James Gunn has offered a glimpse into his vision for Batman’s role within the new DC Universe, promising a more intense and combative version of the iconic character. This insight comes ahead of Batman’s anticipated debut in the film currently titled The Brave and the Bold.
James Gunn’s Vision of a More Ruthless Batman
During a recent appearance on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, indicated that his Batman will differ significantly from the detective-driven portrayal seen in previous adaptations. Instead, Gunn envisions a Batman who is more of a fierce fighter than a cerebral detective.
I like the detective Batman, but I also really like the fighter Batman, that’s just the brute that’s fighting,
James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Head
He emphasized that while fans often fixate on visual aspects, such as whether Batman should have white eyes, these details are secondary to the tone and narrative depth of the character.
There’s a religious aspect to so much of this stuff that’s very uncomfortable. Should Batman have white eyes? That’s [another] big subject of conversation … and it’s like, ‘Guys, that’s really what matters?’ But those are the things they care about,
James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Head
None of those things are what’s most important to me. What matters is the character, the story, and I think we have a really, really good story now for what’s happening with Batman,
James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Head
New Storyline Focused on Batman and Damian Wayne
Unlike the 2022 film The Batman starring Robert Pattinson, which exists outside the current DC Universe continuity, The Brave and the Bold will serve as the first Batman film within the new shared universe. Andy Muschietti, known for directing It and The Flash, is leading the project, with production support from Gunn, Peter Safran, and Barbara Muschietti.
The storyline will explore the dynamic between Batman and his son Damian Wayne, drawing inspiration from Grant Morrison’s acclaimed comic book series. Damian, depicted as a skilled but unruly young Robin, will be at the center of the narrative as Batman works to guide him, signaling the formation of a new Bat Family within the DC Universe.
This is based on Grant Morrison’s great comic book run. Damian Wayne is my favorite Robin, he’s a little assassin who Batman tries to get in line and so this is the story of the two of them, and the beginning of sort of the Bat Family in the DCU,
James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Head
Upcoming Plans and Broader DC Universe Context
The Brave and the Bold is planned to launch as part of the DC Universe’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters era, which also includes titles such as Supergirl, Clayface, and Man of Tomorrow. James Gunn recently mentioned to GamesRadar that a screenwriter is actively working on the script, ensuring the story is carefully crafted.
Meanwhile, The Batman Part II, which continues the Robert Pattinson storyline independent of the DC Universe, is scheduled to arrive in theaters on October 1, 2027, keeping that separate narrative alive alongside the new universe’s projects.
With Gunn’s emphasis on character depth and a grittier interpretation of Batman, the upcoming film promises to reshape how the Dark Knight is portrayed on screen, potentially influencing the tone and direction of DC Universe storytelling moving forward.
