James Gunn’s recent Superman film introduced the Justice Gang, a collective of metahumans led by Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn) who aim to do good. However, Batman, a core figure in the DC Universe, has been confirmed by Gunn as not being part of this group, a revelation that stirred questions among fans eagerly awaiting the character’s return after the DC reboot. Despite speculation, Batman was never included in the Justice Gang storylines, highlighting a deliberate exclusion by the filmmaker.
This clarification came after viewers noticed Batman’s absence during a key scene in Peacemaker Season 2, which retconned the previous timeline. Fans wondered if Gunn chose to omit Batman here, but he explained that the character was never part of the Justice Gang from the start. While Gunn remains vague about Batman’s future role within the new DC timeline, this exclusion could offer a hint about how the Dark Knight will be positioned going forward.
The Composition and Role of the Justice Gang
The Justice Gang made its debut in Gunn’s Superman movie, featuring members such as Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi). Following key events in Jarhanpur, Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) also joined the group. Though Superman himself is not a part of the Justice Gang, he shares amicable relationships with its members, occasionally teaming up with them to address threats and save lives. This setup positions the Justice Gang as a distinct but allied force within the DC Universe.
Current Status of Batman’s Solo and Upcoming Projects
In the broader DC reboot announcement, James Gunn revealed that Batman’s solo film will be titled The Brave and the Bold. This project is expected to include Batman’s son, Damian Wayne, expanding the character’s legacy. However, details remain scarce as Gunn has actively refuted numerous rumors circulating online, emphasizing that much of what fans have heard is unfounded speculation or false information.
No casting confirmations or production timelines have been publicly shared for The Brave and the Bold. The only official attachment is director Andy Muschietti, known for his work on The Flash. According to Muschietti, the film’s production is currently delayed, and no release date has yet been set.
Meanwhile, another Batman sequel, The Batman: Part II, has recently generated excitement. Reports from June indicate Warner Bros received a new script that they are very pleased with, and the film is slated to begin filming around 2026. This suggests a staggered approach to Batman’s presence in the evolving DC Universe with multiple Batman-related projects moving at different paces.
Implications of Batman’s Exclusion from the Justice Gang
James Gunn’s decision to exclude Batman from the Justice Gang underscores a strategic narrative choice in the DC reboot. By separating Batman from this new superhero collective, the filmmakers may be setting up a unique storyline for the Dark Knight that unfolds independently. Fans should anticipate distinct arcs for Batman, especially with The Brave and the Bold and The Batman: Part II progressing on separate tracks.
As Superman’s new film continues to play in theaters, the Justice Gang’s story offers fresh avenues for the DC saga, while Batman’s silent absence in this lineup fuels speculation about his return. Following these developments closely will reveal how these parallel storylines will eventually interconnect within the expanding DC Universe.
