WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Batman #108 by James Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey and Clayton Cowles, on sale now.
Batman has made a massive stamp on popular culture through his decades of films and comics. The Batman movies have made a point to adapt many well-known characters, while also creating a few new ones. Recently, one of the Dark Knight's movie-first characters, Batman Forever's Chase Meridian, may have made her way into the DC Universe.
This easter egg to the Batman films comes in Batman #108, by James Tynion IV and Jorge Jimenez. At the beginning of the issue, Oracle is watching Gotham's newly-elected Mayor Nakano speak at City Hall, honoring security guard Sean Mahoney for his heroism during the attack on Arkham Asylum. Afterward, someone referred to as Dr. Meridian is interviewed about the ceremony. Although their face is never shown, Meridian is very critical of Nakano, saying that he'll have to do much more to earn Gotham's trust. Considering the Scarecrow's impending attacks on the city, and the unresolved attack on Arkham Asylum, Meridian believes that Gotham is filled with fear. According to Dr. Meridian, the mayor will need to introduce a viable alternative to vigilantism to keep Gotham safe.
Dr. Meridian's off-panel appearance is quite possible a nod to the character Dr. Chase Meridian, played by Nicole Kidman in 1995's Batman Forever. Chase Meridian was a criminal psychologist who worked as a consultant for the GCPD to track down criminals such as Two-Face. Immediately, Dr. Meridian developed an attraction to Batman, in both a professional and romantic capacity. At one point, Meridian even attempted to seduce Batman on the roof of the GCPD. Eventually, however, Dr. Meridian met Bruce Wayne, helping him analyze the riddles that Edward Nygma was leaving for him. From here, Bruce asked Chase out on a date, and they went to the circus together.
As time went on, a strange love triangle formed between Dr. Meridian, Bruce Wayne and Batman, before Chase ultimately chose Bruce. Chase deduced Batman's true identity soon after this, before she was kidnapped by the Riddler and Two-Face. After being saved by Batman, Dr. Meridian went to visit the Riddler in Arkham Asylum, where she discovered that he had truly lost his mind and forgotten Batman's secret identity.
Decades later, in 2013's Legends of the Dark Knight #77-79, by Marc Guggenheim and Federico Dallocchio, Chase Meridian made her comic book debut, albeit outside of the main DC continuity. This new take on the character took on a distinct appearance from her movie counterpart, with a darker skin tone and a different hairstyle. Still, Dr. Meridian's character traits remained largely the same.
During Batman's early days, Meridian testified against the Riddler, claiming that he wasn't clinically insane as many had argued before. Throughout the tale, Dr. Meridian tried to get Nygma moved from Arkham to Blackgate Penitentiary, so he wouldn't cause trouble any longer. After this argument was denied, Riddler broke out of his cell again, taking Chase hostage as part of his latest crime. Just like in Batman Forever, though, Batman rescued Meridian. Also like in Batman Forever, Dr. Meridian shared a romantic relationship with Bruce Wayne.
When Meridian analyzed Batman and claimed he had anger issues, Bruce pushed her away, believing she was getting too close. Indeed, when Chase saw Bruce angrily beat on a mugger, she gained a clear insight into his rage.
Just like most of Batman's romantic partners, Chase stopped being part of his life before things could get serious. This story did take place outside of the New 52 continuity, so if Chase Meridian does make another appearance, it would likely be a new version of the character. Even so, if Dr. Meridian makes her return, she will probably hold the same core characteristics that have endured from Batman Forever into the comics.