Titans Month: Op/Ed - Why the DCEU Needs the Teen Titans

If there's one thing that DC has had for the longest time over Marvel, it was legacy. Since the golden age of comics, every few decades or so have introduced a new generation of heroes to the DC universe. Going by the current timeline, here's a breakdown with some examples:

• Generation One: Flash/Jay Garrick, Green Lantern/Alan Scott, the Justice Society of America
• Generation Two: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash/Barry Allen, Green Lantern/Hal Jordan, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Justice League of America
• Generation Three: Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing, Donna Troy/Wonder Girl, Wally West/Kid Flash/Flash, Roy Harper/Speedy/Arsenal/Red Arrow, Garth/Aqualad/Tempest, Teen Titans/Titans
• Generation Four: Conner Kent/Superboy, Tim Drake/Robin/Red Robin, Cassie Sandsmark/Wonder Girl, Bart Allen/Impulse/Kid Flash, Young Justice/Teen Titans

You could say that through Rebirth, another generation is beginning to form with the likes of Damian Wayne/Robin, Jonathan Kent/Superboy, New 52 Wally West/Kid Flash, and the new Green Lanterns Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz.

Over at Marvel though, characters have remained in the same roles for decades aside from some temporary replacements. Peter Parker is Spider-Man, Tony Stark is Iron Man, Steve Rogers is Captain America, Bruce Banner is Hulk, and so on. But within the last half-decade, Marvel comics have been introducing new and younger characters with similar identities to the long established heroes. This trend really began with the creation of Miles Morales, who in Marvel's Ultimate universe, became the new Spider-Man after that world's Peter Parker died. Miles would eventually become part of the primary Marvel universe, where he would have some company.

Among the newer characters includes Kamala Kahn, an Inhuman with shape shifting powers who took the name of Ms. Marvel because she idolized Carol Danverse, and Sam Alexander, the young new member of the Nova Corps. But besides new characters, established characters have also moved on to take the mantle of other heroes. Sam Wilson, the Falcon, became the new Captain America after Steve Rogers had been rapidly aged and became an old man (even though he is young again and both are sharing the Cap name, but it doesn't help that he's been brainwashed into becoming a HYDRA double agent). In addition, Jane Foster took on the power of the Thor after the original became unworthy of Mjolnir, and Amadeus Cho had become a new Hulk after Banner cured himself. Most recently, young genius Riri Williams has become Iron Heart to carry on Tony Stark's legacy after he went into a coma from the events of Civil War II (screw that comic).

There is a fan theory about why Marvel has introduced this legacy aspect to the comics, that being they're setting things up down the line for the Marvel Cinematic Universe for when the current actors retire from the roles and move on. This could mean eventually Miles Morales and Kamala Kahn will be gracing the silver screen. Though we shouldn't get too ahead of ourselves though, as Peter Parker is still in high school and Carol Danvers has yet to make her MCU debut. However, Anthony Mackie could trade in his wings for the shield if they decide to make him the new Captain America after Chris Evans' contract expires.
Personally, I would prefer that roles be recast instead of phased out. It's understandable that Marvel has done such a good job with their castings that it would be hard to see anyone else in the roles. But like comic books themselves where the writers and artists carry on from previous works, I feel the story should continue with the film characters, even if the actors change. Of course there would be an adjustment period.

Now, what does this have to do with the Teen Titans or DC's film universe? Well, even though Marvel is miles ahead of DC on the film front, DC could still get the jump on them when it comes to teenage heroes and legacy. Since DC embraced the concept for literally decades, it would be embarrassing if Marvel brought it to film first. There's already some hint of it with Robin's suit in the Batcave and the announcement of a Nightwing movie, but DC needs to go full on and bring us a Teen Titans movie, aiming at the younger crowd and setting up more building blocks for the future of the DCEU.
As I see it, the plot should focus on Tim Drake/Robin recruiting teenage metahumans who are being hunted by CADMUS, who have also hired Deathstroke (reprised by Joe Manganiello) for extra security. Who should be the line up for this film? Well I feel it should be a mix of "sidekicks" and newer characters:

• Tim Drake/Robin: I've been saying this for years. Within the context of the DCEU, Dick is Nightwing and Jason's dead (and no, he's not Joker!). The door to introduce Tim Drake as the new Robin is wide open, most likely for Ben Affleck's solo Batman. Given Bruce's dark place in the films currently, he needs a Robin to keep him in check. We even have a good candidate in Ryan Potter. Check out this stunt video he shot.

•  Bart Allen/Impulse: With Barry Allen being so young in the DCEU, introducing his grandson from the future, Bart Allen, could be the way to go in lieu of Wally West. And for diversity's sake, he could be African American since Iris West has been cast that way as well. I would also like him to use the Impulse name as I feel it gives him more of his own identity and I wouldn't want the direct connection between him and Barry made just yet.
• Conner Kent/Superboy: In the Young Justice animated series, Superboy was created by CADMUS as a weapon to use against Superman, only to be liberated by Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad to form the team. They could go a similar route here, and with Lex Luthor donating his DNA for the clone, it could open up doors later for his return.
• Garfield Logan/Beast Boy: He could bring a lot of comic relief to the film and his animal shape-shifting would be amazing to see.
• Raven: Whether it be for a film and TV series, having Raven in live action would be pretty cool to see. I could see them bringing a horror element to her appearance and powers, similar to "The Ring" or "The Grudge". Honestly though, this could be their chance to do a better version of Enchantress. Besides that, there's the potential of good interaction between her and Beast Boy, an aspect I've always enjoyed from the animated series.
• Starfire: So far, Superman is the only alien hero in the DCEU. Starfire's introduction could open up said universe even more, especially with a character who not only has actually lived on her home planet, but is actually a princess.

With these choices, I want a team who where each have their own unique traits while also making up for the others' shortcomings. For example, while Conner has the strength of Superman, he lacks the flight and laser blasts Starfire is capable of.

These are just my own thoughts on why the Teen Titans should be brought to film and who should be part of the team. If you have your own ideas, feel free to share in the comments.