BB-Reaction to the Reboot
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The moment the final scene of "Phoenix" hit the screen, theaters erupted in a cacophony of gasps and cheers. Fans, critics, and casual moviegoers alike were left stunned as the cryptic face of Bruce Wayne, the previous James Bond, appeared in the film's closing moments. As the camera lingered on his weathered face, the faintest smirk played on his lips before the screen cut to black, leaving the audience in shocked silence before the credits rolled.
It was a bold, unexpected twist—a moment that was meticulously orchestrated by Bruce Wayne himself. For years, Wayne had quietly stepped back from the role that had defined much of his public persona. His departure after over two dousin films as Bond had marked the end of an era. Many thought he'd retired for good, preferring the shadows of Gotham to the spotlight of Hollywood. But tonight, that all changed. The Public's Reaction
In the heart of Neo-Gotham, the reaction was immediate and palpable. News outlets scrambled to cover the seismic cultural event, with clips of the film's final moments trending across every social media platform in record time. Within hours, #BruceIsBack and #TerryBond were trending worldwide.
Outside the grand premiere at the Neo-Gotham Theater, fans lined up for hours to get a glimpse of the stars, but it was the final scene that had them buzzing.
"I thought Bruce was done," said one fan, still reeling from the reveal. "Seeing him back on screen like that? It was like the whole theater lost their minds!"
Others were quick to praise Terry McGinnis' debut as the new Bond, a role that had been the subject of much speculation and skepticism.
"I wasn't sure Terry could pull it off," admitted one long-time Bond fan, "but he nailed it. The grit, the charm—it's like Bruce passed the torch, but with that final scene, you can tell there's more to this story." Interviews and Celebrity Gossip
In the days following the premiere, the buzz only intensified. Neo-Gotham's celebrity circuit was alight with gossip and intrigue. Reporters were desperate to interview Bruce Wayne, but the reclusive billionaire turned movie star remained elusive. Instead, Terry McGinnis was front and center at every press junket and talk show.
In an interview on Neo-Gotham Tonight, Terry sat coolly in his chair, his smirk reminiscent of the James Bond he now embodied.
"I have to admit," Terry said, leaning forward, "when Bruce approached me about taking over the role, I wasn't sure. Bond? That's...a legacy. And I knew it came with a lot of expectations, especially given Bruce's history with the character."
The host pressed for more details on Bruce's involvement, but Terry remained coy, only hinting that the veteran actor had been instrumental in shaping the new era of Bond.
"Bruce always has a plan," Terry said, chuckling. "Trust me, nothing is ever what it seems with him."
Tabloids were ablaze with rumors. Whispers of Bruce Wayne's return to the screen spread like wildfire. Some speculated he would take on a mentor role, while others believed he was reprising his iconic character for a final arc. There were even outlandish theories that Wayne had been secretly involved in the production from the very beginning, pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Dana Tan, Terry's longtime girlfriend, was also thrust into the spotlight. She was seen at various Hollywood parties, dodging questions about Terry's growing fame and what it meant for their relationship.
"I'm proud of him," she told a reporter from The Gotham Insider. "He's worked hard, and this role—it's a big deal. But at the end of the day, he's still Terry. Fame hasn't changed him." The Legion of Superheroes' Commentary
In the 30th century, far removed from the fast-paced celebrity culture of Neo-Gotham, the Legion of Superheroes was watching too. Their advanced tech allowed them to stream historical events from the 21st century, and the premiere of "Phoenix" was no exception.
In the Legion's headquarters, Saturn Girl, Brainiac 5, and Lightning Lad sat around a holographic screen, fascinated by the cultural legacy of a character like James Bond.
"Bond seems like an odd cover for Batman," Lightning Lad remarked, his brow furrowed. "I mean, isn't he supposed to be all about shadows and brooding? Bond's, well, smooth."
