James Gunn has clarified that Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman in Matt Reeves’ universe will not be integrated into the new DC Universe (DCU) reboot. The DC Studios film, The Brave and The Bold, will introduce a different Batman alongside other heroes, such as David Corenswet’s Superman, marking a fresh direction for the franchise.
New Batman Role Within DCU Explained
The Brave and The Bold is set to spotlight a Batman who has been active as the vigilante for several years, exploring his relationship with his son, Damian Wayne, who assumes the role of Robin. This upcoming movie represents another reboot of the iconic character within the DC Universe, distinct from the one led by Matt Reeves featuring Robert Pattinson.
Directed by Andy Muschietti and written by Grant Morrison, the film will clearly establish its version of Batman as a separate continuity from Reeves’ iteration. Muschietti emphasized in a January 2025 interview that the Batman appearing in The Brave and The Bold will be the Batman of the new DCU, and that Pattinson’s Batman
“is not part of this new universe.”
James Gunn Addresses Fan Expectations on Batman Continuity
Director James Gunn, who actively interacts with fans via social media, has repeatedly fielded questions about whether Robert Pattinson’s Batman might join the DCU. Gunn responded to a fan inquiry by stating,
I have no problem with people expressing what they want on both side of this very (not) important issue and don’t understand the anger people are showing to each other about it.
?James Gunn, Director
In a December 2024 podcast, Gunn acknowledged that he had considered integrating Reeves’ Batman into the DC Universe but ultimately decided to treat that storyline as an Elseworlds tale, a separate narrative outside the main universe.
Matt Reeves Comments on Possible Batman Universe Merge
Matt Reeves, who directs the ongoing Batman series starring Pattinson, shared in a September 2025 interview,
We haven’t talked about anything like that,
while also adding,
Of course, it would be a lot of fun
if a fusion of the two universes ever happened. Reeves’ sequel, The Batman Part II, is scheduled to begin filming in spring 2026, continuing the story from the 2022 film and connecting with the HBO Max Penguin series.
Distinct Timelines and Casting Developments
While no actor has yet been cast as the new DCU Batman, several DC Universe properties have teased their take on the character, differentiating it clearly from Pattinson’s version. Fans can expect The Brave and The Bold to focus on a more seasoned Batman, expanding on his role as father to Damian Wayne and his dynamic with Robin.
Gunn indicated on September 27, 2025, via a social media post that the movie’s release is expected before 2030, suggesting an imminent arrival, though the screenplay is still in progress.
Details on The Brave and The Bold and The Batman Part II
The Brave and The Bold is primarily an action-adventure film helmed by Andy Muschietti and penned by Grant Morrison. It is designed to reinvigorate Batman’s place within the rebooted DC Universe, introducing a complex relationship between the Caped Crusader and his son Damian Wayne, the current Robin.
The Batman Part II, meanwhile, serves as the follow-up to the 2022 film directed by Matt Reeves. It picks up from where the original left off, featuring the return of characters such as the Riddler and a different version of the Joker, and ties in with HBO Max’s Penguin series. The cast includes Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon.
Significance for DC Fans and Future Developments
This clarification by James Gunn confirms that the Batman franchise is setting a clear boundary between Reeves’ iteration and the new DC Universe reboot. While fans have expressed enthusiasm for a crossover, it appears that the studios prefer to maintain separate continuities. The Brave and The Bold will ultimately redefine Batman’s role within James Gunn’s broader superhero reboot, laying the groundwork for future DCU stories.
With production and scripts still underway, audiences can anticipate a reinvigorated version of Batman that preserves the hero’s legacy while establishing new storytelling directions. How this approach will impact long-term fan expectations and franchise cohesion remains to be seen.
