James Gunn and Peter Safran have confirmed that the upcoming DCU film, *The Brave and the Bold*, will introduce a new Batman, definitively ruling out actor Robert Pattinson from the role. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, co-chiefs Safran and Gunn emphasized that Pattinson will continue to portray Batman exclusively within director Matt Reeves’ universe, known as The Batman Epic Crime Saga.
“It's certainly not the plan,” Gunn stated regarding the possibility of Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran further clarified, “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.” This clarification comes after earlier speculation was fueled by Reeves, who left open the possibility of Pattinson playing Batman across the entire DCU.
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Reeves shared his perspective during an interview with Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, stating, “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. What the future brings? I can’t really tell you. I have no idea right now except that my head is down now about getting The Batman Part 2 shooting and to make it something really, really special which, of course, is the most important thing.”
Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves’ vision for *The Batman Part 2*, stating, “we love Reeves’ vision for The Batman Part 2, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are.” He noted that while Reeves has yet to submit a script, the initial drafts have been promising.
*The Brave and the Bold* is currently in “very active development,” with Gunn and Safran actively working on the script. They plan to present it to *The Flash* director Andy Muschietti once it's ready. “I'm very, very actively involved in that script,” Gunn mentioned. Safran hinted that more details about *The Brave and the Bold* will be revealed soon.
Last year, *The Batman Part 2* was delayed to October 1, 2027, marking a five-year gap since the world first saw Robert Pattinson as the Dark Knight. Regarding the release window for *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran was cryptic, saying only, “Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now.”
Fans eager to catch a glimpse of Gunn's Batman can look to Episode 6 of the DCU canon kickstarter *Creature Commandos*, where Batman was briefly shown standing on a rooftop observing crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image showcased a muscular Batman in his iconic costume, but offered little insight into Gunn’s vision for the character. Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that the silhouette was intentionally kept generic as he wanted more ambiguity at this stage.
Gunn emphasized that this Batman cameo in *Creature Commandos* confirms that Batman already exists and is well-known within the DCU, eliminating the need for an origin story. Furthermore, Gunn hinted at future collaborations between Batman and Superman, expressing his enthusiasm for the character: “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.”
