James Gunn and Peter Safran have confirmed that The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman to the DCU, effectively ruling out actor Robert Pattinson from reprising his role in this new universe. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, co-chiefs Safran and Gunn clarified that Pattinson's Batman will remain exclusive to director Matt Reeves’ The Batman Epic Crime Saga.
"It's certainly not the plan," Gunn stated when asked about the possibility of Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to introduce a new Batman into the DCU. "And we love him, but we've got to introduce a Batman into the DCU. That's imperative. And so that's the plan with The Brave and the Bold," he added.
The speculation about Pattinson playing Batman across the entire DCU arose earlier this year when Reeves hinted at the possibility. Speaking to reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, Reeves noted, "It really comes down to whether or not it makes sense. What’s been great is there was a story that I wanted to tell with what we’re calling The Epic Crime Saga and all that, which is the thrust of what we want to do. And it’s been important to me to be able to play that out. And James and Peter have been really, really great about that and they’re letting us do that."
Reeves also mentioned his focus on The Batman Part 2, which has been delayed to October 1, 2027. This delay means a five-year gap between the original film and its sequel. Despite this, Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves’ vision, stating, "We love Matt’s vision for The Batman Part 2, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are."
The Brave and the Bold is in active development, with Gunn and Safran actively involved in shaping the script. While Andy Muschietti, director of The Flash, was initially attached, Gunn noted they would show the script to Muschietti "when we have it in a place where we think it's ready to go... and see if it's a fit for him." Safran promised more details on The Brave and the Bold would be announced soon.
Regarding the new release date for The Batman Part 2, Safran was tight-lipped about the potential release window for The Brave and the Bold, simply stating, "Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now."
Fans got a glimpse of Gunn's Batman in Episode 6 of Creature Commandos, where the character was seen standing on a rooftop. The image was intentionally kept generic, as Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV, "I asked for 'more silhouette' after the original Batman on show was more detailed than I was ready to commit to at the time."
This brief appearance confirmed that Batman is already an established figure within the DCU during the events of Creature Commandos and the upcoming Superman movie. Gunn further hinted at future collaborations, saying, "This is the DCU Batman. Listen, I gotta tell you, I just love Batman. I love him. I've loved him since I was a little kid. He's one of my favorite characters. I've gone on the record in the past when I was at Marvel saying my favorite character is Batman. I love him and we're going to do great things with him. He's the most popular superhero in the world and I can't wait for people to see more of him, along with Superman, and together."
Confirmed DCU Projects
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