u/DumbassInternetUser

Originally, I was full in on "Crane is just lying out of his ass" but after some of the discussion I've seen today I can see the appeal of it all being planned to an extent. Prime Bruce becoming Batman from a random act of violence vs Absolute Bruce Bruce becoming Batman from a calculated act of evil is a nice contrast. I could also see it being partially planned as a way to get back at the Court of Owls but that Batman was an unintended side effect.