"Dynamic Duo" Unveils First Footage and an Open Call for Aspiring Puppet Performers

Ever dreamed of performing in a DC Studios movie? Well, grab a ruler and get ready! The upcoming "Dynamic Duo" film, focusing on Batman's first two Robins, Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, just dropped its first-ever footage — nearly a thousand days ahead of its release — alongside an open casting call for a truly unique animation experience.

TL;DR: The Quick Hits on "Dynamic Duo"

• "Dynamic Duo," focusing on young Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, just released its first footage and is holding an open casting call for puppet performers on November 15, 2025.
• The film is a pioneering blend of stop-motion, CGI, and practical puppetry, directed by Arthur Mintz and produced by Matt Reeves and James Gunn.
• Its place within the main DC Universe is still uncertain, with James Gunn acknowledging its unique story might make it an Elseworlds project.

A Glimpse into Gotham's Innovative Animated Future Just Dropped It's rare for a film to show its cards so early, but "Dynamic Duo" is already breaking new ground. Fans just got their very first official peek at footage from the upcoming DC Studios movie, a whopping 960-plus days before its scheduled premiere. This early reveal isn't just about building hype; it’s a direct invitation. The animation studio behind this ambitious project, Swaybox Studios, debuted a clip featuring a rain-soaked city and a station wagon’s dramatic crash, all to promote a public casting call. This isn't your average animated flick. "Dynamic Duo" promises a visually stunning blend of stop-motion, CGI, and high-end puppetry. The footage, described by Swaybox as a highlight reel of their "sophisticated puppetry," offers a taste of the unique aesthetic that aims to bring the world of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd to life in a way we haven't seen before.

Step into the Spotlight: Swaybox Studios Wants You to Be a Puppet Performer!

Forget everything you thought you knew about movie auditions because Swaybox Studios is turning the traditional casting call on its head. Starting Saturday, November 15, 2025, anyone with a dream and a ruler can submit an online audition to become a performer for "Dynamic Duo." Yes, you read that right: a ruler. The studio’s Instagram post explicitly asked, "Have you ever dreamed of performing in a DC Studios movie?" These aren't voice acting roles, so leave your best Batman growl at home. Instead, Swaybox is looking for "puppetry/physical performance." According to the official call, you'll need to demonstrate control over characters or items, either solo or with a team, in front of a blue or green screen. The best part? "No experience necessary." The audition window is generous, running from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, making it accessible for aspiring performers everywhere.

Example: Imagine Sarah, a lifelong fan of stop-motion films and a hobbyist puppeteer, seeing this announcement. She might spend her Saturday setting up a makeshift green screen in her living room, carefully filming herself manipulating a small figure with a ruler, practicing smooth, expressive movements. The "no experience necessary" mantra truly opens the door for dedicated fans like her to contribute to a major DC project.

More Than Just Cartoons: A New Vision for Gotham's Sidekicks

The creative minds behind "Dynamic Duo" are pushing animation boundaries. Swaybox Studios, led by director Arthur Mintz and Theresa Andersson, is renowned for its "groundbreaking practical puppetry work." Their approach, as described by the studio, involves pioneering "new methods that challenge viewers’ notions of how puppets look, move, and feel." The result, they promise, is "long-form storytelling that is visually breathtaking, dynamically expressive, and—above all—more human." This focus on humanistic expression through puppetry seems perfectly suited for a story delving into the early, formative years of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, exploring their friendship, rivalry, and shared journey as young heroes. Matt Reeves, known for his character-driven approach in "The Batman," even expressed his long-held desire to work with Swaybox, stating to Deadline, "I have wanted to make a film with Arthur and Swaybox for many years, and for that film to be Dynamic Duo, an incredibly special and unique Batman and Robin story for families, is a dream."

From "Catwoman's" Scratch to Robin's Roar: "Dynamic Duo"'s Origin Story

Every hero (and movie) has an origin, and "Dynamic Duo" is no exception, albeit a rather twisty one. This project actually rose from the ashes of a canceled "Catwoman" film. Originally, Swaybox and Arthur Mintz were developing a movie centered on a child version of the feline anti-hero. However, in 2022, when David Zaslav took the helm of Warner Bros. Discovery, many projects faced the chopping block, and the "Catwoman" film was among them. Intriguingly, Matt Reeves, director of "The Batman," had seen the footage from the "Catwoman" project and was reportedly very impressed. He championed the work to Zaslav, who also loved what he saw. However, instead of reviving the "Catwoman" film, Warner Bros. pivoted. To secure a theatrical release, the studio felt the project needed a broader scope. This led to the creative shift from a young Catwoman story to focusing on two Robins, ultimately birthing "Dynamic Duo." This journey highlights the complex decision-making and tradeoffs involved in getting a major animated feature greenlit. Source: [MovieWeb, "'Dynamic Duo' Originally Began as a Catwoman Project", (date of article refers to the publication date, not the event, so better to quote the article title and publisher for context) - this information is repeated across multiple articles, citing DCFilmNews as the ultimate source].

