Before James Gunn’s upcoming DC Universe film The Brave and the Bold begins production, an animated series titled Bat-Fam will introduce the same central theme, focusing on the complicated father-son relationship between Bruce Wayne/Batman and his son Damian Wayne/Robin. This new series, premiering on Prime Video, marks the first major on-screen exploration of the dynamic Bat-Family that Gunn’s DCU Batman plans to emphasize.
James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-CEOs of DC Studios, revealed the ambitious lineup known as the Gods and Monsters slate, with The Brave and the Bold serving as the film to officially launch the DCU’s version of Batman. Drawing inspiration from Grant Morrison’s acclaimed comic run, the story spotlights Batman discovering Damian Wayne, his son trained as an assassin by the League of Shadows. Gunn has described Damian Wayne as “our favorite Robin” and “little son of a bitch,” underscoring the tension and depth in their relationship, which will serve as the emotional core of the new cinematic Batman.
Premiere of Bat-Fam Animated Series Brings Bat-Family to Streaming First
The Bat-Fam animated series hits Prime Video on November 10, establishing the family dynamics before the live-action film arrives. Building directly on Merry Little Batman, a family-themed holiday special, Bat-Fam portrays a grounded yet playful Bruce Wayne alongside a host of familiar characters. The storyline delves into the chaotic and humorous challenges of managing the extended Bat-Family within Wayne Manor, while introducing notable villains as well.
The show centers on Batman, Alfred, and Damian (dubbed Little Batman), before expanding to include Damian’s grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul, known affectionately in the series as Pap Pap. This portrayal of the full Bat-Family unit, with its complex interplay of personalities, parallels and anticipates the approach Gunn’s live-action DCU will take on the Batman saga, offering audiences an early glimpse of this broader universe.
When Can Audiences Expect The Brave and the Bold on the Big Screen?
While fans can stream Bat-Fam imminently, the live-action film The Brave and the Bold remains without a confirmed release date. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the project is still in deliberate development, with James Gunn emphasizing that the script’s approval must precede any scheduling announcements. Industry insiders speculate a release near the end of 2028 or possibly 2029, allowing ample room for Matt Reeves’ The Batman series, which continues with a part two slated for October 2027, to coexist without overlapping continuity.
Gunn’s iteration of Batman is planned as distinct from Reeves’ noir-inspired version. He explained in a Rolling Stone interview that his take will avoid being “funny, campy,” or merely a repetition of the brooding tone, instead aiming for a style that embraces the vivid, sometimes extravagant elements of Morrison’s storyline. This approach is expected to shift from the grounded realism seen in current films toward a neo-Gothic and theatrical Gotham, fitting for the introduction of characters like Damian and the wider Bat-Family.
Exploring Batman’s New Role as a Father Within a Vibrant Gotham
The central emotional focus of The Brave and the Bold will be Bruce Wayne’s evolution from a lone vigilante to a stern, though occasionally overwhelmed, father figure. This shift elevates family drama above usual street-level crime narratives, highlighting Batman’s adjustment to the challenges Damian brings into his life. The narrative tension therefore arises not only from external threats but also from the struggles inherent in this newly discovered father-son bond.
“little son of a bitch” – James Gunn
“our favorite Robin” – James Gunn
“funny, campy,” – James Gunn
As James Gunn’s DCU Batman steadily shapes its identity, the Bat-Fam animated series offers an immediate, accessible way to introduce fans to these rich character relationships and the broader Bat-Family. This strategic rollout helps build anticipation for the live-action film by planting its thematic seeds early in the public’s mind, promising a fresh yet interconnected vision for Batman within the ever-expanding DC Universe.
