James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that a new Batman will be introduced to the DCU in the upcoming film The Brave and the Bold, confirming that actor Robert Pattinson will not reprise his role in this new universe. During a DC Studios presentation, Safran and Gunn clarified that Pattinson's portrayal of Batman is exclusive to Matt Reeves’ The Batman Epic Crime Saga.
Gunn stated, “It's certainly not the plan,” regarding the possibility of 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.”
This announcement comes after speculation arose earlier this year when Reeves suggested there might be a possibility for Pattinson to play Batman across the DCU. However, Reeves emphasized his focus on The Batman Epic Crime Saga, stating, “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.”
Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves’ vision for The Batman Part 2, saying, “We love Matt’s vision for The Batman Part 2, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are.” He also noted that while Reeves has yet to submit a script, the initial drafts are promising.
As for The Brave and the Bold, the project is in “very active development,” with Gunn and Safran working closely on the script. They plan to present it to The Flash director Andy Muschietti once it's ready, to see if he's a good fit for directing. Safran hinted that more details on The Brave and the Bold will be announced soon.
The release of The Batman Part 2 has been postponed to October 1, 2027, marking a five-year gap between the first film and its sequel. When asked about the release window for The Brave and the Bold, Safran cryptically remarked, “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, a glimpse of Gunn's Batman was seen in Episode 6 of Creature Commandos, where the character was shown standing on a rooftop, overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. Gunn explained that this brief, silhouette-focused appearance was intentional, stating, “I asked for more silhouette after the original Batman on show was more detailed than I was ready to commit to at the time.”
This cameo confirmed that Batman already exists and is well-known within the DCU during the events of Creature Commandos and the upcoming Superman movie, eliminating the need for an origin story. Gunn also hinted at future collaborations between Batman and Superman, expressing his deep affection for the character, “I just love Batman. I love him. I've loved him since I was a little kid... 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.