Saturn Girl smiled. "It's a clever disguise, though, isn't it? It allows McGinnis to maintain a public persona while keeping his real work hidden. Besides, it's not just a disguise. It's a statement. Gotham's protector, blending into the world of espionage."
Brainiac 5 tapped his chin thoughtfully. "What's more interesting is Bruce Wayne's return. The man has always been an enigma, even in our historical records. This move? It's classic Bruce. He's reminding the world—and McGinnis—that he's always in control. Even when you think he's retired."
The Legion couldn't help but admire the legacy unfolding before them. From their vantage point in the future, they saw Terry's Bond as more than just a role—he was carrying the weight of two worlds, Gotham's dark knight and the suave spy known to the world. The Final Scene Breakdown
As days passed, film critics dissected the final moments of "Phoenix" with fervor. Bruce Wayne's return had turned what was already a blockbuster into a cultural phenomenon. Articles poured out, praising the subtle brilliance of the scene.
"Wayne's appearance is more than just fan service," one critic wrote in The Gotham Times. "It's a masterstroke of storytelling. He's not just back as a character—he's back as the puppet master, orchestrating a new era of Bond, even as he steps out of the shadows. Wayne is no longer just the man behind the mask; he's the architect of an entire legacy."
Another analyst from Empire Beyond added, "This reveal was decades in the making. We always knew Bruce Wayne had a plan, but to see it come full circle like this? It's cinematic poetry."
As the hype continued to build, fans began theorizing about the mysterious character Bruce Wayne would play in future films. Was he reprising his role as an older Bond, or was this a new character entirely? Theories abounded, but one thing was certain—Bruce Wayne was back, and his influence over Gotham, and Bond, was far from over.
In a quiet corner of Wayne Manor, Bruce watched the world react, the faintest smile crossing his face. His plan had worked, as it always did. He had paved the way for Terry, and now, he would see just how far the new Bond could go.
The hysteria surrounding the release of "Phoenix" reached new heights as fans flooded social media platforms with their reactions. Terry McGinnis' debut as Bond was hailed as a success, but it was the sudden reappearance of Bruce Wayne in the film's final scene that sent shockwaves through Gotham—and beyond. The Neo-Gotham skyline was lit up with digital billboards displaying Terry's Bond, but now, the city was buzzing with the hashtag #OldManWayneReturns.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Frenzy
#FreshBlood vs #OldLegend trended worldwide, as fans debated Terry's performance and Bruce Wayne's cryptic return. The online reaction was split, with many praising Terry's gritty, youthful take on Bond while others couldn't help but celebrate Bruce's legacy.
"Terry brought a rawness to Bond that's been missing for years. #TerryBond all the way!" one fan posted, the comment amassing thousands of likes in minutes.
But the diehard Bruce Wayne fans were louder, louder even than Gotham's infamous subway systems.
"You can't outdo the OG! Bruce was BORN to play Bond. That smirk at the end? Legendary. #BruceIsBond," echoed another fan's message that instantly went viral, accompanied by a gif of Wayne's final moment in the film.
Within hours, debates across platforms like HoloChat and VidWave ignited passionate exchanges about the future of the Bond franchise. Fan-made trailers were cut, showcasing Terry's electrifying action scenes alongside Bruce's grizzled, mysterious return, creating mashups like #TheOldGuardAndTheNewBlood.
But it wasn't just the fans who had something to say.
Justice League Group Chat
In the dim, polished study of Wayne Manor, Bruce Wayne sat by the fire, his attention fixed on his digital wrist-link as it pinged repeatedly. A bemused look crossed his face as teasing messages from the retired Justice League flooded in, each one more sarcastic than the last.
Clark Kent, now living a quiet life as a journalist for a historical paper, sent a holo-message:
"Bruce, you never could stay out of the game, could you? Or is this your way of telling us you're bored?"
Attached was a doctored image of Bruce's Bond smirking alongside an older Clark in glasses, the caption reading: Old Heroes Never Die, They Just Get Recast.
