James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that a new Batman will be introduced in the DCU through the upcoming film, The Brave and the Bold, confirming that Robert Pattinson will not reprise his role as the Caped Crusader in this new universe. Instead, Pattinson will continue to play Batman solely within Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga.
During a DC Studios presentation, Safran and Gunn emphasized the necessity of introducing a new Batman into the DCU. "It's certainly not the plan," Gunn stated about Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran added, "And we love him, but we've got to introduce a Batman into the DCU. That's imperative. And so that's the plan with The Brave and the Bold."
Earlier speculation about Pattinson potentially playing Batman across the DCU was fueled by comments from Reeves, who had left the door open for such a possibility. Speaking to Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, Reeves noted, "It really comes down to whether or not it makes sense. What’s been great is there was a story that I wanted to tell with what we’re calling The Epic Crime Saga and all that, which is the thrust of what we want to do. And it’s been important to me to be able to play that out. And James and Peter have been really, really great about that and they’re letting us do that. What the future brings? I can’t really tell you. I have no idea right now except that my head is down now about getting The Batman Part 2 shooting and to make it something really, really special which, of course, is the most important thing."
Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves' vision for The Batman Part 2, saying, "We love Reeves’ vision for The Batman Part 2, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are." He mentioned that while Reeves has yet to turn in a script, "what we've read so far is very encouraging."
As for The Brave and the Bold, the film is in "very active development," with the story "coming together very nicely." There's uncertainty about whether Andy Muschietti, the director of The Flash, will helm the project. Gunn and Safran are currently developing the script and will present it to Muschietti "when we have it in a place where we think it's ready to go... and see if it's a fit for him," Safran explained. Gunn added, "I'm very, very actively involved in that script." More details on The Brave and the Bold are expected to be announced soon.
The release of The Batman Part 2 has been delayed to October 1, 2027, marking a five-year gap between the first film and its sequel. When asked about the potential release window for The Brave and the Bold, Safran simply stated, "Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now."
While fans await The Brave and the Bold to see Gunn's take on Batman, a brief glimpse of the character was provided in Episode 6 of Creature Commandos. The scene showed Batman standing on a rooftop, observing crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image featured a muscular Batman in his classic costume, but offered little insight into Gunn's specific vision for the character. Gunn later explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that he had requested a more silhouetted appearance to avoid revealing too much too soon.
This cameo in Creature Commandos confirmed that Batman already exists and is well-known within the DCU, negating the need for an origin story. Gunn also hinted at future collaborations between Batman and Superman, expressing his deep affection for the character: "This is the DCU Batman. Listen I gotta tell you, I just love Batman. I love him. I've loved him since I was a little kid. He's one of my favorite characters. I've gone on the record in the past when I was at Marvel saying my favorite character is Batman. I love him and we're going to do great things with him. He's the most popular superhero in the world and I can't wait for people to see more of him, along with Superman, and together."
Confirmed DCU Projects
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Batman in Creature Commandos. Image credit: Max.