If Batman Beyond ever makes a triumphant return to screens, it will do so in a world without Will Friedle, the iconic voice actor who brought to life Terry McGinnis, the futuristic Batman of this cherished animated series. Friedle’s portrayal is deeply ingrained in the memories of fans, making his absence significant in any potential revival.

During an engaging panel discussion at Animate! Columbus 2025, Friedle was posed with the question of whether he would be interested in reprising his role in Batman Beyond. Despite his enduring passion for the series, he expressed uncertainty about returning without the late Kevin Conroy, who tragically passed away in 2022. Friedle’s emotional connection to both the character and Conroy is evident in his response.

“If you asked me that question three years ago, ‘Oh my god, yes. Get me in front of the microphone right now.’ Now that Kevin’s gone, I don’t know if I could do it again,” Friedle shared candidly. He elaborated, “I think they would need to recast both roles. Because being Terry and not having him answer as Bruce, I don’t think I could do it.“

Set against the backdrop of a futuristic Gotham City, Batman Beyond chronicles the adventures of Terry McGinnis, a resourceful teenager who joins forces with an aging Bruce Wayne to combat crime and corruption. Armed with a cutting-edge Batsuit, Terry embodies the spirit of justice and innovation that defines the Batman legacy.

Beginning with Batman: The Animated Series, Kevin Conroy lent his voice to Batman across numerous television shows, animated films, and video games. For countless fans, Conroy was the quintessential voice of the Dark Knight, forever changing the landscape of superhero storytelling. Friedle’s sentiments are echoed by fellow actor Mark Hamill, who has also expressed reluctance to return as the Joker without Conroy. “They would call and say, ‘They want you to do the Joker,’ and my only question was, ‘Is Kevin Batman?’ If they said yes, I would say, ‘I’m in.’ We were like partners. We were like Laurel and Hardy,” Hamill reminisced. “Without Kevin there, there doesn’t seem to be a Batman for me.’“

Currently, Friedle’s last vocal performance as Terry McGinnis can be found in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, a trilogy of animated films that also mark the final appearances of Conroy’s Batman and Hamill’s Joker. This noteworthy project serves as a poignant reminder of the legacy these actors have built within the DC universe.

While the future of Batman Beyond remains uncertain, it is clear that efforts have been made to revive the series. Reports indicate that writer Christina Hodson, known for her work on The Flash, was crafting a script featuring Michael Keaton’s Batman mentoring Terry McGinnis in his journey to become the next Dark Knight. Unfortunately, these plans were shelved following the leadership changes at DC Studios with James Gunn and Peter Safran stepping in.