James Gunn defends slow progress of Batman sequel, addressing the reasons behind the project’s extended timeline and urging fans to be patient while Matt Reeves works on the script. The highly anticipated follow-up to Matt Reeves’ 2022 Gotham film continues to generate intense debate, as audiences question its future in the newly reorganized DC film universe.
Gunn Responds to Concerns Over Sequel’s Delay
James Gunn, who was appointed co-CEO of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran following a significant restructuring in late 2022, has been outspoken about the status of The Batman sequel. The initial film, featuring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman and co-starring Colin Farrell as The Penguin and Paul Dano as The Riddler, was both a box office hit and a critical favorite. Nonetheless, with the sequel’s release date postponed to 2027, skepticism has arisen about whether the film will proceed as planned.
Gunn has acknowledged these uncertainties, highlighting that a five-year gap between films is not unusual in Hollywood. He pointed to the seven-year span between the second and third Guardians of the Galaxy movies as precedent. According to Gunn, he is currently expecting to receive Matt Reeves’ script soon and remains confident in the direction of the project.
“We feel really good about it.”
—James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios
Defending Matt Reeves’ Creative Process
Amid growing impatience from some supporters, Gunn strongly defended director Matt Reeves’ creative timeline. He insisted that Reeves should have the liberty to complete the screenplay at his own pace, without excessive pressure from the fanbase.
“People should get off Matt’s nuts because it’s like, let the guy write the screenplay in the amount of time he needs to write it. That’s just the way it is. He doesn’t owe you something because you like his movie. I mean, you like his movie because of Matt. So let Matt do things the way he does.”
—James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios
Gunn also criticized what he views as undue entitlement from some fans regarding production speed.
“I mean, it’s just that thing people don’t need to be entitled about. It’s going to come out when he feels good about the screenplay. And Matt’s not going to give me the screenplay until he feels good about the screenplay.”
—James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios
Sequel’s Role in the Broader DC Universe
Despite speculation that the sequel might not fit into DC Studios’ future, Gunn has maintained that the project remains critical to the studio’s slate.
“What Matt’s doing is still really important, despite all stories to the contrary,”
he stated when discussing rumors around the film’s place in upcoming developments.
“We’re supposed to see that script shortly, and I can’t wait”
—James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios
Reeves’ version of Gotham and Batman, noted for its realistic and darker narrative, will continue to exist outside of the primary DC Universe continuity. Gunn confirmed earlier this year that Robert Pattinson’s Batman would not crossover into the main DC timeline, as a new actor will portray the legendary superhero within the fresh DC Universe era. This separation allows both interpretations to develop independently, with The Batman and its sequel maintaining a unique tone and environment.
Cast Reactions and Industry Context
Robert Pattinson, who brought a brooding complexity to Bruce Wayne, joked in March about his hopes for The Batman 2 to begin filming soon, citing his age as a motivator. Meanwhile, questions linger among fans and industry observers about the impact of finished scripts on filmmaking, as Gunn recently remarked that incomplete scripts are contributing to broader struggles within Hollywood. The ongoing delay of the Batman sequel is thus set against a backdrop of shifting strategies at DC Studios and wider concerns over industry standards.
While some uncertainty and conflicting emotions persist among cast, crew, and supporters, Gunn’s messages demonstrate strong backing for Matt Reeves’ vision and process. As fans look forward to developments, major entities like DC Studios, Robert Pattinson, Colin Farrell, Paul Dano, and key executive figures remain at the center of attention regarding the next chapter for Gotham’s dark knight. The outcome of this unique creative approach could influence the trajectory of superhero cinema in years to come.
