James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has revealed that numerous prominent actors have privately expressed strong interest in playing the DC Universe’s version of Bruce Wayne/Batman in the upcoming film The Brave & The Bold. Although Gunn did not name specific actors, he confirmed that the role of Batman remains one of the most sought-after parts in Hollywood. This enthusiasm emerges amidst talk that the film might include Bruce Wayne’s son, Damian Wayne, potentially as Robin, a detail Gunn suggests is still uncertain and evolving.
In an interview with IGN, Gunn addressed whether the studio is targeting actors in their 30s for the role, given the anticipated storyline involving Damian Wayne. Gunn explained that casting decisions are still fluid, and while many actors want the part, the specifics about the character’s background are subject to change, urging fans to withhold judgment until more details are revealed.
“No, I think you have to wait to see the movie. Some things have changed. Plenty of things are in flux on what his situation is with his parentage and all that stuff, so I wouldn’t take any of it – Yeah, I mean, the actor who wants to… Listen, first of all, I can’t tell you the amount of big actors that have told me they want to be Batman,”
James Gunn said about casting the next Batman.
“I think you’d have a harder time finding actors who don’t want to be Batman. He’s the one character everyone wants to play. That’s the truth.”
Current Status of ‘The Brave & The Bold’ and Related Projects
At this point, no writer has been announced for The Brave & The Bold, and the project appears to be in early stages. Director Andy Muschietti’s current commitments, including his HBO Max prequel series Welcome To Derry, are likely delaying progress. Despite this, speculation remains that the DCU’s Batman and the actor chosen to portray him might first show up in other DC productions before the solo film’s release.
Clarifying ‘Clayface’ Film Connections and Set Details
Gunn also addressed recent fan theories sparked by photos from the Liverpool set of Clayface. Several set dressings and props appeared to hint at connections to Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, creating confusion about how the film fits with the DCU continuity. Gunn emphasized that much of what is seen on set may be misleading, as art departments often include items that do not make it into the final cut and may not have been approved by the DCU’s continuity advisors.
“You really have to take it as something that an art department put together because I never… First of all, there’s a couple of things that I don’t even think were on the set, like that bat insignia. I think somebody put that there afterwards. But I haven’t seen all those things, but they weren’t something that came across my desk. And also, we have a guy, Phil, who is now in charge of the DCU Bible of keeping everything consistent and making sure that the cities are the same and the maps are the same, and the celebrities are the same, all the stuff that they need to keep consistent. And I don’t think he’s OK’d all the art department stuff on that movie,”
Gunn explained, suggesting set details may have been playful additions by the crew rather than deliberate story links.
Fan Interpretations and Elseworlds Clarifications
Among prop references, a Gotham newspaper displayed mentions of Bliss, a fictional designer drug originally introduced in The Penguin HBO Max series, implying some level of crossover. However, fans should understand that projects like Clayface are categorized as Elseworlds tales by director Matt Reeves, meaning they exist apart from the main DCU storyline. This distinction helps clarify why shared elements might appear despite separate continuities.
The DCU has already introduced a version of Clayface, voiced by Alan Tudyk in the animated series Creature Commandos, which also featured a new, larger Batman resembling prior hints of a fresh actor taking on the role. James Gunn acknowledges that multiple versions of these characters will appear across both DCU and non-DCU projects, requiring fans to patiently track how each fits within the overall multiverse the studios are cultivating.
The Broader Implications for DC’s Future
James Gunn’s comments highlight the complexity of merging various interpretations of iconic characters like Batman, especially as the DC Universe attempts to chart a cohesive path forward. The ongoing actor interest underscores the character’s immense appeal in Hollywood, while the layered approach to storytelling across films, TV series, and animated projects reflects a deliberate strategy toward expansive world-building.
As The Brave & The Bold continues its development, the industry and fans alike will be watching closely for announcements about casting, story details, and how these interconnected narratives evolve. Gunn’s emphasis on consistent continuity management within the DCU signals a focused effort to align creative pieces while preserving room for diverse storytelling.
