Today, Cartoonito, Cartoon Network’s preschool-centered programming brand, unveiled a first look at Ethan Hawke voicing Batman in a clip from the upcoming half-hour special, Secret Origin of the Batwheels. Premiering on Batman Day, September 17, Secret Origin is a prelude to Batwheels, launching later this fall on Cartoonito and HBO Max.
In the clip, Batman chases down the Joker, voiced by Mick Wingert, through the streets of Gotham City. The clip shows the style and tone of DC’s first foray into animation aimed at preschool audiences.
Secret Origin of the Batwheels will lay the foundation for the Batwheels series. In it, Batman Robin, and Batgirl are captured so the Batcomputer brings the Bat-Vehicles to life to defend Gotham City in the heroes’ absence.
In addition to Hawke as Batman, Batwheels will also feature Jacob Bertrand as Bam, Gina Rodriguez as Catwoman, Xolo Maridueña as Snowy, Jordan Reed as Redbird, Madigan Kacmar as Bibi, Noah Bentley as Buff, Lilimar as Batwing, Kimberly D. Brooks as The Batcomputer, Mick Wingert as Moe, AJ Hudson as Duke Thomas/Robin, Leah Lewis as Cassandra Cain/Batgirl, Griffin Burns as Prank, Alexandra Novelle as Jetstah, Josey Montana McCoy as Quizz, Ariyan Kassam as Ducky, SungWon Cho as Badcomputer and The Riddler, Tom Kenny as Crash, Chandni Parekh as Harley Quinn, Jess Harnell as The Penguin, Regi Davis as Mr. Freeze, and James Arnold Taylor as Toyman.
Secret Origin of the Batwheels is scheduled to premiere as part of the Cartoonito block on Cartoon Network and HBO Max on September 17, which also happens to be Batman Day.
Here’s hoping Warner Bros. Discovery doesn’t cancel it before then.