As production for Matt Reeves‘ The Batman Part II is set to commence next spring, fans remain curious about the relationship between this film—an Elseworlds project outside the main DC Universe continuity—and James Gunn’s The Brave and the Bold. The upcoming groundwork has raised questions about the coexistence of two live-action Batman portrayals on screen, especially regarding how well audiences will follow these distinct interpretations.
The concern centers on Robert Pattinson’s Batman in Reeves’ film contrasted with the Dark Knight figure appearing in the broader DCU managed by Gunn. While having multiple Batmen might seem confusing, previous instances, such as Ben Affleck’s Batman appearances in Zack Snyder’s Justice League and The Flash, did not create significant audience confusion, suggesting that moviegoers may adapt more easily than anticipated.
James Gunn Addresses Audience Understanding and Fan Assumptions
Speaking on the Phase Hero podcast, James Gunn confronted the idea that casual viewers might struggle to keep up with the existence of separate Batman narratives. Gunn challenged this belief directly, emphasizing that casual fans often comprehend these complexities better than hardcore enthusiasts expect.
“Is it causing anybody grief in any way? I think it was the same thing. I think that people are really starting to learn about stuff like that. One of the weirdest things for me is that big fans are often like, ‘Well, listen, I understand this, but normies will never understand this. Casuals will never understand this.’ But the truth is, guys, that you’re the ones that don’t understand.” — James Gunn, Director
Gunn explained that while devoted fans assume casual audiences (“normies”) won’t grasp the nuances, everyday viewers often adjust quickly and accept changes without much fuss.
“The casuals always understand. You can say, ‘Oh, yeah, he’s changed Peacemaker, there was some Justice League [characters that] was in that. Now it’s Justice Gang.’ And regular people who just like TV shows are like, ‘Oh, okay. That’s weird.’ And then they’re done. But the people who really focus on this stuff, they’re in our bubble. And the people in our bubble think that everyone outside of that bubble is too stupid to understand nuance. And it is just totally not the case.” — James Gunn, Director
How Competing Batman Stories May Affect Fan Reception
Despite Gunn’s reassurance, there remain concerns about The Brave and the Bold facing challenges trying to coexist with Reeves’ Batman saga. The Batman Part II is often described as an “epic crime saga,” and fans may find it difficult to process two simultaneous yet independent Batman storylines. This tension highlights potential stumbling blocks for viewers trying to navigate the evolving DC film landscape.
DC Studios’ announcement of its Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters slate confirmed The Brave and the Bold’s narrative would draw inspiration from Grant Morrison’s Batman run. This storyline features Bruce Wayne discovering he has a 10-year-old son with Talia al Ghul, who has been trained as an assassin. Bruce then mentors the boy to become the new Robin, introducing a fresh dynamic to Batman’s legacy.
Uncertainty Surrounding Damian Wayne’s Role in The Brave and the Bold
In dialogue with IGN, James Gunn expressed optimism about the current script for The Brave and the Bold but noted that significant elements remain uncertain. He indicated that the details about Damian’s parentage and his role in the story are still being refined.
“Plenty of things are in flux on what his situation is with his parentage and all that stuff.” — James Gunn, Director
When asked directly if Damian Wayne would remain in the project, Gunn suggested waiting for official developments:
“I think you have to wait to see exactly what’s happening.” — James Gunn, Director
The early introduction of Damian Wayne as Robin implies that Batman would be in his 30s or 40s and have already had time to work with predecessors like Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake. This raises concerns about condensing or overlooking stories involving these key sidekicks.
Implications for the Future of Batman in the DC Universe
James Gunn’s comments underline the complexity involved in managing multiple cinematic Batman portrayals and the legacy of the supporting cast. As The Brave and the Bold moves through development amidst overlapping Batman stories, fans and audiences must prepare for narrative shifts and possibly unexpected directions.
With Batman’s storyline expanding through different continuities and creative visions, the evolving character arcs could significantly impact how audiences engage with the DC Universe. Gunn’s perspective encourages fans to remain patient and open to new interpretations as details are shaped.
Readers are invited to share their thoughts on Gunn’s recent statements and the future paths for Batman across various projects in the comments section below.
