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*. This confirmation also means that Robert Pattinson, who portrayed Batman in *The Batman*, will not reprise his role in the DCU. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, co-chiefs Safran and Gunn clarified that Pattinson will continue to play Batman exclusively within director Matt Reeves’ *The Batman Epic Crime Saga*.
“It's certainly not the plan,” Gunn stated when addressing 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*.”
Earlier speculation about Pattinson playing Batman across the entire DCU arose after Reeves hinted at the possibility. However, Reeves emphasized his focus on his own Batman narrative, telling reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, “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.”
Reeves also shared that his priority is getting *The Batman Part 2* into production, aiming to make it a standout film. Gunn and Safran expressed their support for Reeves’ vision for the sequel, with Safran noting, “We love Matt’s vision for *The Batman Part 2*, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are.” However, Safran mentioned that a script for the sequel has yet to be completed, but what they have seen so far is promising.
On the other hand, *The Brave and the Bold* is in "very active development," with Gunn actively involved in the scriptwriting process. Safran hinted that more details about the project will be announced soon. While *The Flash* director Andy Muschietti was initially linked to the project, Gunn and Safran are still refining the script before presenting it to him to see if it aligns with his vision.
*The Batman Part 2* faced a delay and is now scheduled for release on October 1, 2027, creating a five-year gap between the original film and its sequel. Regarding *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran remained coy, stating only, “Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now.”
Fans caught a glimpse of Gunn's Batman in Episode 6 of *Creature Commandos*, where he was seen on a rooftop overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image showed a muscular Batman in his classic costume, though Gunn admitted to requesting a more silhouette-focused portrayal to keep details under wraps. This brief appearance confirmed that Batman already exists within the DCU and is a well-known figure, negating the need for an origin story.
Gunn also hinted at future collaborations between Batman and Superman within the DCU, expressing his personal 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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