Unseen Concept Art Reveals Grizzled Batman and Damian Wayne in Cancelled Arkham Sequel

Exclusive Concept Art Unveils a Gritty Batman and a Young Damian Wayne

Leaked concept artwork from a previously undisclosed Batman project offers a fresh glimpse into a canceled sequel that would have featured an older, battle-worn Bruce Wayne alongside a youthful Damian Wayne stepping into the cape. This rare visual material sheds light on what could have been a fascinating chapter in the Arkham universe.

The Ambitious “Project Sabbath” and Its Unique Vision

Initially known as “Project Sabbath,” this ambitious sequel was under development by Warner Bros. Games Montreal, the studio behind Batman: Arkham Origins. Following the success of 2015’s Arkham Knight, the game was envisioned as a story exploring two generations of Batmen — Bruce Wayne and his son Damian. The game aimed to deepen the lore by portraying the aging Dark Knight confronting new threats alongside his protege.

Despite the exciting concept, Warner Bros. ultimately canceled the project. Instead, the studio shifted focus to the 2022 release of Gotham Knights, which, unfortunately, received mixed reviews and did not feature Batman himself, but rather other members of the Bat-family.

Connections Within the Arkham Universe and Broader DC Games

At the time, Project Sabbath was poised to be Warner Bros.’ flagship Batman experience, with the studio exploring new narrative directions. Meanwhile, Rocksteady Studios, the creators of the original Arkham trilogy, was working on different concepts, including what would become Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Interestingly, Rocksteady revisited Batman themes in their latest project, even if it diverged from the traditional Arkham storyline.

Insights from Concept Art: Old Bruce and Young Damian

Recent images surfaced online from a former WB Games Montreal artist, showcasing detailed concept art from the canceled game. The artwork depicts a rough-looking, bearded Bruce Wayne in his later years, alongside a confident, youthful Damian Wayne dressed in his Bat suit, featuring a prominent red Bat signal emblem on his chest. Additional designs include characters like Killer Croc with a significantly different appearance and Huntress, hinting at a diverse roster of villains and heroes.

While it remains unclear whether this game would have fit within the official Arkham canon, some design elements suggest a different approach to familiar characters. For instance, Killer Croc’s design deviates markedly from previous iterations, indicating a fresh take. Conversely, Poison Ivy’s appearance in the canceled game resembles her portrayal in other Arkham-related titles, hinting at some stylistic continuity.

Earlier Reveals and Artistic Inspirations

This isn’t the first time concept art from the project has appeared online. Back in 2021, another former WB Games Montreal developer shared images depicting Damian Wayne in a sleek Batsuit adorned with a red Bat signal, alongside the older Bruce Wayne in his combat gear. These visuals reinforce the idea that the game would have featured Bruce continuing his vigilante duties even in retirement, mentoring Damian along the way.

Studio Downsizing and Future Possibilities

Following the release of Gotham Knights and ongoing support for Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, WB Games Montreal faced significant layoffs in December 2024, with nearly 100 positions cut. Despite these setbacks, reports suggest that Rocksteady is now working on a new, single-player Batman game, which could potentially revisit the Damian and Bruce storyline fans have long anticipated.

Could This Be the Long-Awaited Damian and Bruce Batman Game?

With these revelations and ongoing developments, fans remain hopeful that the project might eventually see the light of day. The concept art hints at a darker, more mature Batman story — one that explores aging heroism and the legacy passed to Damian. Perhaps, someday soon, we’ll finally get to experience the game that has been lingering in the shadows for years.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.