James Gunn has offered the most substantial update yet on the Batman character within the evolving DC Universe, particularly regarding the upcoming film The Brave and the Bold. Fans have speculated about whether Robert Pattinson’s Batman will cross into this shared universe, but The Batman director Matt Reeves has denied such plans. Gunn’s comments, shared on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, hint at an intriguing and darker direction for Batman’s story while confirming his deep involvement in shaping this project.
Storytelling Focus Over Aesthetic Debates
During his discussion with podcast host Tom Segura, Gunn addressed the ongoing debates about Batman’s on-screen appearance, such as whether the character should sport white eyes or feature a yellow utility belt. Gunn dismissed these concerns as secondary, emphasizing that the heart of the project lies in the storytelling and character development rather than costume details.
“There’s a religious aspect to some of this stuff that’s very uncomfortable,”
Gunn remarked, referring to passionate fan debates.
“Should Batman have white eyes? That’s a big subject of conversation. It’s like, ‘Guys, that’s really what matters?’ But those are the things they care about. Should his utility belt be yellow? Should he have the yellow crest around the bat? All of that sort of stuff. None of those things are what’s most important to me. What matters is the character, the story.”
– James Gunn, Director and Producer
Varied Interpretations Reflect Batman’s Iconic Status
Gunn acknowledged the many ways Batman has been portrayed over decades, highlighting that different versions each hold unique appeal. From the gritty detective to the brute fighter, and even the quirky Silver Age Batman with Bat-Mite, Gunn believes these diverse renditions underscore Batman’s iconic nature and creative flexibility.
“I think that’s one of the fun things about Batman though, is that there are so many expressions of Batman that are cool, and [having] different ways to access that character is one of the ways in which he’s so iconic,”
he explained.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of the blue and the grey or the black Batman. I think both those things are really cool. I like the detective Batman, but I also really like the fighter Batman, that’s just the brute that’s, you know, fighting. I like the silly ’50s Silver Age Batman, with Bat-Mite. I like all of these different versions of Batman.”
– James Gunn, Director and Producer
Inspiration from the Darker, Supernatural Batman of the 1970s
Among the many Batman stories, Gunn singled out his favorite from the 1970s: Batman #225, created by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Irv Novick, with cover art by Neal Adams. This comic presented Batman in a darker, more supernatural light, diverging from the colorful, campy versions that had come before.
“My experience with Batman too, as a kid…was reading those early ’70s Neal Adams Batman comics that were much darker and grittier, and I was like, ‘Oh, I like this Batman.’ I had seen the sillier Batman on TV, and I’m like, ‘Oh this is gritty, cool Batman.’ And that was the thing that I really like, that version of Batman, which was kind of a Batman that we’d never seen.”
– James Gunn, Director and Producer
He also reflected on the impact of the supernatural themes in that comic storyline:
“That was my favorite story. That was in a compilation of Batman comics that I read, and I just thought it was the greatest ever. It was Batman – supernatural Batman, too, which is something we’ve never seen. Batman in a sort of supernatural environment.”
– James Gunn, Director and Producer
Connections to Key Characters and Potential Film Plot Elements
The period of Batman defined by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams introduced seminal characters such as Ra’s al-Ghul and his daughter Talia, who is recognized as Batman’s lover. The Brave and the Bold reportedly will focus heavily on Batman’s relationship with Damian Wayne, the son of Batman and Talia, who is expected to appear as Robin in the film. This inclusion opens the door for elements connected to Ra’s al-Ghul’s mystical Lazarus Pit to influence the story’s supernatural undertones.
Production Status and Future Expectations
James Gunn conveyed that while The Brave and the Bold is progressing, it is not the most advanced project within the DC Universe slate. He confirmed his active participation, stating that a screenwriter is currently developing the script, and hinted at thoughtful future casting decisions without revealing specifics.
“There’s people out there I think about, but let’s see where the script comes in,”
Gunn said regarding casting for Batman.
Although The Brave and the Bold lacks a confirmed release date, anticipation builds for its potential to redefine Batman through a darker, supernatural storyline deeply rooted in classic comic influences. This project signifies a bold new chapter that may expand Batman’s legacy within the DC Universe by exploring themes and narratives previously unseen on screen.
