Breaking Down TNT's Teen Titans' Roster

A few months back, rumors were aswirl that TNT was developing a TV show based upon DC Comic's Teen Titans. Now finally we have some new developments on the project thanks to our buddies at Nerdist. They claim that TNT is looking to cast actors for DC characters Nightwing, Starfire, Hawk+ Dove, Raven, and lastly and most surprisingly Batgirl! So with this supposed team roster leaked, I figured I would break it down character by character, telling you who should stay and who should have no business being near a TV show (besides TNT of course). So Titans, Let's Go!

Source: Nerdist

Titans Roster

1. Nightwing/Dick Grayson (Lead Character) - Easily the MVP of the Titans. Dick is the biggest draw of the show. He has ties to Batman, but also has a  wildly different personality and crime fighting style than the Bat does. This show should cement how awesome of a character Dick Grayson is. Also with four women and only one other guy on the team, Dick will love those odds. Especially with 2 red heads in the mix.

2. Starfire/Koriand'r - Star has been a longtime member of the Titans. She was always an expected member because of her close association with the team from comics and also from the cartoon Teen Titans. Starfire is an alien who is adjusting to Earth's customs, which is always good for comic relief. Yet at the same time she is very powerful. Even though it will be hard to do special effects for her powers on a TV budget, I approve of Star on the squad.

3. Batgirl/Oracle/Barbara Gordon - Babs was a surprising add to the team. With one Batman associate already here some may ask why Barbara is needed. Well, it's because she will be confined to her wheelchair as Oracle and not swinging from rooftops as Batgirl. Oracle was the original computer hacker/expert for superheroes. Chloe Sullivan and Felicity Smoak, you both may be cool, but y'all didn't invent the game like Babs did. So because she is staying back at home base and providing important sources of information for the team, I approve of Orcale on the squad.

4. Raven/Rachel Roth - Like Starfire and Nightwing, Raven is another longtime member of the Titans. She is the daughter of one of their greatest enemies, Trigon, and will be the magical member of the squad. Like Star, I'm nervous of how her powers will look on a TV budget. As long as it's better than Smallville's special effects, I think it will be alright.

5 + 6. Hawk + Dove/Hank Hall + Dawn Granger - Hawk + Dove have always gone together. Most of the time as brothers, but TNT is said to be looking at the New 52 version of the characters. In that version, Hawk and Dove are a man and woman, who are also dating one another while fighting crime together. I have never found either version particularly compelling and find their inclusion here odd. I would have much preferred Connor Kent/Superboy and Donna Troy/ Wonder Girl to take these dopes' places on the team. Then the show would have ties to each member of the Holy Trinity (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman) in Titans rather than some loser couple. So someone tell Hawk + Dove to get the fuck out.

That's my thoughts on the Titans roster. Thanks for reading! Do you miss Cyborg and Beast Boy? Sound off in the comments. And be sure to follow us on Twitter @Caped_Informers or follow me @cstrand73 for all your up to date comics news.

Teen Titans Live Action Show Could Be Coming To TNT

DC is taking over TV. The comics company already has two shows on CW in Arrow and Flash and the highly anticipated Gotham is set to debut on Fox this month. Hell even the mystical side of the DC universe will be explored in Constantine on NBC. Now Deadline is reporting that TNT is developing a Teen Titans show called Titians with Dick Grayson/Nightwing as its lead. The site says "Titans revolves around the eponymous group of young Super Heroes-to-be from the DC Universe. The action series centers on Dick Grayson (probably best known for his alter ego as Robin), who emerges from the shadow of Batman to become Nightwing, the leader of a fearless band of new Super Heroes including Starfire, Raven and many others." Writer Akiva Goldsman (Batman and Robin) has written the pilot along with Marc Haimes (The Last Word). The project is expected to be green light for a pilot order soon. 

Sources: Deadline

                ComicBookMovie

                Variety

Now I've been clamoring for Dick Grayson/Nightwing on Arrow or in a DC movie for some time now. Never anticipated he would first appear on a Teen Titians show. Always thought it could work better as a movie, but I am willing to give this show a chance only because Dick is the lead. 

But God as my witness if this TNT crap doesn't allow for Dick to enter the DC Cinematic Universe in some capacity there will be hell to pay. I need to see Nightwing and Batman team up on the big screen before I die. Especially after what Chris O'donnell did to the character in the 90's. Who wrote those films by the way? O that's right, Akiva Goldsman. Glad this show is in good hands! Goldsman partnered together with a TV Budget is a match made in heaven. Most likely there will not be enough money for CGI for Beast Boy or Cyborg. And if there is any CGI it will probably water down both Starfire and Raven's powers. But then again TNT knows drama so I have the upmost confidence.