Zach Cregger revisits concept for Batman-adjacent film project

Director Zach Cregger has reiterated his continued interest in bringing a specific Batman-related concept to life. According to reporting from GamesRadar+, the project is titled ‘Henchman’ and focuses on a perspective seldom explored in the established comic book universe.

A ground-level look at Gotham

Instead of focusing on the Caped Crusader directly, Cregger’s vision centers on a pharmacist living in Gotham City who becomes caught up in the conflict between Batman and the Joker. Describing the project to Men’s Health as cited by GamesRadar+, Cregger explained the narrative as a “normal guy” being accidentally pulled into an intense power play. He emphasized that the character becomes an “integral part” of the unfolding events, serving as a bystander who lives on the periphery of the major heroics the audience is already familiar with.

Cregger noted his preference for small, intimate stories that avoid the complexities of dense lore. “I like small, intimate stories that are relatively simple,” Cregger told A Shot magazine. “We’ve seen so many Batman stories, but to see it from just a bystander who’s on the edge of everything, I don’t know, I’m so fascinated by that.”

Setting the record straight

Despite the intrigue surrounding the concept, Cregger has been careful to manage expectations regarding the project’s current status. He explicitly stated that the idea has been “blown out of proportion online” and clarified that it is not a script featuring Joker and Harley Quinn, nor has he engaged in any official discussions with DC Studios lead James Gunn regarding its development.

Why it matters

For fans of the DC Universe, Cregger’s comments highlight an increasing interest among creators in exploring the “street-level” consequences of superhero battles. By focusing on civilians and bystanders rather than iconic figures, projects like ‘Henchman’ offer a different, more grounded tone that contrasts with the traditional blockbuster format.

While this project remains a concept rather than a confirmed production, it reflects a broader trend of filmmakers looking for unique entry points into massive, established franchises. Readers should note that as of now, there is no official roadmap or greenlight for this film, and it remains a personal creative interest for the director rather than an active development at DC.