James Gunn has responded to fan requests about Robert Pattinson’s Batman and Grant Gustin’s portrayal of The Flash joining the DC Universe (DCU). Both actors have earned significant attention for their roles, with fans hoping to see them integrated into Gunn’s expanding DCU projects.
Grant Gustin played Barry Allen in The Flash TV series on The CW, which aired from 2014 to 2023 across nine seasons. His portrayal was widely appreciated, prompting fans to suggest Gustin should reprise Barry Allen within the new DCU framework led by Gunn and Peter Safran. Meanwhile, Robert Pattinson stars as Bruce Wayne/Batman in the Matt Reeves-directed The Batman film series, which launched in 2022. This world also includes the spin-off show The Penguin, released in 2027, with a sequel to The Batman scheduled for 2027.
Clarification from James Gunn on Casting Possibilities
On the social media platform Threads, Gunn reacted to several fan comments regarding the potential involvement of Pattinson and Gustin in Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios’ DCU. When shown a picture of Gustin as Barry Allen with the message “This gotta happen,” Gunn lightly replied,
“It happened on TV for 9 seasons.”
This response implied that Gustin’s role remains confined to the television series rather than the cinematic universe.
Regarding Pattinson’s Batman, Gunn was more definitive when asked if there was any chance Pattinson could appear in the DCU as Batman, even as a variant unconnected to the Matt Reeves films. Gunn’s reply was simply,
No.
Future of The Flash and Batman in the DCU
The integration of The Flash into the DCU remains uncertain, with no official announcements about when or if the character will appear. Discussions continue about whether the DCU’s main Flash will be Barry Allen or Wally West, leaving open the possibility that both versions could be featured over time.
Regarding Batman, a project titled The Brave and the Bold is underway, aiming to expand Batman’s presence in the DCU. Although announced in January 2023, progress on the film has been slow, and no release date has been set. The latest known development involves screenwriter Christina Hodson being assigned to write the script.
Impact and What to Expect Next
James Gunn’s statements clarify that existing portrayals by Robert Pattinson and Grant Gustin will remain separate from the official DCU continuity he oversees. Fans can expect fresh casting choices to define this new chapter, while the ongoing development of The Brave and the Bold signals a future shift in how Batman is integrated. The uncertainty surrounding The Flash’s DCU role highlights continued evolution in casting and storytelling decisions within Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ larger universe expansion.
