James Gunn, director and architect of the DC Universe (DCU), remains tight-lipped about the design and color of the Batman suit in the upcoming films, despite growing fan curiosity. While fans eagerly anticipate details on the new Batman’s appearance and how he will integrate with the expanding DCU, Gunn emphasizes that the story and character development take precedence over the suit’s visual style.
Batman’s Costume: A Topic Gunn Avoids Addressing Directly
The Batman suit has historically varied from dark to colorful designs, ranging from black and grey combinations to vibrant hues, with some versions sparking mixed reactions due to unusual design choices. Fans have debated whether the new Batman will wear a darker version aligned with the “dark knight” persona or if the costume will include more color, perhaps reflecting the brighter tone seen in Superman’s attire within the DCU.
On the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, Gunn was confronted with a straightforward question about whether the new Batman’s costume would embrace the traditional blue and grey palette. Rather than giving a direct description, Gunn replied:
“I think we have a really, really good story now for what’s happening with Batman. There’s a religious aspect to some of this [Batsuit] stuff that’s very uncomfortable… none of those things are what’s most important to me. What matters is the character, the story.” – James Gunn, Director
Superman Projects Take the Spotlight in the New DCU
Since the DCU’s relaunch, much of the initial focus has been on Superman-centered projects. Following the current year’s Superman film, the franchise will introduce Supergirl in 2026 and Man of Tomorrow in 2027, cementing Superman’s place at the forefront of the new cinematic universe. Alongside these projects, 2027 will also feature Robert Pattinson’s The Batman Part II and the eagerly awaited The Brave and the Bold, giving fans multiple stories expected from the evolving DC universe.
Despite Batman’s central role in DC lore, James Gunn has been notably reserved about updates related to the character. When asked about casting, Gunn recently commented on the possibility of hiring a major star to portray Batman, noting the necessity of following proper casting procedures rather than making direct, unconventional choices.
“We’d have to screen test, we’d have to do the whole thing. It’s unlikely that I’m going to hire someone that’s [like] Sylvester Stallone as Batman [where] we’re just hiring him. It’s unlikely that Batman’s going to be one of those guys. But it’s possible! I know one actor in particular who’s a pretty big star who wants to be Batman. We’ve talked about it, but I’m not sure that’s the case.” – James Gunn, Director
Fans have speculated heavily about who might take on the role, with Reacher star Alan Ritchson frequently mentioned. Ritchson himself has expressed both interest and doubts about stepping into the suit, leaving the question of the new Batman’s costume as one that remains unanswered for now. The combination of casting choices and suit design is expected to significantly impact how this iteration of Batman will be received.
Expectations for The Brave and the Bold in the DCU
The Brave and the Bold, slated to debut alongside other major DCU projects, holds considerable anticipation for fans wanting to see Batman’s role within the larger hero ensemble. Although details about the film and Batman’s presentation within it remain sparse, it is understood that this movie will play a critical part in expanding the DCU’s storyline and integrating Batman’s complex character into the broader narrative.
Given Gunn’s emphasis on character and storytelling over aesthetic choices, it is likely that the Batman suit will reflect deeper narrative themes rather than adhere strictly to visual traditions. This approach signals a DCU that prioritizes meaningful storytelling as it unfolds over multiple films, promising a fresh take on Batman and his place among the superheroes of this expansive universe.
