A selection of Batman‘s enemies are officially part of the James Gunn DC Universe villains lineup prior to the debut of the upcoming reboot, The Brave and the Bold. Although the new Bruce Wayne has yet to be fully introduced in the DCU, several adversaries from his rogue’s gallery have already appeared across new projects released within the revamped universe, establishing a foundation for Gotham’s darker mythos.
Batman’s Antagonists Emerging in New DCU Projects
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe has so far offered glimpses of Gotham’s iconic presence through smaller foes rather than the most renowned villains like the Joker, Bane, or Catwoman. The DCU’s expanding landscape includes three released projects to date: the animated series Creature Commandos, the rebooted Superman film, and season 2 of the series Peacemaker. Within these, the atmosphere of Batman’s world is being carefully constructed, displaying Gotham City’s corruption, references to the Dark Knight, and several notable villains who enrich the narrative scope ahead of the full Batman introduction.
Rupert Thorne’s Role in Creature Commandos
Introduced as a crime boss and longtime foe of Batman, Rupert Thorne made his debut in the DCU through the 2024 animated series Creature Commandos. First appearing in 1977’s Detective Comics #469, Thorne’s character was fleshed out in episode 6, Priyatel Skelet, where flashbacks detail his involvement in sinister dealings. Thorne funded research by nuclear scientist Alex Sartorius, ostensibly for cancer cures; however, Sartorius discovered Thorne’s intent to sell this technology to the fascist country of Bialya. In response, Sartorius supplied false data, prompting Thorne to orchestrate the murder of Sartorius’ family and set a deadly trap, which led Sartorius to transform into Doctor Phosphorus. Doctor Phosphorus ultimately kills Thorne and seizes control of his criminal operations.
Benjamin Byron Davis, known for roles in The Belko Experiment and Borderlands, provided the voice for Rupert Thorne in Creature Commandos, leaving open the possibility of a live-action role. Despite Thorne’s on-screen death, his connection to Batman was emphasized when the Dark Knight apprehended Doctor Phosphorus following the violent takeover. This background may underpin future storylines in The Brave and the Bold when the new Batman is officially brought onto the screen.
White Rabbit’s Introduction in Peacemaker Season 2
The second season of Peacemaker firmly integrates the show into the James Gunn DC Universe villains framework, despite its first season belonging to the earlier DC Extended Universe. The season’s opening week places protagonist Christopher Smith (played by John Cena) amid an encounter with a new Batman adversary during his attempt to join the Justice Gang. This villain, Jaina Hudson’s White Rabbit, was originally introduced in Peacemaker’s season 1 premiere, The Ties That Grind. Portrayed by Brey Noelle, White Rabbit is both a Gotham socialite and an escapee from Arkham Asylum, marking her as a fresh antagonist who may engage in future battles against Batman within the DCU timeline.
Clayface’s Upcoming Spotlight and DCU Debut
Another villain appearing in Creature Commandos is Clayface, a shape-shifting antagonist long tied to Batman’s history since his first comic book appearance in 1940’s Detective Comics #40. In episode 5, The Iron Pot, Clayface is uncovered disguised as Professor Aisla MacPherson, combating Rick Flag Sr. and Eric Frankenstein during their investigation. This character’s malleable clay-like body allows transformation into various forms, presenting a unique threat.
Clayface’s introduction to the DCU is doubly significant because he will soon headline his own solo live-action film. Tom Rhys Harries, known from Suspicion and The Gentlemen, has been cast to portray the character, with James Watkins directing. The script, written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, will focus on a young actor who becomes Clayface through a scientific experiment aimed at repairing facial disfigurement after an attack. This upcoming film, set for release in September 2026, promises to deliver a fresh blend of body horror within the superhero genre while expanding the gallery of James Gunn DC Universe villains.
Talia al Ghul’s Expected Presence Alongside Damian Wayne
Although Talia al Ghul has not yet appeared or been mentioned directly in the DCU, her existence is heavily implied by the confirmed introduction of Damian Wayne in The Brave and the Bold. As Damian is Bruce Wayne’s son and the fifth Robin in DC Comics lore, Talia’s role as his mother and a formidable villain positions her as a likely key figure in the reboot. Her dual status as both antagonist and Bruce Wayne’s love interest could transform the storyline into a comprehensive Bat–Family saga, potentially paving the way for other major Batman villains like Ra’s al Ghul, Bane, Deathstroke, and even the Joker to join the new universe.
Batman fans are left to anticipate how these characters will interact and evolve as the DCU continues to build momentum ahead of The Brave and the Bold release, marking an important transformation for Gotham’s legend under James Gunn’s guidance.
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