The CW plots 'Robin' prequel series

The CW has made a pilot commitment to The Graysons, a series based around DC Comics superhero Robin's early years, says Variety.

Smallville executive producers Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson will steer the show, along with Supernatural's McG.

The CW views The Graysons as companion show for Smallville, or a direct replacement should the Superman prequel end next year.

In Robin's comic book origin, Dick Grayson is a circus acrobat who witnesses his parents die when a gangster sabotages their trapeze equipment. He subsequently assumes the superhero identity of Robin and becomes Batman's sidekick.

Burt Ward and Chris O'Donnell have previously portrayed Robin on screen.

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