James Gunn responds to leaked Batman Dynamic Duo concept art after Swaybox Studios and fans were misled by alleged images circulating online, prompting official statements to clarify the film‘s direction. The confusion began after artwork credited to the anticipated animated feature was shared widely, leading to heated speculation across the DC fandom.
Fans Fooled by False Dynamic Duo Designs
On May 30, concept art claimed to be from Swaybox Studios’ upcoming Dynamic Duo project appeared on social media, quickly generating buzz. These images were first posted on Reddit’s unofficial DCAU forum, displaying Batman entering Dick and Jason’s shared room, a scene of Nightwing and Red Hood looking over Gotham, and prominent character designs of Robin and Red Hood themselves.
Particular attention was drawn to Jason Todd’s edgy mohawk dyed red, which sparked debate among fans. While this hairstyle was questioned by some, it was noted that Jason has previously been depicted as a redhead, a trait made famous in Grant Morrison’s run on Batman and Robin—a series that has influenced James Gunn’s plans for the DC Universe (DCU).
Concerns mounted about the radical character redesigns, until Swaybox Studios took to Instagram to refute the authenticity of these images. In their statement, the studio emphasized,
The concept art that had leaked online is not from our film.
—Swaybox Studios
As details about Dynamic Duo have been limited since its announcement in October, with only the studio’s innovative mixed-media animation style being confirmed, the lack of official visuals left room for fan interpretations. This environment enabled a skilled fan to convincingly fabricate artwork that matched the anticipation of audiences awaiting real glimpses of Batman and his allies.
Artist Behind the Deception Steps Forward
Shortly after Swaybox Studios denied involvement with the leaked artwork, artist Marcus Evans revealed himself as the originator behind the viral images. Evans posted a video on social media showing his creative process in designing alternate versions of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, further legitimizing his claim.
Discussing his choices, Evans elaborated on his vision for Dick Grayson’s costume through his Tumblr account, stating,
…wanted to represent Dick as Romani by giving him a floral patterned cape with the red cartwheel symbol
at the cape’s edge. The design aimed for a classic circus-inspired look, aligning with Grayson’s origin story.
This is not Evans’s first plunge into DC fan art hoaxes; in 2019, he spread custom Batman Beyond concept art at a time when that film was still under speculation. Unlike Batman Beyond, however, there are still hopes that Swaybox Studios’ Dynamic Duo will ultimately be realized in theaters.
Uncertainty Looms Over Dynamic Duo’s Future
With a distant release window set for Spring 2028, the fate of Dynamic Duo is far from clear. The DCU’s next phases depend heavily on box office results for upcoming titles like Superman, influencing whether projects like Dynamic Duo move forward as planned.
It also remains unknown if Dynamic Duo will be incorporated as a prequel into the main DCU timeline or stand apart as an Elseworlds narrative. As James Gunn has previously confirmed Damian Wayne will serve as the primary Robin and lead the Teen Titans film, any iteration of Robin’s legacy—such as that explored in Dynamic Duo—might need continuity between animation and live-action adaptations to fit within the broader universe.
The Dynamic Duo leak incident highlights not only the enthusiasm—but also the sensitivity—surrounding new interpretations of beloved characters like Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Batman. While official images remain under wraps, fan curiosity and artistic contributions continue to fuel debate, demonstrating the power and pitfalls of fan engagement in the lead-up to major franchise releases.
