Thomas Wayne was a doctor in Gotham City. He was the husband of Martha Wayne, and the father of Bruce Wayne.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
- "My father sat me down right here. Told me what Wayne Manor was built on."
"Railroads, real estates, and oil."
"The first generation made their fortune trading with the French, Pelts and skins. They were hunters." - ―Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth[src]
Thomas Wayne was born in 1942 from Patrick A. Wayne, into the Wayne family, one of the most powerful and influential families in Gotham City. Upon reaching adulthood, Wayne inherited his ancestor's family business, Wayne Enterprises. Wayne married Martha Wayne, with whom he later had a son named Bruce Wayne.[1]
During his company leadership, a portrait of Thomas Wayne was placed in the board room of Wayne Enterprises, next to the portrait of his father.[2] Thomas sat young Bruce down in Wayne Manor next to where their family crest was engraved, and told him how despite the manor itself being built on railways, real estates and oil, the first generation of Waynes had made their fortune as hunters, trading pelts and skins with the French.[1]
Murdered by Joe Chill[]
On 1981, Thomas was having a family night out at the Aragon Theatre in Gotham City with his wife Martha and son, Bruce. After returning from the theatre, the Wayne family was stopped by a mugger, Joe Chill, in an abandoned street.
When the mugger drew a gun, Thomas tried to disarm him but was shot. The mugger also shot Martha, who had put up a similar resistance, leaving the young Bruce to cry out in shock and horror. His father then called out his mother's name, "Martha" with his last dying breath.[1]
Legacy[]
- "You know, I never thought I’d see the defenders of Earth united and fighting as one. It wouldn’t have happened without you, Bruce. Your mother and father would be proud."
- ―Martian Manhunter to Bruce Wayne[src]
The death of Thomas and Martha left shockwaves amongst Gotham's communities, and its aftereffects would be felt long after their deaths. The biggest effect arguably centered around the Batman, a vigilante spawned as a direct result of the traumatic events of that day. The symbol of justice that their son Bruce took upon in a one-man war of terror upon the criminals of Gotham. For more than two decades, Bruce waged his war in their name.
When attempting to kill the alien superhero known as Superman, Bruce mentioned his parents, stating how they had taught him the lesson of dying in the gutter for no reason at all. Just as Bruce was about to strike the killing blow upon Superman, Superman mentioned the name "Martha" in his pleas. The mention thus triggered memories of the fateful night in question, including his father calling out the name with his last dying breath.[1]
Behind the scenes[]
- Thomas Wayne in the DC Extended Universe is the fifth live-action incarnation of the character, following incarnations portrayed by David Baxt, Michael Scranton, Linus Roache and Grayson McCouch.
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan also portrayed Edward Morgan Blake, a vigilante known as the Comedian from another DC live action movie, Watchmen, which was also directed by Zack Snyder.
Trivia[]
- Morgan and his on-screen wife Lauren Cohan have also appeared in The Walking Dead together, as Negan and Maggie Rhee respectively. The two are enemies in the show.
Gallery[]
