The gritty streets of Gotham City might soon get a fresh perspective—from beneath the boots of its villains. Following the critical triumph of Barbarian and the buzz around his upcoming thriller Weapons, director Zach Cregger is poised to enter the DC Universe with Henchman, a project he calls “my favorite thing I ever wrote.” As reported by The Hollywood Reporter (May 2024), Cregger’s script centers on a low-level criminal who accidentally incapacitates Batman, triggering a chaotic chain reaction in Gotham’s underworld.

What Makes Henchman a Game-Changer for DC Films?

Cregger’s vision flips the superhero genre on its head. Per THR sources, Henchman follows “a low-level henchman in the Gotham crime world who gains notoriety after managing to incapacitate Batman through a stroke of luck.” Unlike traditional hero narratives, this grounded tale explores systemic crime through the eyes of a disposable cog in Gotham’s machine. Batman, Joker, and Harley Quinn may appear in supporting roles, but the spotlight stays on the unsung labor force of villainy.

Cregger confirmed the DC ties in a recent interview: “It actually takes place in the DC Universe, but it’s totally original and it’s not a superhero movie. I wrote that before I wrote Barbarian.” This aligns with DC Studios’ strategy to diversify storytelling beyond capes and cowls, though the project hasn’t been formally pitched yet.

Why Cregger Is Hollywood’s Most Sought-After Genre Director

Weapons, Cregger’s upcoming anthology horror film, has already drawn comparisons to Christopher Nolan’s work. Critic Chris Bumbray hailed it as “worthy of awards consideration” and argued it cements Cregger alongside modern auteurs like Jordan Peele. Yet the director remains pragmatic about his meteoric rise. Before tackling Henchman, he’ll helm Sony’s Resident Evil reboot, noting: “On the other side of Resident Evil, I may not be able to make anything. You just never know.”

Cregger’s strength lies in mining existential dread from ordinary scenarios—a skill perfectly suited to humanizing Gotham’s faceless criminals. His DC entry could echo The Batman’s noir realism while adding darkly comedic twists.

Can Henchman Thrive in DC’s Rebooted Universe?

Timing remains the biggest hurdle. James Gunn’s DC Universe hasn’t yet cast its new Batman, let alone established the Joker or Harley Quinn—all potential touchpoints in Henchman. However, Gunn’s embrace of unconventional projects (Creature Commandos, The Authority) suggests fertile ground for Cregger’s outlier approach.

Industry analysts note the script’s pre-Barbarian origins indicate Cregger’s longstanding commitment to the concept. With DC prioritizing director-driven stories, Henchman’s blend of crime thriller and sly universe commentary could fill a unique niche. As Bumbray observed, Cregger is “one of the most exciting directors we’ve got”—exactly the innovator DC needs to refresh Gotham’s mythology.

Cregger’s Henchman could revolutionize superhero cinema by spotlighting Gotham’s unseen casualties—the anonymous grunts cleaning up after costumed chaos. With its dark humor and subversive perspective, this DC Universe project promises fresh stakes for Batman’s world. Watch for updates as Gunn’s DC slate solidifies, and brace for a henchman’s-eye view of comic-book chaos.

Must Know

Q: What’s the plot of Zach Cregger’s Henchman movie?
A: Per THR, the DC film follows a minor Gotham criminal who accidentally takes down Batman, making him an unlikely underworld legend. It explores systemic crime through marginalized characters.

Q: Will Batman appear in Henchman?
A: Yes—sources confirm Batman, Joker, and Harley Quinn may have supporting roles, but the focus remains on original henchman characters.

Q: Is Henchman part of James Gunn’s DC Universe?
A: Cregger wrote the script pre-DCU overhaul, but its themes align with Gunn’s vision. DC Studios is aware of the project, though no formal deal exists yet.

Q: When will Henchman release?
A: No timeline is set. Cregger directs Resident Evil next, delaying any potential DC production until 2025 or later.

Q: Why is Zach Cregger attached to this DC project?
A: His films (Barbarian, Weapons) blend horror, humor, and social commentary—a perfect fit for Gotham’s morally gray stories.

Q: Could Henchman launch a new DC franchise?
A: Its original premise leaves room for sequels or spinoffs exploring Gotham’s criminal ecosystem beyond traditional heroes/villains.