SMASH and DC Comics Mexico spoke exclusively with Michael G. Stern and Simon J. Smith, the producers of the new animated series Batwheels
In 2022 the DC Universe expands not only in movies and comics, animated series also receives new proposals such as Batwheels, the new program aimed at the little ones in the house, who are introduced to the mythology of Batman.
Behind Batwheels is a creative duo, made up of producers Michael G. Stern and Simon J. Smith, who after collaborating on hits for film and television, come with their talent to bring the DC Universe to the youngest of home.
SMASH and DC Comics Mexico spoke exclusively with Michael G. Stern and Simon J. Smith, those responsible for the new proposal that brings Batman closer to the kings of the house.
First of all, I thank you for this interview for SMASH and Editorial Televisa. This is a question for both of you. What was the main inspiration to bring Batwheels to the small screen?
Michael G. Stern: The main inspiration is to find a way to connect the youngest with Batman, we were not able to do it before and we came up with an idea that worked better than the others, because we presented them with the real world of Batman.
Simon J Smith: It was like, how do we introduce Batman to younger audiences? That was the goal.
Simon, you’ve been behind blockbusters like the Bee Movie, The Penguins of Madagascar, Antz and Shreck, among others. Is Batwheels a more challenging challenge compared to these movies?
Simon J Smith: Everything is more difficult, we have more episodes, we have more time, we have seasons of 11 to 14 minutes per episode, compared to 82 minutes (which lasts a movie), we have less money for a movie (laughs). My vision is that this looks like as much as possible to a movie. When you see it you feel like you are watching a movie, that is why the task is hard. To have a vision for the (TV) screen, to have Michael and the writing team deliver something spectacular, it feels so different from other things, it excites preschoolers.
Michael, you’ve worked on hits like Doc McStuffins and now you’re in charge of Batwheels. What is the process of introducing little ones to the DC Universe like?
Michael G. Stern: It’s great, I’m also a comic book nerd, for me this is like a dream to do what I do and bring Batman into it. I worked on another Batman series, Beware The Batman, for an older audience, so that was a fun experience that prepared me for this. For me, I brought everything I learned to entertain this age group (preschool). I am able to look for the incredible of Batman’s secret weapons, (The Batmobile) is irresistible as a character, what we did was honor that Batman character, we brought out the true character and the children are going to love him.
This question is for both of you. We have seen through the years different versions of the Batmobile. What is your favorite version of the Batmobile?
Michael G. Stern: For me it’s a tie, I love the 1966 Batmobile, because it was the one I grew up with, that will be number one in my heart. I also love the ’89 one, from the Tim Burton movies, and I feel like BAM, the Batmobile is very close to that (model). It’s different, a lot of inspiration, I think.
Simon J Smith: I think the ’66 is amazing, I grew up with that. The ’89 one is so I also like the Thumbler (Batman Begins) It’s different, big and functional. We tried to do that with BAM, it’s a functional vehicle, where Batman can get in and drive, and he’s a charming character at the same time. We took different versions of the Batmobile, the ’66 one, the ’89 one, and the on the Tumbler functionality.
What are your favorite characters in Batwheels?
Simon J Smith: I like the voice we have for the Riddler and the Badcomputer, both performed by SungWoo Cho… And it’s nice to work with Ethan Hawke as Batman, he’s brilliant. I can’t tell you which one is my favorite because the voice cast is tremendous.
Michael G. Stern: Buff Bat Truck is a new character we created, we love him because he is the heart of the team, he is played by Noah Bentley from Cobra Kai, he is sweet and beautiful and we love him… The Legion of Zoom (Villains) are our favorites, we love them , the character of Harley Quinn is our favorite, she is a kind of leader of the legion, she is very funny. The human characters are sensational, we have Gina Rodríguez as Catwoman who is fantastic. Mick Wingert who plays Joker and MOE he is phenomenal, he can do anything, there are many characters, we love them all.
Simon J Smith: They are amazing, we love the cast.
What values can we highlight from Batwheels and what is the main message you want to give to children?
Michael G. Stern:It’s about teamwork, the Batwheels have to learn to work together as a super team, but they also have to get along with the world. Since they are children, they have the same problems that children have, they have to deal with them at the same time. What they learn is that working together is the best way forward, and BAM learns to be the leader of this team.
Simon J Smith: They also have to learn to be themselves, you don’t have to be the same or the same as someone else, just focus on being yourself.
Font: Gabriel Torres /SMASH
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