Eight majorDCcharacters nearly appeared inGotham, but circumstances kept them from making their debut. As a prequel to the Batman mythos,Gothamwas well-known for its creative reimagining of iconic villains and allies, offering an opportunity to witness the evolution of characters like Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman. Over five seasons, the show balanced its own unique twists with homage to the source material, delivering a dark yet compelling narrative about the descent of Gotham City into chaos.
However, the final season ofGothamwas truncated, reduced from its intended length to just 12 episodes. This shorter run, coupled with various creative decisions, meant that several characters andGothamstorylines were ultimately scrapped. While the show’s conclusion and its full embrace of the Batman legend was certainly thrilling, it’s hard not to ponder the characters who almost made it to the screen, many of whom are known for their appearances throughoutthe DCU timeline.
8Calendar Man Was Teased Repeatedly
Gotham Repeatedly Hinted At Calendar Man’s Inclusion
Showrunner John Stephens openly expressed his desire to introduce Calendar Man toGotham. The character, known for his obsession with dates and his elaborate crimes tied to the calendar, would have fitperfectly into the show’s world of eccentric villains. Stephens revealed that Calendar Man nearly made his debut in season 3, but the plans fell through.
Interestingly, the character’s potential introduction was first teased as early as season 2. Creator Bruno Heller had announced Calendar Man’s inclusion during promotional interviews, and the officialGothamTwitter accounteven hinted at his arrival with the cryptic post:“Call the Calendar Man, we’ve got a date for #Gotham Season 2!”This deliberate foreshadowing was exciting, as Calendar Man’s meticulous and thematic approach to crime would have been perfect for the series.
Executive producer Danny Cannon once stated that Calendar Man was on their radar and that the team would eventually get to him. Sadly, this promise remained unfulfilled. The character’sunique style and chilling precision would have provided a fascinating dynamicin Gotham City’s increasingly chaotic environment, but he never emerged.
7Harley Quinn Was At One Point Confirmed
Harley Quinn Was Nearly Introduced On Several Occasions
Few characters have captured the public imagination like Harley Quinn, and it’s no surprise thatGothamflirted with the idea of bringing her into the fold. During season 3’s finale, “Heroes Rise: Heavydirtysoul,” Harley Quinn was strongly considered for an appearance. Showrunner John Stephens hinted that the characterwould be someone connected to the Joker cultworld already established within the show.
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Stephens explained that incorporating Harley was a tricky task, but one they had actively discussed. Adding fuel to the fire, actor David Mazouz, who portrayed young Bruce Wayne, mistakenly “confirmed” in an interview that Harley Quinn was set to appear. Writer Ken Woodruff also suggested that Harleymight already be a character viewers had seen before, likely Barbara Kean, who was considered by the writers as a possibility. Her descent into madness and chaotic energy seemed to parallel Harley’s characteristics, making her a strong candidate.
However, despite the hints and theories, Harley Quinn never materialized inGotham, with the curtailed final season leaving little room to expand the show’s line-up or make new narratives. WhileGothamexcelled in its reimaginings,Harley Quinn’s absence left a noticeable gapin the Joker-centric storylines. Fans can only imagine how her presence might have added another layer of unpredictability and chaos to the show.
6Killer Croc Was Planned And Would Have Been Ideal For Gotham
Many DC Monsters Appeared In Gotham
The monstrous Killer Croc was another character who came tantalisingly close to appearing inGotham. Like Harley Quinn, Killer Croc was considered for the season 3 finale, “Heroes Rise: Heavydirtysoul.” With histragic backstory and grotesque physical appearance, Killer Croc would have been an ideal addition to the show’s rogues’ gallery.
Killer Croc’s unique design and the body horror elements of his character would have fit seamlessly into the dark and gritty aesthetic ofGotham. Killer Croc, also known as Waylon Jones, is a tragic figure whose appearance and transformation into a reptilian humanoid often alienate him from society. This theme of isolation and rejection aligns well withGotham’s exploration of villains as products of their harsh environment. Hewould have fit perfectly into the experimental transformations many characters went throughat the hands of Hugo Strange.
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Despite the potential, Killer Croc remained on the cutting-room floor. The decision to exclude him may have been influenced by budgetary constraints, as rendering his appearance would have required extensive practical effects or CGI. Regardless, Killer Croc’sblend of ferocity and vulnerability makes his absence a regrettable missed opportunityforGotham.
5Lady Shiva’s Debut Was Scripted
One Of DC’s Deadliest Assassins
Lady Shiva, a deadly assassin and one of DC’s most formidable martial artists, nearly made herGothamdebut in season 4. The original script for the finale, “A Dark Knight: No Man’s Land,” featured a montage showcasing the rise of various villains, including Lady Shiva. Thisbrief introduction would have set the stage for her to become a significant figurein the show’s final season, but the scene was ultimately cut from the episode.
Plans to introduce Lady Shiva didn’t end there. She was confirmed to appear in the fifth and final season, potentially playing a pivotal role in the escalating chaos of Gotham City. Lady Shiva’s connection to the League of Shadows and herunparalleled combat skillswould have made her a formidable adversary and a valuable addition to the show’s roster of villains.
