As James Gunn and Peter Safran prepare to launch the new DCU with the highly anticipated Superman movie, attention is rapidly shifting to how they will handle DC’s other iconic hero, Batman. Navigating James Gunn’s approach to differentiating DCU Batman from Matt Reeves‘ version stands as a central challenge, especially as fans wonder if a new tone will emerge after two decades dominated by somber portrayals.
Grappling With Two Competing Batman Visions
With Superman set to debut the DCU’s fresh lineup, speculation around Batman is mounting. Gunn and Safran must juggle the creation of a DCU-exclusive Batman film while Matt Reeves continues developing The Batman II. Reeves’ slow progress has sparked fan impatience, but Gunn defends him staunchly.
“Let [Reeves] take his time. Let him do what he’s doing. God, people are mean. Let him do his thing, man.”
—James Gunn, DCU Co-Boss
Apart from defending Reeves’ pace, Gunn has reiterated that Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is unlikely to join the DCU continuity. This stance lays out a complex situation for studio heads, who must both respect Reeves’ darker, independent vision and define a distinct identity for the Bat in their own interconnected universe. Despite little being revealed about the DCU’s Batman film, currently known as The Brave and the Bold, Gunn expressed confidence to Rolling Stone that he and its writer have discovered a new direction worth exploring. He categorically rejected one possible angle, however, saying he is
“not interested in a funny, campy Batman.”
Fans Wonder If a Lighter Batman Might Be the Answer
While Gunn stands firm against overt camp, the question remains: should the DCU’s Batman embrace its more humorous side? Since Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins revitalized the franchise in 2005, mainstream Batman portrayals have leaned heavily into shadows and seriousness, a trend deepened by Zack Snyder’s and Matt Reeves’ approaches. The only recent exception comes from Will Arnett’s playful, tongue-in-cheek animated Batman in The Lego Batman Movie, which highlighted the character’s versatility.
Injecting subtle humor and a touch of lightness could set the DCU’s Batman apart from Reeves’ continuing noir-inspired series. As long as the film doesn’t swing to the extremes of Joel Schumacher’s Batman—whose flamboyant style divided audiences—a more balanced tone might counter potential fan fatigue that can follow endless darkness. In discussing the immense pressure of reimagining Batman for the evolving DCU, Gunn acknowledged:
“biggest issue in all of DC right now.”
—James Gunn, DCU Co-Boss
While neither Gunn nor most fans likely want the next Batman to become a comedic spectacle, the franchise’s comic book roots prove that heroism and levity can coexist without undermining stakes or emotional weight. Fans hoping for a Batman with personality aren’t necessarily demanding slapstick or silliness—just a break from back-to-back gloom.
Creative Directions for the New Batman
Fans clinging to the idea of a lighter Batman may find solace in Gunn’s overall trajectory for the DCU. He has often declared his commitment to honoring heroes’ comic origins and exploring lesser-known characters, giving each project room to develop without being rushed. This more deliberate approach, in sharp contrast to Marvel’s hurried production pace, means Gunn is unlikely to push The Brave and the Bold forward until he deems it ready, regardless of outside pressure.
Gunn’s plans for Superman reflect this slower, more considered process. Test screenings have suggested the optimistic tone will be a marked departure from Zack Snyder’s somber style, with a colorful cast and energetic world-building. By allowing projects the time and creative space to mature, Gunn is betting that long-term investment will outweigh fast box office returns.
For Batman, the DCU’s new Elseworlds concept dramatically expands storytelling possibilities, making room for multiple interpretations that do not need to fit into a single continuous timeline. Even if Gunn’s Batman avoids camp for now, fans may eventually see alternate versions emerge, each offering a different flavor of Gotham’s guardian.
The Road Ahead for DC’s Most Iconic Hero
Twenty years after Christopher Nolan’s gritty reboot, DC finds itself at a crossroads, led by James Gunn’s efforts to distinguish the DCU’s version of Batman from Matt Reeves’ celebrated vision. With Andy Muschietti directing The Brave and the Bold, the creative team faces significant choices about tone, direction, and fan expectations—all while the eyes of the superhero community watch closely.
Gunn must balance his desire to be true to comic book heritage with a public eager for fresh angles, and after a generation of dark Batmen, the prospect of introducing more nuance—if not outright humor—could be exactly what reinvigorates the franchise. Whether Gunn’s hard line against camp will endure, or if the pressure from fans craving something different might influence the creative process, remains the central question as the DCU’s Batman prepares to step into an uncertain spotlight.
