James Gunn has addressed whether Batman villains can appear both in the new DC Universe movies and in Matt Reeves’ separate Batman films, a topic that has fueled much speculation as DC Studios shapes its future releases. The intersection of the iconic rogues gallery with multiple film series plays a crucial role in the approach taken by DC Studios, especially as projects like The Batman Epic Crime Saga and The Brave and the Bold evolve under Gunn’s oversight, making
“James Gunn on Batman villains in DCU and Reeves movies”
a central topic for fans and industry watchers.
Gunn Reveals Flexibility on Villain Usage Across Universes
Since the 2022 debut of Matt Reeves’ The Batman, featuring Robert Pattinson as the caped crusader, characters such as the Riddler, the Penguin, Catwoman, and the Joker have been reintroduced, signaling the start of a distinct narrative arc often referred to as the Batman Epic Crime Saga. With DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran overseeing this branch in tandem with the forthcoming larger DCU film universe, fans have wondered if there are limitations on which characters, particularly villains, can be used in both universes.
When questioned on Threads about any agreement with Matt Reeves concerning the dual use of Batman’s adversaries in the DCU and the Crime Saga, James Gunn responded,
“No. But both the Crime Saga and the DCU are a part of DC Studios so we of course take everything into account,”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO.
Gunn further clarified the situation by stating,
“But there’s no die hard rule.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. This statement confirms that while DC Studios is aware of overlapping elements, there is no official policy preventing a villain from appearing in both film series.
Current and Upcoming Appearances of Batman’s Rogues Gallery
The exact lineup of villains slated for The Batman sequel, again directed by Matt Reeves, remains unconfirmed. Rumors persist regarding the potential introduction of characters like Hush, Harvey Dent, and Clayface. Clayface, in particular, stands out; not only has the character appeared in the DCU’s Creature Commandos animated series, but a live-action feature is being developed, with Mike Flanagan writing and James Watkins directing. This project will fall under the DCU umbrella, even as Matt Reeves is attached as a producer.
Reeves’ version of the Batman universe, including projects such as the upcoming HBO Max series The Penguin, exists as a separate narrative from the main DCU. Nonetheless, these productions are connected organizationally—they’re produced under the guidance of DC Studios, led by Gunn and Safran. While the DCU will formally launch with James Gunn’s Superman on July 11, Reeves’ projects continue to have a life of their own within the expansive DC Studios framework. This overlapping involvement sometimes blurs the lines between cinematic universes, but each remains distinct in terms of continuity and storyline.
Beyond The Batman sequel and The Penguin series, Matt Reeves is involved in several more Batman-related projects. He is producing the Clayface live-action film, destined for the DCU, and serving as executive producer on Batman: Caped Crusader, an animated series through his 6th & Idaho Motion Picture Company and Dynamic Duo. Additionally, DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation are developing an animated Robins movie, with Reeves connected as executive producer.
Gunn’s Vision for Batman and the Challenge of Differentiation
In an interview with Rolling Stone, James Gunn acknowledged the challenge that Batman presents within his plans for DC Studios. He remarked,
“Batman is my biggest issue in all of DC right now,”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. This issue revolves around the balancing act required to develop a DCU Batman that stands apart from Matt Reeves’ version, particularly as both are under active development and aim to appeal to a global audience.
Gunn elaborated on the creative process:
“I’m not writing Batman, but I am working with the writer of Batman and trying to get it right, because he’s incredibly important to DC, as is Wonder Woman,”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. He also stated,
“So outside of the stuff that I’m doing in the projects that are actively going, our two priorities are finishing our Wonder Woman and our Batman scripts,”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. This careful prioritization underlines the importance that both characters hold in defining the new DCU’s tone and identity.
One of Gunn’s main points of focus is ensuring that the DCU’s Batman, set to debut in The Brave and the Bold directed by Andy Muschietti, carries clear distinctions from Pattinson’s portrayal. Reeves’ Batman universe picks up in the second year of Bruce Wayne’s vigilantism, presenting a younger, more brooding detective. Gunn, on the other hand, cited the comic Batman & Son by Grant Morrison as a touchstone for The Brave and the Bold, pointing to a Batman who is older, more seasoned, and has already worked with multiple Robins before meeting his son, Damian Wayne, shared with Talia al Ghul.
Building a Unique Direction for the DCU’s Batman
Gunn emphasized the narrative justification behind new Batman stories in the DCU. He stated,
“Batman has to have a reason for existing, right? So Batman can’t just be ‘Oh, we’re making a Batman movie because Batman’s the biggest character in all of Warner Bros.,’ which he is,”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. He then contrasted his take with Reeves’:
“But because there’s a need for him in the DCU and a need that he’s not exactly the same as Matt’s Batman. But yet he’s not a campy Batman. I’m not interested in that. I’m not interested in a funny, campy Batman, really,”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO.
This approach suggests that the next iteration of Batman seen in The Brave and the Bold will aim for a serious tone, avoiding the more humorous or exaggerated styles seen in some earlier adaptations. Gunn’s statements also reflect the ongoing care taken to develop Wonder Woman, whose future film is being drafted alongside Batman’s new path.
Regarding the process, Gunn provided insight into his collaborative efforts:
“So we’re dealing with that. I think I have a way in, by the way,”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. He continued,
“I think I really know what it’s [about], I just am dealing with the writer to make sure that we can make it a reality,”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. This hints at his hands-on role in defining the new Batman’s story and identity within the DCU, even as he openly notes the complexities involved.
Release Dates and the Overlapping Batman Timelines
Looking ahead, The Batman 2, the next chapter in Matt Reeves’ saga, is scheduled for an October 1, 2027 release. Meanwhile, The Brave and the Bold, which will anchor Batman in the new DCU, does not yet have a confirmed premiere date. The timeline underscores how both Batman narratives are proceeding independently, under the same overall studio banner.
The ongoing expansion of Batman-related content includes overlapping roles for prominent names such as Mike Flanagan, James Watkins, and Peter Safran, adding to DC Studios’ slate with projects that explore both established and lesser-known characters. This interconnected approach also builds on the legacy of earlier filmmakers; for instance, Christopher Nolan’s guidance to avoid confusion caused by multiple Batmen was referenced by parties involved in previous franchises.
Implications for Fans and the Future of DC Films
The confirmation from James Gunn that Batman villains can move between universes—providing there is studio cooperation but no rigid ban—signals flexibility for future storytelling across the DCU and Reeves’ standalone saga. The willingness to allow creative overlap may mean fans will see characters like Catwoman or the Joker in different continuities without official restrictions, so long as their interpretations serve the specific story being told.
This strategy, as explained by Gunn, recognizes the unique strengths that each corner of DC Studios brings to the table, presenting opportunities for new interpretations while maintaining respect for existing visions. With Wonder Woman and Batman both at the forefront of DC’s cinematic priorities, fans can expect continued innovation and thoughtful differentiation in all upcoming releases.