Wonder Woman:
"I thought we were done with the masks, Bruce. You should have called. Terry's good, but the world wasn't ready for you back in the spotlight."
Her message ended with an ancient Amazonian proverb: Warriors live long past their prime, but Legends never truly retire.
Bruce smirked, but it was Wally West's message that made him roll his eyes:
"Dude! You stole my thunder. I was going to cameo in the next Speed Force documentary, but now YOU'RE all anyone talks about. Oh, and good job training Terry. I give him...7/10."
Wally included a slowed-down replay of Terry's leap from one skyscraper to another, with red lines animated around the edges showing where Wally thought he'd faltered.
But the most cryptic message came from J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter. His text read:
"The shadows still hide much, old friend. Some fires never fade...nor do some enemies."
Bruce's face smirked, knowing full well that J'onn's instincts were rarely wrong.
As he stared at the messages, Bruce's amusement gave way to contemplation. He had trained Terry to be Gotham's protector, but now he was more than that. Terry was a global symbol, walking in the footsteps of both the Dark Knight and Bond. The weight of it wasn't lost on Bruce—and neither was the danger that came with it.
The Mysterious Island
Across the world, hidden in the depths of a forgotten ocean, seven dark shapes sat on thrones carved from stone. Their white, expressionless masks glinted in the low light of the underground chamber, reflecting only the dim glow of a holographic screen that hung before them. The island was known only in whispers, a place of dread, exile, and fear.
On the screen, the final moments of "Phoenix" played again—the image of Terry McGinnis, standing on the edge of a skyscraper, crossbow in hand, his eyes cold yet confident. The masked figures watched in silence, their empty gazes locked on the scene as if dissecting every movement.
Finally, one of them leaned forward, a gloved hand stroking the mask's chin.
"He's...new."
Another figure, larger and more imposing, chuckled, the sound barely audible beneath his mask.
"Fresh meat, indeed."
The seven figures grinned behind their masks, a collective murmur of agreement rippling through the chamber.
They turned back to the screen as the scene replayed once more—Terry's confident smirk, his posture resolute, the city in flames beneath him. Their amusement was clear.
"He thinks he's ready."
Another figure leaned forward, tapping a clawed finger against the stone.
"Let's see how long the new Bond lasts..."
The figures shifted in unison, as if the decision had already been made. Their masks gleamed in the darkness, seven predators watching a prey that had yet to realize it was being hunted.
Gotham's Celebrity Gossip
Meanwhile, back in Neo-Gotham, the press couldn't get enough of the post-Phoenix hype. Dana Tan, Terry's longtime girlfriend, became an instant sensation, with paparazzi following her every move. Speculation about their relationship status exploded, with gossip headlines like, "Is Gotham's Hero Ready for Hollywood's Spotlight?"
Every aspect of Terry's life was under scrutiny now, from his fashion choices to his mysterious late-night disappearances (carefully orchestrated by Bruce to cover his nightly vigilante work). Celebrity gossip vlogs debated whether Dana would stay by his side as Terry's fame skyrocketed. One high-profile talk show host even invited Dana for an exclusive interview, but she wisely declined, staying out of the drama—for now.
Yet, for every headline praising Terry's newfound stardom, there were others questioning his readiness for the role of Bond. #TerryTooSoon trended in certain circles, with critics calling him "unproven" and comparing him endlessly to Bruce Wayne's legacy. The weight of it all was heavy, but Terry remained cool under the pressure.
He had to. Bruce Wayne was always watching.
In the heart of the Batcave, Bruce continued monitoring the feeds, his sharp gaze catching every social media thread, every tabloid headline. His plan was in motion, but he knew that this was just the beginning. He could feel the eyes on Terry from 7 familiar figures and an Island that he had history with.
Bruce smirked to himself. "Fresh meat," they called Terry. They'll find out soon enough.