Is Nightwing bisexual – as Heated Rivalry star says he wants DC role
Nightwing and Hudson Williams. (X/Twitter/@DCOfficial and Bell Media)
Nightwing and Hudson Williams. (X/Twitter/@DCOfficial and Bell Media)
People are asking if the DC character, Nightwing, is bisexual. And with a certain Heated Rivalry star mentioning that he’d like to play this character, we had to check it out.
Nightwing is the superhero alias of Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson, the first person to take on the mantle of Robin in DC Comics. Of course, Robin has been the long time sidekick to Bruce Wayne aka Batman.
Also known as the ‘Original Boy Wonder’, Dick lived in Batman’s shadow for years before striking out on his own, taking on the name Nightwing.
Dick first appeared as his new alter ego in Tales of The Teen Titans #43 in 1984 and has been a popular character ever since.
As well as the comics, the character has appeared in live action in the DC Universe/HBO Max series, Titans, played by Brenton Thwaites. Nightwing has also shown up in numerous animated series and video games.
There’s even a brief reference to Nightwing in 1995’s Batman Forever, in which Val Kilmer plays Batman. As Dick/Robin, Chris O’Donnell considers taking the name Nightwing.
Is Nightwing bisexual?
As to whether the character is bisexual, there’s a fairly clear answer as far as the comics go: He is not.
Nightwing has, so far, only been portrayed in relationships with characters like Barbara Gordon. Though that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating.
He’s implied to be bisexual in the game Gotham Knights. However, that game is not considered official canon so isn’t counted by most.
There was some confusion among DC fans when Dick graced the cover of one of DC Comics’ Pride covers in 2021.
Sharing the image on Reddit one person questioned whether the character was coming out or whether he was an ally.
“Cos he’s an awesome ally and would definitley [sic] attend every pride parade in Bloodhaven in his full suit, only to be swooned over by every gay and bisexual in the crowd because of how insanely handsome he is,” wrote one person in response as to why Nightwing was on the Pride cover
“If he was bi he would probably show romantic some affection to Jason Todd or Tim Drake since they were pretty close,” theorised another forum member. “Dick may be straight, but he’s certainly no bigot,” added a third.
Another source of confusion (for some) could be in the Robin of it all. Dick was the first Robin but he was by no means the last. Since his tenure as Batman’s sidekick there have been other characters who have filled in the role.
Among the most notable is Tim Drake, who is canonically bisexual. This was confirmed in 2021 with Batman: Urban Legends #6.
What’s the Heated Rivalry connection?
So, where does Heated Rivalry come into all this? Well, that’s thanks to Hudson Williams, current obsession of the internet at large (alongside Connor Storrie).
Williams, who has won well-deserved praise and many a plaudits for his portrayal of Shane Hollander in the Crave series based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers books, has voiced an interest in playing Nightwing in the future.
And not just once, he’s mentioned it a couple of times.
In a recent interview with SATTV, Williams said he’d like to do a film with Luca Guadagnino. He also clearly stated an ambition to play Nightwing.
Before that, in December, Williams posted an image of himself holding a copy of the comic series Nightwing: Year One on Instagram. In the image, he tagged director James Gunn, the head of the DC Universe, suggesting the two get coffee.
And with 2025’s David Corenswet-led Superman launching the new DC Universe, there is a new chance for characters such as Nightwing to get the big screen treatment.
Given the success of Heated Rivalry in the weeks since the show first aired, it’s hard to imagine why the folks at DC wouldn’t consider Williams.
Fans have also taken it upon themselves to push Williams for the role, creating artwork and fan casts of him in character. And, it’s pretty convincing stuff.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
