James Gunn‘s upcoming Batman solo film in the DC Universe (DCU) has begun early development, with a tentative release window emerging that places the movie in 2029. Fans eager for more Batman adventures in theaters now have a likely timeframe to watch for as the project moves forward under DC Studios’ guidance.
Co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn, recently shared preliminary information about The Brave and the Bold, the next standalone Batman movie set to expand the DCU’s portrayal of the Dark Knight. This film will be the first new Batman solo feature since 2022’s The Batman and Christopher Nolan’s 2012 installment The Dark Knight Rises. Although the project was announced early on in Gunn’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters slate, a firm release date was not initially confirmed.
Scheduling Hints Point to a Post-2027 Release
In a recent conversation with Josh Horowitz on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Horowitz inquired whether two Batman movies could come out in the same year, referring to The Batman – Part II slated for October 2027. Gunn responded,
Probably not, probably not the same calendar year, no,
which suggests that The Brave and the Bold will likely arrive after 2027.
When rumors circulated on social media about a release as late as 2030 or 2031, Gunn refuted those claims directly by replying “no” on Threads, firmly dismissing the extended timeline speculation. Given these clarifications, the consensus is growing that the movie will debut in either 2028 or, more likely, 2029. The latter seems most probable due to the close proximity to the planned 2027 release of The Batman – Part II, making two Batman films in consecutive years unlikely.
Details on the New Batman Project and Its Direction
The Brave and the Bold will mark the first solo Batman picture within the revamped DCU overseen by DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. Andy Muschietti, director of The Flash, has been announced as the film’s director. The story promises a fresh focus on the Bat Family, centering on the relationship between Bruce Wayne and his son Damian, exploring their dynamic on the big screen for the very first time.
Current Status and Casting Speculations
Although one of the more advanced projects in DC Studios’ lineup, the film still lacks a publicly confirmed cast and a screenplay author, with a rumored writer currently working on the draft. Muschietti remains the only official creative attached at this stage.
Speculation about casting is particularly intense around who will portray Batman, with some whispers pointing to Brandon Sklenar, known for his role in 1923, as a frontrunner to assume the mantle. In addition to casting Bruce Wayne, Gunn faces the challenging task of selecting a young actor to play Robin alongside the sprawling ensemble typically featured in Batman stories.
Production is expected to follow releases of other DCU projects such as Supergirl and Clayface, providing additional world-building and context within the evolving Gotham City setting. Despite ongoing production challenges surrounding The Batman – Part II, fan anticipation remains strong for the upcoming solo Batman films to arrive in theaters.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward
The announcement of a likely 2029 release for The Brave and the Bold is a hopeful sign for Batman enthusiasts eager to see the new era of the DC Universe take shape. As DC Studios continues to flesh out the creative team and cast, updates are anticipated over the coming months that will shed more light on the direction Gunn and Safran plan to take with Gotham’s heroes.
This film’s exploration of the Bat Family and the father-son relationship between Bruce and Damian Wayne signals a fresh approach that could deepen the franchise’s emotional core. The long lead time before release provides the studio ample opportunity to carefully craft a Batman story that resonates with longtime fans while attracting new audiences.
“Probably not, probably not the same calendar year, no,”
Josh Horowitz, interviewer
“no”
James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
