James Gunn on DCU Batman has clarified his priorities for the Caped Crusader’s next big-screen appearance, offering fans a glimpse into his vision as The Brave and The Bold continues development at DC Studios. In recent public discussions and interviews, Gunn shared what he believes are the essential elements for portraying Batman in the upcoming DC Universe franchise installment.
Gunn Weighs In on Batman’s Iconic Look
As DC Studios moves forward with Bruce Wayne’s anticipated film, fans have speculated about changes to Batman’s iconic costume and presentation. Recently, when questioned by @ReelAnarchy on Threads about potentially animating Batman’s cowl in a style similar to Deadpool, James Gunn addressed some of the most common requests he receives from fans regarding the character’s appearance.
Gunn noted that the preference for the blue and grey suit comes up frequently. He specifically added,
“The most requested thing would be the blue and grey,”
and continued to highlight more features enthusiasts hope to see:
“Then the yellow around the bat. And THEN the white eyes.”
– James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO.
What Matters Most: Character and Performance
Despite the interest in Batman’s visual details, Gunn emphasized that these aspects are not his top priority. According to Gunn, the focus should remain on the complexity and depth of the character, the quality of the writing, and the strength of the actor chosen for the role. Gunn explained,
“But all of those things I find less important than the character himself, the writing, and the person who plays him.”
– James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO.
Although the new Batman has yet to be cast in the DC Universe, audiences caught an early glimpse of the Dark Knight through a cameo in Creature Commandos. This brief appearance offered fans an initial sense of how Gotham City’s hero might be portrayed in this shared franchise.
Progress on The Brave and The Bold
Andy Muschietti has been confirmed as the director for The Brave and The Bold, with the screenplay still undergoing development. The identity of the screenwriter remains undisclosed, but Gunn has assured followers that progress on the script is steady and positive.
In a September 2025 appearance on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, Gunn reaffirmed his approach:
“What matters is the character, the story. and I think we have a really really good story now for what’s happening with Batman.”
– James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO. This statement further underlines his commitment to story and substance rather than aesthetics alone.
New Stories in Gotham City and What Lies Ahead
Looking beyond the mainline Batman film, DC Studios is expanding its universe with additional projects set in Gotham City. Among these is an R-rated horror movie centered on the villain Clayface, due in 2026. This film will explore one of Batman’s most legendary adversaries and promises a darker, more intense take on the DCU’s famous city. Whether Batman will appear in this film or if it will tease future stories is still uncertain.
For now, The Brave and The Bold has yet to secure an official release date from DC Studios, leaving fans to wait for further updates as the next era of Gotham’s protector takes shape under James Gunn’s direction.
