Batman prequel ‘Gotham’ gets series order at Fox

Fox is going back to an era before there was a Batman with its new series “Gotham.” On Monday, the network announced it was ordering the pilot to series, the first official series pickup of the networks’ new season.

The series, written and executive produced by “The Mentalist” creator Bruno Heller, will explore the early years of future Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon, back when he was just a detective. And Bruce Wayne was just an orphaned preteen.

“Southland” star Ben McKenzie will play Gordon. Other cast members include Donal Logue as Gordon’s partner and mentor, police detective Harvey Bullock; Jada Pinkett Smith as crime boss Fish Mooney; David Mazouz as Wayne; Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot (who will eventually become the Penguin); Camren Bicondova as Selina Kyle (who will eventually become Catwoman); Erin Richards as Gordon’s doctor fiancée, Barbara Kean; Sean Pertwee as Wayne’s butler Alfred Pennyworth; Zabryna Guevera as Gordon’s boss Captain Essen; and guest star Cory Michael Smith as Edward Nygma (who will eventually become the Riddler).

The pilot was directed by “CSI” executive producer Danny Cannon.

On the heels of the network’s announcement, it planned to unveil the first-look teaser at the series during the Monday night premiere of “24: Live Another Day.”

Another DC character, Green Arrow, has been enjoying success with a similar origin story series, “Arrow,” which has been renewed by the CW for a third season. Another DC character, the Flash, could also get a spinoff series on that network. The CW ordered a pilot about the character after he was introduced on “Arrow” this season.