James Gunn has reiterated that Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman will not be integrated into the DC Universe (DCU), confirming ongoing uncertainty about the character’s future. This confirmation was made during a recent interview, further disappointing fans hoping for a crossover.
“We’ve talked about it before, but it’s not what’s happening right now,”
Gunn told Entertainment Tonight.
“Everything’s in flux, so we’ll figure out what we’re doing next.”
Gunn’s Thoughts on Incorporating Pattinson’s Batman
Initially, Gunn was hesitant to include Pattinson’s Batman in the DCU, citing a desire to preserve the standalone impact of The Batman film. However, after viewing the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, Gunn grew more open to the idea, especially the prospect of Pattinson’s darker Batman teaming with David Corenswet’s version of Superman, known as Supes.
Despite this openness, Gunn remains cautious about plans involving the character.
The Brave and the Bold and Batman’s Future in DCU
The upcoming DCU Batman project is titled The Brave and the Bold, which will spotlight Batman alongside the Damian Wayne iteration of Robin. Though the project is still in early script stages, Gunn shared a brief status update:
“I mean, we’re working on a script. We have a screenwriter who’s hammering away at it. I’m very involved, and so, you know, we’ll see what happens next. I wish I had more news for you, but I don’t.”
Gunn has described Batman as his
“biggest issue in DC right now”
and has not ruled out the chance of Pattinson’s Batman joining down the line, stating,
“I would never say zero [chance].”
Updates on Other DCU Projects and Releases
The Batman sequel, directed by Matt Reeves, remains a major anticipated release and is scheduled for October 2027. Reeves has reportedly completed the script for this Elseworlds project, adding momentum to its development.
Meanwhile, the broader DCU slate continues to advance. Peacemaker season 2 is set to premiere next month, followed by the theatrical release of Supergirl planned for next year.
What This Means for Fans and the DCU’s Direction
With Robert Pattinson’s Batman confirmed as separate from the DCU, fans must adjust expectations for future crossovers involving this version of the Dark Knight. James Gunn’s emphasis on developing The Brave and the Bold suggests that the universe is steering toward new character combinations, such as Damian Wayne’s Robin partnering with a different Batman.
The evolving nature of the DCU, combined with Gunn’s ongoing script involvement and the upcoming slate of projects, indicates a period of transition and redefinition for the franchise’s central figures like Batman and Superman.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still finds prayer important. However, he describes himself as being “in some ways, against religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, the director believed his career was finished. Fortunately, in 2022, he and Peter Safran became co-leaders of DC Studios, paving the way for his next superhero movie project.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu inspired the new CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and has said prayers are still significant to him. However, he also described himself as being somewhat against organized religion.
Q. Is James Gunn still with Marvel?
A. James Gunn lost his position at Marvel because some old, inappropriate tweets of his came back into public view.
