relic.”
The outlet reports that the animated movie appears to be taking some inspiration from the late Denny O’Neil’s run on Richard Dragon: Kung Fu Fighter, a series which introduced not only Dragon but also Bronze Tiger and Lady Shiva into the DC comic book universe. It is said to be targeting a Spring 2021 release.