Where Does "Dynamic Duo" Fit in the Expanding Bat-Verse?

With multiple Batman projects in various stages of development — including Matt Reeves' "The Batman - Part II" (slated for October 1, 2027), the DCU's main Bruce Wayne film "The Brave and The Bold" (still being written), and the recently wrapped "Clayface" movie (part of the DCU) — fans are naturally curious where "Dynamic Duo" lands. Is it part of James Gunn's interconnected DC Universe, or will it exist as an "Elseworlds" property, much like Reeves' live-action "The Batman" films? James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, addressed this very question at a press event in February 2025. "The reason I haven't answered this is because there might be a way it might fit into the DCU. I would love for this animated puppet movie to be a part of the DCU. That's really appealing to me, but the story is unique, and so it may not work within our universe," Gunn shared. Source: [ScreenRant, (direct quote from February 2025 event)].

A Word From the Top

"The reason I haven't answered this is because there might be a way it might fit into the DCU. I would love for this animated puppet movie to be a part of the DCU. That's really appealing to me, but the story is unique, and so it may not work within our universe."

— James Gunn, Co-CEO of DC Studios (February 2025)

This nuanced response suggests that while the filmmakers might hope for "Dynamic Duo" to be canon, the unique narrative and groundbreaking animation style could present challenges for seamless integration into the broader DCU timeline and aesthetic. It's a tricky balance: embracing artistic freedom while maintaining a cohesive shared universe. For now, it remains a tantalizing "maybe," keeping fans guessing about the ultimate fate of Dick and Jason in this particular animated adventure. The project is an official collaboration between DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, with Matt Reeves' 6th & Idaho banner producing. Arthur Mintz is directing, and Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber are set to rewrite the screenplay, building upon earlier work. Source: [ScreenRant, "Dynamic Duo was first announced to be in development on October 1, 2024, with Arthur Mintz set to direct. The film is being produced by Matt Reeves' 6th & Idaho production banner, and on September 9, 2025, it was revealed that Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber had been tapped to rewrite the screenplay."].

What You Need to Know Before "Dynamic Duo" Hits Theaters

• Unique Animation: Expect a visual feast combining stop-motion, CGI, and innovative practical puppetry from Swaybox Studios. This isn't just animated; it's a new frontier for superhero storytelling.
• Robin Focus: Get ready to dive deep into the early careers of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, Batman’s first two Robins, rather than focusing on Batman himself.
• Open Casting Call: If you're passionate about puppetry (no experience necessary!), keep an eye out for Swaybox Studios' online auditions on November 15, 2025.
• DCU Status Still a Mystery: While James Gunn hopes it could be part of the DCU, the film's unique nature means it might end up as an exciting Elseworlds entry.
• Long Wait Ahead: The film isn't due until June 30, 2028, but expect more teases and updates as production on this ambitious project continues.

Frequently Asked Questions About "Dynamic Duo"

When is "Dynamic Duo" scheduled to be released? "Dynamic Duo" is slated to hit theaters on June 30, 2028.

Who is directing and producing "Dynamic Duo"? Arthur Mintz is set to direct. Matt Reeves' 6th & Idaho production banner and DC Studios, with James Gunn, are producing.

What is the animation style of "Dynamic Duo"? The film will use a unique blend of stop-motion, CGI, and practical puppetry, pioneered by Swaybox Studios.

Will "Dynamic Duo" be part of James Gunn's DC Universe? James Gunn has stated it's uncertain but possible. He expressed a desire for it to be canon, but its unique story might lead it to be an Elseworlds project.

Sources:

• ScreenRant: "DC Studios has multiple exciting Batman projects in the works..." (various dates, including February 2025 for Gunn quote and Sept 9, 2025 for writers)
• ComingSoon.net: "DC’s Upcoming Batman Spin-off Receives Huge Update" (published November 8, 2025)
• io9: "The ‘Dynamic Duo’ Movie Is Having a Casting Call Next Week" by Justin Carter (published November 8, 2025)
• GeekTyrant: "First Footage From the Wild New BATMAN Project DYNAMIC DUO Has Arrived" by Joey Paur (about 3 days ago from reference date, implying November 8, 2025)
• MovieWeb: "Swaybox Studios is holding an open audition for fans..." (article without specific published date, but contains Nov 15, 2025 reference)
• ComicBook.com: "There’s no such thing as too much Batman." (no specific published date)
• The Direct: "DC Studios' Dynamic Duo Movie Makes DC History With First Footage" by Klein Felt (Posted: November 08, 2025)
• DCFilmNews: (Cited by MovieWeb for Catwoman origin story)