James Gunn, James Gunn Brave Bold [Image Source: DESIGNHERO]
Nearly three years after DC Studios revealed its Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters plan, director James Gunn has denied rumors of a 2028 release date for The Brave and the Bold. The film, set within the DC Universe, continues to face uncertainty, especially regarding its Batman casting and script progress, contributing to ongoing fan frustration.
Current Progress and Challenges with the DC Universe’s Batman
Following several postponements, Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II, an alternate Elseworlds story separate from the main DCU continuity, is now moving toward production. However, it is not connected to other DCU projects such as Superman or Clayface. Amid this, James Gunn has expressed difficulty in defining the DCU’s Dark Knight, a challenge intensified by the success and distinct vision of Reeves’ critically praised Batman franchise.
Andy Muschietti remains attached to direct The Brave and the Bold, although the script is reportedly still in development by an as-yet unnamed writer. Recent online reports suggested the screenplay was finished and that Warner Bros. might target a 2028 release. Gunn quickly dispelled these claims on Threads, stating,
“Fiction, sorry. Screenplay isn’t finished.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO
Fan Reactions and Industry Speculation
Fans eager for news have grown anxious due to the apparent slog in finalizing the Batman story within the DCU, with some speculating that other projects like a new Wonder Woman film could premiere beforehand. Gunn has also addressed rumors about The Batman Part II, denying reports of a test screening last year, stating,
Image of: James Gunn
“That would be strange since the movie hasn’t started production.”
—James Gunn
Andy Muschietti’s continued role directing the reboot remains a divisive topic, largely because of the mixed reception to 2023’s The Flash. Meanwhile, Gunn has acknowledged he has potential actors in mind for Batman but emphasized a thorough casting process still lies ahead. He said last year,
“Do I have ideas about actors who could play Batman? Absolutely, I do,”
and added,
“I have guys I like. I have guys that are top of the list for me, just like I had people that were at the top of the list for Superman.”
Unconfirmed Timelines and What to Expect Next
While the exact timeline for The Brave and the Bold remains unknown, industry insiders and fans continue to watch closely for any updates. Gunn has stressed that the script development is ongoing, saying,
“The script isn’t done. I mean, we’ve got somebody writing a script, I think it’s really good.”
With no official release date confirmed, the film’s future schedule depends heavily on the script’s completion and casting decisions.
The significance of these developments lies in the DC Universe’s need to carefully construct its Batman narrative without conflicting with existing franchises. As Warner Bros. and DC Studios navigate these challenges, the direction and timing of The Brave and the Bold will be crucial to uniting fans and solidifying DCU’s cinematic roadmap.
Hearing the screenplay is finished for Andy Muschietti's new Batman film BRAVE AND THE BOLD, and that Warner Bros. is looking at a 2028 release [Dread Exclusive].
As previously explained, it will not connected to Robert Pattinson’s The Batman films directed by Matt Reeves.… pic.twitter.com/rhz5dTfzCP
Hearing the screenplay is finished for Andy Muschietti's new Batman film BRAVE AND THE BOLD, and that Warner Bros. is looking at a 2028 release [Dread Exclusive].
As previously explained, it will not connected to Robert Pattinson’s The Batman films directed by Matt Reeves.… pic.twitter.com/rhz5dTfzCP
