James Gunn Opens Up About Whether The Batman Joins DCU
DC Studios co-head James Gunn has broken his silence on the biggest creative challenge facing the DCU — figuring out how The Batman Joins DCU in a way that feels fresh. He wants it to be necessary and distinct from all previous versions.
peaking to Rolling Stone, Gunn said Batman is the hardest character to figure out in the new DC Universe slate.
“Batman’s my biggest issue in all of DC right now, personally,”
Gunn admitted.
“I’m not writing Batman, but I’m working with the writer. We’re trying to get it right because he’s incredibly important to DC—just like Wonder Woman.”
Robert Pattinson’s The Batman Joins DCU?
Gunn reaffirmed that the upcoming DCU Batman movie is still titled The Brave and the Bold. The film will center on Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian, and is being directed by The Flash’s Andy Muschietti. Though first announced in 2023, the project has seen delays.
“Batman has to have a reason for existing… It can’t just be ‘We’re making a Batman movie because Batman’s the biggest character in all of Warner Bros.’”
He made it clear that this new Batman won’t fall into a “campy” or comedic tone.
“I’m not interested in a funny, campy Batman, really… I think I have a way in, by the way.”
When asked whether Robert Pattinson’s Batman could become the DCU’s main Batman, Gunn responded cautiously, leaving little room for speculation.
“It would be a consideration… I would never say zero [chance], because you just never know. But it’s not likely. It’s not likely at all.”
This statement confirms that Pattinson’s Batman will remain in the Elseworlds label, completely separate from the main continuity of the DCU that kicks off with Superman in 2025.
Gunn Confirms The Batman Part II Is Still Alive
Recent online rumors suggested that The Batman Part II, directed by Matt Reeves, was quietly canceled. However, Gunn directly addressed this and debunked the speculation.
“It’s not canceled. We don’t have a script. Matt’s slow. Let him take his time. Let him do what he’s doing. God, people are mean. Let him do his thing, man.”
Despite no finished script or timeline, Reeves remains attached to the project. Progress is ongoing but slow, partly due to rumored personal challenges.
DC Studios Prioritizes Batman and Wonder Woman
Gunn emphasized that Batman and Wonder Woman scripts are top priorities for DC Studios. However, he acknowledged that overexposure could weaken Batman’s impact.
“People love [Batman] because he’s interesting, but also having so much of him out there can also make him boring.”
Interestingly, Gunn revealed that Warner Bros. first approached him about directing a Batman film back in 2018, long before his role as DC Studios chief. Talks about merging Pattinson’s version into the mainline DCU happened but ultimately went nowhere.
James Gunn’s remarks make one thing very clear: The Batman Joins DCU is not happening — at least not in the current plan. Instead, DC Studios is building a brand-new version of the Dark Knight in The Brave and the Bold, while Robert Pattinson’s Batman continues his noir-driven saga in a separate universe.
This dual approach allows fans to enjoy two Batmen without overlap or confusion. One will explore emotional depth and detective noir in The Batman Part II, while the other will serve as the DCU’s anchor in a shared superhero universe.
For now, fans can rest easy knowing Batman’s future is secure on both fronts — just not united under a single timeline.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on DCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to DC Updates’ YouTube channel.