DC Studios has taken an unconventional approach to rebooting the DC Extended Universe, opting to retain some actors from previous films while recasting others and categorizing non-canonical projects under the broad “Elseworlds” label. This approach has directly influenced Matt Reeves Batman Elseworlds status for The Batman franchise, setting it apart from the emerging unified DCU timeline.
With the upcoming DCU series The Brave and the Bold aiming to introduce a fresh version of Batman, there was speculation about whether Matt Reeves’ interpretation of Bruce Wayne would be discontinued. Such a move would disappoint fans of Reeves’ vision but presenting two distinct Batman portrayals simultaneously posed creative risks for the studio.
Discussions Around Integrating The Batman Into the Unified DCU
Since the announcement of DC Studios’ leadership by James Gunn and Peter Safran, there has been ongoing debate about merging The Batman into the broader DCU. Gunn admitted that such an integration was considered during the studio’s planning phase, but later tempered expectations by highlighting the challenge of developing a new and captivating Batman approach within the DCU framework.
Matt Reeves has now spoken openly regarding the franchise’s status, confirming The Batman will remain part of the Elseworlds brand. While integration into the DCU has not been ruled out entirely, Reeves emphasized that no concrete plans for crossover exist at this time.
Matt Reeves Addresses Future Directions and Collaboration
Reeves shared insights on potential collaboration and the creative path forward:
“We haven’t talked about anything like that,”
he began.
“We have had conversations about how things could work and all that kind of stuff, just in general. So, of course, it would be a lot of fun. What I really want to do is play out these stories that we began and arrive at the conclusion I’ve hoped we would arrive at from the beginning. It’s very exciting.”
— Matt Reeves, Director
Reeves also expressed appreciation for James Gunn’s remarks and reflected on working with DC Studios on The Batman Part II:
“First of all, I’m flattered. That’s very kind of James to say. It would be really exciting to work with them, of course. We’re working with them on [The Batman Part II],”
he continued.
“I mean, it’s a DC, so, like, it’s Elseworld, but it is DC, so it’s theirs as well. What the future brings and what I am doing will become clear when it comes.”
— Matt Reeves, Director
Implications for The Batman Franchise and Ultimate DCU Structure
The confirmation that The Batman Part II will remain an Elseworlds project means the film’s story will progress independently from the main DCU continuity. Reeves, alongside writer Mattson Tomlin, has completed the script with no current plans for crossover events involving Robert Pattinson‘s version of Batman and other characters like Superman or Peacemaker.
This separation likely disappoints some fans who hoped for a unified Batman in the expanding DCU, but was always considered unlikely given Pattinson’s commitment to a defined slate of films. Meanwhile, questions remain as to whether James Gunn and Peter Safran will cast a new Batman for their DCU projects by the time Reeves’ sequel hits theaters.
Looking Ahead: Release and Franchise Outlook
Matt Reeves envisions The Batman as part of a planned trilogy, which could eventually bring this Elseworlds Batman closer to the DCU universe represented by The Brave and the Bold. For now, the two continuities will coexist separately, with Reeves’ version following its own narrative arc.
The Batman Part II is scheduled for release on October 1, 2027, promising fans continuation of the dark, standalone story that set this series apart from the new DCU timeline.
