James Gunn has offered fans a promising update regarding the DC Universe’s awaited Batman movie, revealing that two new scripts featuring the character are expected soon. While his current focus remains on the upcoming Superman film, Gunn’s recent comments suggest significant advances are being made in bringing the DCU’s take on the Dark Knight to the screen.
The Batman-centered effort, known as The Brave and the Bold, is reportedly inspired by comic writer Grant Morrison’s influential run on Batman. This iteration is said to present an older Batman alongside his son Damian Wayne, the fifth Robin, offering a fresh narrative direction within the franchise’s rebooted timeline under DC Studios.
Insights on Batman Scripts and Development Challenges
In a recent interview with Omlete in Brazil, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn addressed questions about forthcoming Batman scripts. Asked directly how many Batman scripts he expected to review in the coming months, Gunn’s straightforward reply was:
Q: “James, back to you. How many scripts featuring Batman do you expect to read in the next couple of months?”
A: “Two.”
This revelation hints that one script likely belongs to Matt Reeves’ The Batman 2, an Elseworlds sequel continuing his version of the Bat-verse. The other script remains unidentified but is widely believed to be connected to The Brave and the Bold, possibly indicating the project is moving forward after a lengthy, complex development period.
The Brave and the Bold was originally announced among James Gunn’s slate of DCU projects but has remained relatively quiet since. With Andy Muschietti, best known for The Flash, attached as director, this Batman film is anticipated to revisit the character in a more seasoned phase of his crime-fighting career, expanding the legacy through his partnership with Damian Wayne.
What Lies Ahead for Batman in the DC Universe?
Speculation has surrounded the DCU Batman movie for months, fueled by rumors of casting shifts, directorial challenges, and questions about how Matt Reeves’ The Batman 2 fits into the broader franchise narrative. Despite uncertainty, Gunn’s remarks signal concrete development steps on at least one Batman-focused project.
Following the summer release of Superman, the next major DCU title slated for theaters is Supergirl, with no immediate plans for a tentpole Batman movie before Reeves’ sequel, currently scheduled for October 2027. This gap suggests The Brave and the Bold could be the forthcoming Batman film, especially if its script is indeed nearing completion.
However, Gunn’s reference to two scripts featuring Batman leaves room for alternative possibilities. For instance, he has teased work on a follow-up to David Corenswet’s Man of Steel, clarifying it might not be a traditional Superman sequel. This ambiguity has sparked theories that Gunn may be developing a World’s Finest film, a story uniting Superman and Batman as the core of an emerging DCU Justice League.
If so, the second Batman script might belong to this World’s Finest project, positioning Batman centrally within a shared universe story instead of as a standalone lead. Given Gunn’s active involvement and the focus on building a definitive DC Universe foundation, either or both of these projects could shape the franchise’s trajectory in the coming years.
Significance of These Developments for DCU Fans
James Gunn’s disclosure of two Batman scripts signals renewed momentum for the character’s role in the DC Universe, an update that will likely reassure fans awaiting clarity after years of development uncertainty. With The Brave and the Bold promising an older, more complex Batman and the possibility of a World’s Finest crossover, the DCU appears poised to expand its narrative scope significantly.
As the DC Studios leadership balances new introductions and continuing stories, these Batman projects represent critical components of their long-term vision. Fans can expect more detailed announcements as scripts are finalized and production schedules unfold, potentially shaping the future of the Caped Crusader on the big screen.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer still holds significance for him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. When Gunn was appointed as co-CEO of DC Studios, he committed fully to that company, ending his work with Marvel Studios. It’s well-known that the creator of the Guardians of the Galaxy series developed strong relationships with its cast.
