James Gunn clarifies Batman timeline in DC Universe after questions arose about the chronology between Batman, Doctor Phosphorus, and Gotham City mob boss Rupert Thorne. This decision affects the interpretation of key DCU events, especially how Batman’s arrival influences villain histories.
Gunn’s Explanation Reshapes the DCU’s Early Criminal Era
James Gunn, the co-head of DC Studios, stepped in to address growing fan debates sparked by the animated series Creature Commandos. In the show, Alan Tudyk voices Doctor Phosphorus, whose transformation and subsequent actions have generated intense speculation. A pivotal moment occurs when Doctor Phosphorus murders Rupert Thorne, voiced by Benjamin Byron Davis, seizing control of the mobster’s empire. This event led many to wonder about Batman’s timeline, since Thorne is historically one of his primary foes.
Gunn replied directly to a fan query on social media to explain the sequence of events:
“It would be silly to assume Phosphorus met Batman the minute after he became Phosphorus. I wouldn’t even trust Phosphorus’ sense of time/proclivity for hyperbole.”
—James Gunn, Co-head of DC Studios
This response highlights that Doctor Phosphorus operated for a substantial period after his transformation—likely years—before Batman entered the picture. The animated series depicts Phosphorus violently eliminating Thorne and his family, and then running Thorne’s criminal organization. Later, Batman does apprehend Phosphorus, which indicates the Dark Knight’s presence in the same continuity, but not necessarily right from the villain’s early days.
Timeline Speculations and the 15-Year Claim
As Creature Commandos continues, viewers learn that Doctor Phosphorus hasn’t been “touched in 15 years” after becoming a monster, as he mentions during the series. This line caused fans to question whether Gotham’s protector, Batman, had a much lengthier career than previously known, as facing Phosphorus would place his earliest activity far in the past.
Gunn’s statements suggest that fans should not interpret the villain’s sense of time literally. Instead, the implication is that Doctor Phosphorus managed Thorne’s former empire for a long time before Batman’s presence was truly felt in Gotham or before he chose to focus on this particular criminal. This nuanced perspective means Rupert Thorne could be effectively removed from having a direct rivalry or even a significant confrontation with this version of Batman.
Establishing Batman’s Role in the New DC Universe
The clarification from Gunn reinforces that Batman in the DCU is already an established legend, operating covertly and decisively before the main narrative of The Brave and the Bold. Unlike a traditional origin-story approach, both he and Superman are depicted as known heroes, with several years of experience under their belts. Specifics about the number of years or their complete crimefighting histories have not been revealed, but the strategy gives filmmakers space to introduce more layered stories.
A key aspect of this direction is the introduction of Damian Wayne—the son of Bruce Wayne, who becomes Robin—in the upcoming Batman film. Damian’s involvement signals a mature Batman who has already built the foundational members of the Bat-family, experienced personal change, and witnessed the rise and fall of major antagonists such as Doctor Phosphorus. Even Phosphorus’s assertion of a 15-year gap becomes a tool to reinforce Batman’s established legacy rather than an exact timeline marker.
Distinct Identity for the DCU’s Batman
With Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson’s Batman movies continuing in the alternate “Elseworlds” line, James Gunn is under pressure to create a bold new version within the mainline DC Universe. Gunn has promised that this Batman will not repeat the tone of previous versions or become a campy caricature. He aims for the character to fit meaningfully into the interconnected DCU, balancing seriousness, complexity, and relevance for future crossovers.
To achieve this, Gunn is working closely with the scriptwriter for The Brave and the Bold. The scripting process, he has made clear, is a top priority alongside other marquee properties like Wonder Woman. Gunn’s determination is to make sure that Batman’s distinct backstory and presence are clear, justified, and compelling in the shared universe, providing a credible reason for this Caped Crusader’s existence and his relationships with key figures like Damian Wayne and Gotham’s notorious criminal class.
The Significance of Rupert Thorne’s Exclusion
Rupert Thorne, for decades a central figure in Batman’s rogues’ gallery and Gotham’s underworld, may now be relegated to background lore in the DCU. If Thorne’s downfall occurred before Batman’s active years, it means audiences will see a new criminal history unfolding, one shaped not by the old guard of mobsters, but by metahumans and more modern threats like Doctor Phosphorus. For fans, this could mark a notable shift away from the archetypical Gotham mob era into a period dominated by monsters, science, and supernatural adversaries.
This move opens creative possibilities for fresh villains to step forward and challenge Batman, potentially redefining who Gotham’s real threats are. The path is paved for adversaries like Doctor Phosphorus, who has proven capable of erasing the old crime lords, to be pivotal in establishing Batman’s legend within the new continuity.
What Comes Next: Future of Batman and His Enemies in the DCU
Creature Commandos, streaming on HBO Max, continues to expand this new mythos, weaving the origins and consequences for characters like Alexander Sartorius (Doctor Phosphorus). James Gunn’s approach creates flexibility in how and when these villains crossed paths with Gotham’s protector. With Batman and his allies like Damian Wayne already established, and with the narrative distance from classic mobsters such as Rupert Thorne, the DCU is positioned to introduce complex, high-stakes conflicts for future films and series.
As anticipation grows for The Brave and the Bold and the continued rollout of the DCU, questions remain about exactly which adversaries will define Batman’s early legend. What is clear is that James Gunn’s clarification ensures the timeline allows for new interpretations and surprising confrontations—reinventing both villains and heroes for contemporary audiences.
