DC’s Robin Movie Delayed to September, Unveils All-Star Cast Headlined by Steve Buscemi

Warner Bros. has officially delayed its upcoming Robin-focused animated film, Dynamic Duo, while simultaneously revealing a blockbuster cast anchored by Steve Buscemi. The studio confirmed the release date has slipped from June 30, 2028, to September 22, 2028, citing strategic marketing and internal scheduling considerations. In a rare dual announcement, the delay—relatively modest in scope—was paired with the unveiling of the movie’s principal cast, which includes several A-list names poised to bring the DC Comics characters to life.

The film centers on the origins of Dick Grayson, the first Robin, and Jason Todd, the second character to don the mantle. According to Deadline, the date change stems from two distinct factors. First, Warner Bros. intends to position Dynamic Duo as a back-to-school feature aimed squarely at teen and college audiences, a demographic shift that aligns better with the September window. The second reason is logistical: Paramount, with which Warner Bros. is currently in the midst of a merger, is set to release its Call of Duty movie on June 30, 2028, leaving the September slot comparatively open.

A Star-Studded Lineup Takes Shape

As reported by The InSneider, Warner Bros. has now found its stars for the project. Mason Thames, known for How to Train Your Dragon, will portray Dick Grayson, while Logan Kim of Ghostbusters: Afterlife takes on Jason Todd. Marsai Martin, from G20, will play Barbara Gordon, and Lee Pace—famous for Pushing Daisies and Guardians of the Galaxy—will appear as Red Hood 1. Steve Buscemi, a veteran of Fargo and Reservoir Dogs, is set to play Red Hood 2. Adding further intrigue, the report claims Chris Pine has been offered the role of Bruce Wayne, or Batman.

The casting choices signal a deliberate tonal approach for the film, which will eschew traditional animation in favor of a hybrid production method combining miniatures, puppetry, animatronics, models, and CGI. Directed by Arthur Mintz from a script penned by Matthew Aldrich—credited for Coco and Lightyear—the project represents a bold creative experiment within Warner Bros.’ animated slate.

Image: Warner Bros.

The combination of practical effects and modern CGI gives us a chance to tell these origin stories with a tactile, handcrafted quality that audiences have come to love.

Warner Bros. Animation

Not Part of the DCU Canon

Perhaps the most consequential development concerns the film’s place within the broader DC Universe. James Gunn, the architect of the new DCU of film and television, has confirmed that Dynamic Duo does not take place in his canon. Instead, the title will likely be categorized as an Elseworlds story, meaning it functions as a stand-alone narrative disconnected from the main continuity.

This decision carries significant implications for the franchise’s future. The trajectory of Batman within the DCU remains a pressing question, with no apparent plans to integrate Robert Pattinson’s iteration into Gunn’s universe. Gunn intends to introduce his own version of the Dark Knight through The Brave and the Bold, though that film currently lacks solid information. For now, Dynamic Duo will stand apart as its own self-contained adventure.

Looking Ahead

While the focus has been on Dynamic Duo, the delay was not isolated to a single title. Warner Bros. also pushed another upcoming film from 2027 into 2028, reflecting broader scheduling adjustments across the studio’s slate. As the industry navigates the ongoing Warner Bros.-Paramount merger, these strategic realignments are expected to shape release calendars for years to come.

With a September 22, 2028 release date now locked in and a cast that promises both nostalgia and fresh energy, Dynamic Duo is shaping up to be a notable entry in the DC animated canon. Fans of the Robin lineage and the Elseworlds brand alike will be watching closely as the studio continues to refine its creative and commercial vision for the characters.