David Corenswet’s Superman may not be alone in James Gunn’s new DCU, as the director is hinting at early connections between Superman and Batman, suggesting that their paths might have already crossed in this rebooted universe, even before audiences see it on screen. With anticipation building for the movie set to premiere in July 2025, fans are left wondering how the David Corenswet Superman Batman connection will shape the future of these legendary superheroes in the hands of James Gunn.
Gunn’s Vision: A Familiar World with New Dynamics
James Gunn has set out to reshape the DC Universe, introducing fresh dynamics to heroes and villains who have been part of the cultural landscape for almost a century. The likes of Superman and Batman, both icons within the comic universe as well as in countless adaptations, serve as pillars around which stories have been told and retold, their legacies carried across generations. Gunn is stepping into this legacy with the stated intention of respecting these figures’ depth, while avoiding worn-out paths and oversimplified origin tales.
This new DCU landscape is less of a blank slate and more of a bold remix, where characters are reimagined but their long-standing significance is not overlooked. Both heroes and villains in Gunn’s world come with years of shared history from comics, yet the live-action versions are set to embark on fresh, carefully constructed journeys designed not just to satisfy established fans, but to avoid falling into the pitfalls of previous retellings.
James Gunn has hinted in multiple interviews that the DCU, despite appearing in its embryonic stage, will treat Superman and Batman as established presences—far from being mere newcomers. Rather than strangers, these superheroes may already have off-screen histories and unseen encounters, bringing a sense of interconnectedness that is both classic and surprising.
Superman’s Story Begins in the Middle—and Batman Is on His Radar
When Gunn’s DCU takes shape, Clark Kent—as embodied by David Corenswet—will step into the spotlight as Superman who has already spent years patrolling the skies. This film does not rehash his beginnings or restrict itself to a brief moment in time; instead, it introduces fans to a Superman firmly settled in his role, drawn directly into the world‘s ongoing heroics.
Under Gunn’s logic, it would seem odd if Superman, with his all-seeing vantage point and Kansas upbringing, was unaware of a wealthy Gotham resident donning a bat suit under the cover of night. In a recent interview with ExtraTV, Gunn remarked,
“We don’t know he hasn’t already seen a man dressed as a bat.”
—James Gunn, Director. This phrase leaves room for the audience to interpret whether Superman’s awareness of Batman is a given or still a developing plotline.
As it stands, no actor has yet been cast as the DCU’s Batman, and the specifics of how Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne will intersect remain tantalizingly unclear. Yet, Gunn’s approach suggests fans are likely to witness an encounter between these two cornerstone heroes, either as cautious allies or as opponents, upending the norms set by earlier films.
Redefining the Superman and Batman Relationship in the DCU
Fans familiar with DC comics have long followed the adventures of Superman and Batman together, especially in the “World’s Finest” anthology series, which ran from the early 1940s through the mid-1980s. The history between these two, from their debut partnership in Superman #76, has fueled both playful camaraderie and sharp differences in approach, ethics, and worldview.
However, even with audience expectations for classic team-ups or witty cross-country escapades à la other iconic pairs, Gunn appears to avoid formulaic storytelling. The future doesn’t seem to hold a replication of “Sam and Dean”-like road trips for Clark and Bruce; instead, Gunn wants each hero to maintain a distinct trajectory, intersecting only when it truly fuels character development and story stakes.
Currently, Robert Pattinson takes on the role of Batman in Matt Reeves’ Elseworlds DC—an iteration drenched in noir and moodiness, separate from Gunn’s vision. The DCU’s Batman, when cast, will need to stand apart from this version, reflecting Gunn’s colorful, somewhat lighter, and more wide-open world.
Given Gunn’s aversion to repetitive origin tales, the Batman of this universe is already established, likely operating under the radar while Superman makes his presence felt more openly. The evolving relationship between the two remains a key point of interest, especially for fans who have tracked similar arcs through decades of comics, animated series, and prior films.
A New Chapter for Iconic Heroes Awaits
Superman, portrayed by David Corenswet and guided by James Gunn, will officially soar onto the big screen on July 11, 2025, representing a significant shift for the DCU. As the story is poised to move smoothly past yet another round of origin stories, fans are left to speculate on what kind of rapport—or rivalry—might develop between Superman and Batman in this latest vision.
The implication that Superman may have already encountered Batman subtly alters the emotional landscape and dynamic of their potential partnership or opposition, setting up future narrative opportunities. The David Corenswet Superman Batman connection is positioned as a cornerstone for Gunn’s DCU, bridging classic expectations with uncharted storytelling. As new casting decisions unfold and more plot details emerge, both seasoned readers and newer audiences will be watching closely to see how this relationship unfolds, unsure yet if these two icons will be friends, rivals, or something more complex within Gunn’s movie universe.
