Warner Bros. continues to reach deep into the DC Comics vault to develop not just film properties but TV series. The latest project, “Gotham,” has a the sizzle of being associated with the Batman franchise and has landed a big commitment from Fox.

Project is a Gotham City origins story shepherded by Bruno Heller, creator of CBS’ “The Mentalist.” Story will explore the roots of Commissioner James Gordon, a regular figure in Batman tales, and the villains that put Gotham on the map.

Heller is writing the script and will exec produce. Fox has given a series commitment to the project, which is not quite an on-air order but a hefty down payment that puts “Gotham” on the fast track to pilot production.

News was first reported by Deadline.