On February 20, 2026, James Gunn clarified that he is not accelerating production on The Batman – Part III, dispelling widespread rumors suggesting otherwise. The speculation emerged that DC Studios, led by Gunn and Peter Safran, intended to fast-track the next installment starring Robert Pattinson to avoid overlapping with the upcoming Batman and Robin feature, The Brave and The Bold. Gunn dismissed these rumors, emphasizing that only current scripts preparing for production are being prioritized.
Responding to the claims on Threads, Gunn stated,
“I don’t know what that is but I’m not fast tracking anything other than our scripts currently getting ready to go into production.”
Later, when informed that writer and social media influencer @DanielRPK had heard Gunn was trying to complete the trilogy before The Brave and The Bold’s release, Gunn added,
“That’s incorrect. Well I mean I don’t know if it’s incorrect that DPK was told that, but the information is incorrect.”
Progress on The Batman – Part II and Cast Insights
The Batman – Part II is in pre-production, with Robert Pattinson set to return as Bruce Wayne/Batman under the direction of Matt Reeves. Colin Farrell, reprising his role as The Penguin, has shared glimpses into the tone and scale of the sequel. Farrell revealed that his role will be smaller compared to the 2022 movie but expressed enthusiasm about the film’s deeper, darker atmosphere and heightened stakes. He reflected,
“Just to be part of that world … Honestly, just to be in something that takes place in Gotham, where a character called Bruce Wayne and Batman exist, is such a joy for me.”
Farrell also acknowledged his lifelong admiration for Batman, referencing past portrayals such as Burgess Meredith and Danny DeVito as inspirations for his character. The sequel promises to expand the Gotham universe while maintaining the eerie intensity fans have come to expect.
Development of The Brave and The Bold and New DC Universe Direction
Separately, DC Studios is advancing plans for The Brave and The Bold, with Christina Hodson attached to write the screenplay. Hodson, known for her work on Bumblebee, Birds of Prey, and The Flash, has been reportedly working on the script since autumn 2025. This film introduces a new Batman and his son Damian Wayne, the violent and assassin-trained Robin originating from Grant Morrison’s comic book narratives.
Sources indicate that DC Studios is cautiously progressing with the screenplay, aiming to produce a refined and deliberate draft before moving forward. This measured approach contrasts with earlier rumors of hurried production schedules.
Gunn and Safran first revealed The Brave and The Bold plans in January 2023, confirming that Robert Pattinson would not portray Batman in this incarnation of the DC Universe. At that time, Gunn described the film as
“the introduction of the DCU Batman, of Bruce Wayne, and also introduces Robin, Damian Wayne, who is a little son of a b****.”
He added,
“It’s a very strange father-and-son story.”
Implications for the Batman Franchise and Future Release Timeline
The denial by James Gunn that The Batman – Part III is being fast-tracked signals a cautious and strategic approach from DC Studios to avoid overlap between separate Batman narratives. As Pattinson’s Batman storyline continues under Matt Reeves’s direction, the new iteration of Batman featuring Damian Wayne will follow a distinct path, expanding the DC Universe with fresh characters and dynamics. Fans and industry observers can expect a clear separation between these two Batman stories, potentially allowing each to develop its own identity and avoid market confusion.
While The Batman – Part II builds on the tone and atmosphere that captivated audiences in 2022, The Brave and The Bold aims to introduce different themes, including the complex father-son relationship between Bruce Wayne and Damian Wayne. DC Studios’ methodical pacing indicates that audiences may need patience before either project reaches production milestones or theatrical release.