Unfortunately, the shortened final season meant many characters and subplots were abandoned, and Lady Shiva was one of the casualties. Shiva’s inclusion would have been a compellingaddition to the strong female antagonists inGotham. Lady Shiva’s absence remains one of the show’s most significant missed opportunities.
4Condiment King Was Frequently Suggested
Condiment King Originated In Batman: The Animated Series
Not every villain inGothamneeded to be dark and menacing. John Stephens repeatedly pitched the idea of including Condiment King, one of Batman’s most comical foes. Known for his absurd weaponry – condiment dispensers – and over-the-top antics, Condiment Kingwould have brought a touch of humour toGotham’s otherwise grim tone.
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Despite Stephens’ enthusiasm, his pitches were consistently rejected. While some might view Condiment King as too ridiculous forGotham, the show’s history of reinventing characters suggests itcould have found a way to make him compelling. With a clever backstory and a darkly humorous edge, Condiment King could have served as a satire of Gotham City’s increasingly theatrical criminal element.
Moreover, his inclusion could have provideda moment of levity in the show’s darker arcs. While the series excelled at creating a tense and ominous atmosphere,Gothamoccasionally embraced the bizarre– as seen with characters like the Balloonman. Condiment King’s absence is a testament to the show’s careful balancing act between drama and whimsy. Though he was never brought to life on screen, the idea of Condiment King remains an amusing “what-if” forGotham.
3Man-Bat Was Teased In Gotham
Man-Bat Is A Classic Batman Villain
One of the most intriguing teases inGothamcame during the season 4 finale, “A Dark Knight: No Man’s Land.” In a montage showcasing Gotham’s descent into lawlessness, a brief glimpse of a bat-winged humanoid suggested the presence of Man-Bat. This monstrous character, created by Dr Kirk Langstrom in the comics, isa tragic figure whose experiments lead to his horrifying transformation.
The inclusion of Man-Bat in this montage was exciting, as it hinted at the darker, more supernatural elements of Gotham City. The character’s duality and internal struggle would have been a fascinating addition to the show, especially as Bruce Wayne moved closer to becoming Batman. However, the story behind the bat-winged figurewas never elaborated upon in season 5.
Interestingly, John Stephens had previously stated that Man-Bat wouldn’t appear inGothamfor a long time, jokingly suggesting him for season 13. As other characters from this montage also didn’t materialize, it’spossible that this was primarily an Easter egg. Regardless, Man-Bat would have been a captivating addition to the series.
2Tabitha Galavan Never Became Tigress
Tabitha Galavan Was An Original Character Based On Tigress
Tabitha Galavan was one ofGotham’s most dynamic original characters, and hints about her future as Tigress were scattered throughout the series. Though Tabitha was created for the show, she was based on the supervillain Tigress and wassupposed to fully embrace this persona inGotham.Her combat skills, agility, and partnership with Barbara Kean all pointed toward an eventual transformation, as did the numerous references to tigers and the character’s proficiency with a whip.
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However, this storyline was abandoned due to the shorter season. Tabitha’s arc was cut short, leaving her character’s potential unrealized. Her evolution into Tigress would have provideda satisfying conclusion to her journey, transitioning her from a henchperson to a fully-fledged villain in her own right.
Given her prominence in earlier seasons, Tabitha’s incomplete transformation felt like a missed opportunity. Her journey from an ally to a full-fledged antagonist could have added another layer of intrigue to the final season. Instead,her character arc was left unfinished, leaving fans to wonder how her story might have unfolded.
1Harvey Dent Never Became Two-Face
Harvey Dent’s Transformation Into Two-Face Usually Comes After Bruce’s Into Batman
Harvey Dent’s transformation into Two-Face is one of the most iconic origin stories in Batman’s mythology, butGothamnever gave the character his moment. Harvey Dent, played by Nicholas D’Agosto, appeared inGothamseason 1, andwas promoted to a series regular in season 2. Yet his screen time was surprisingly limited.
According to D’Agosto, the show’s producers felt it wasn’t the right time for Harvey to become Two-Face.“Gotham has so many established stars on it already, it frankly doesn’t need Harvey Dent right now,”he explained. John Stephens later admitted thatfinding a unique take on Two-Face was challenging, as the character’s transformation typically occurs after Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. While there were discussions about introducing a prototype Two-Face character, these plans were ultimately shelved.
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Harvey Dent’s absence in the later seasons remains one of the show’s most notable omissions. His duality and tragic fall from gracewould have provided a captivating narrative arc, especially as the series moved closer to its conclusion. The lack of closure for such a pivotal character is one of the most disappointing results inGothambeing abruptly canceled.
Gotham
Cast
As a new recruit in Captain Sarah Essen’s Gotham City Police Department, Detective James Gordon is paired with Harvey Bullock to solve one of Gotham’s most high-profile cases ever: the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. During his investigation, Gordon meets the Waynes' son, Bruce, now in the care of his butler Alfred, which further compels Gordon to catch the killer.
