James Gunn’s Big Batman Reveal: Is Pattinson’s Dark Knight DCU-Bound?

James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, recently shared insights about Batman’s future in the new DC Universe (DCU) during an interview with Rolling Stone. While focusing on his upcoming Superman film, Gunn addressed whether Robert Pattinson’s Batman, from Matt Reeves’ separate universe, could join the DCU. “I would never say zero [chances], because you just never know,” he said, leaving the possibility open.

Gunn revealed that Batman has been a major focus for him, even though he’s not writing the script himself. “Batman’s my biggest issue in all of DC right now, personally,” he stated. “I’m not writing Batman, but I am working with the writer of Batman and trying to get it right, because he’s incredibly important to DC, as is Wonder Woman.”

The new Batman film, tentatively titled The Brave and the Bold, aims to introduce a distinct version of the character that fits the DCU’s vision.

Reflecting on his approach, Gunn explained that his new Batman will differ from Reeves’ darker take but won’t lean into campy or comedic tones. “He’s not exactly the same as Matt’s Batman. But yet he’s not a campy Batman.

I’m not interested in that,” he clarified. Gunn stressed the importance of giving Batman a clear purpose in the DCU. “Batman has to have a reason for existing, right?” he said. “So Batman can’t just be ‘Oh, we’re making a Batman movie because Batman’s the biggest character in all of Warner Bros.,’ which he is. But because there’s a need for him in the DCU.”

Gunn also discussed his personal growth as a filmmaker, noting that earlier in his career, he wasn’t ready to tackle Batman. “I don’t think the 2020 James could [have made this film],” he admitted. “Everybody knows I was offered Superman in 2018. They also talked to me about Batman earlier than that, but I was in the middle of Guardians 3. If they had come to me in 2018 with Batman, I would’ve said yes. But, yeah, I just couldn’t quite wrap my head around it.”

He credited Guardians of the Galaxy with helping him blend humor and heart, shaping his current vision. “I needed the right way in,” he added. “That required time to think through a few thousand options before I got to the way that I thought worked.”

On integrating Pattinson’s Batman, Gunn confirmed it’s been considered. “It would be a consideration. We’d have to think about it. It’s not like we’ve never discussed it,” he said. However, he’s focused on ensuring the new DCU Batman feels fresh and necessary. “I think I have a way in, by the way,” he noted. “I think I really know what it’s — I just am dealing with the writer to make sure that we can make it a reality.”

Meanwhile, Reeves’ The Batman sequel, starring Pattinson, is moving forward separately. Announced in April 2022, the film—previously called The Batman – Part II—remains untitled as Reeves refines the script with co-writer Mattson Tomlin.

Returning cast members include Jeffrey Wright as Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred, and Colin Farrell as Penguin. Filming is set to begin late 2025 in England, with a U.S. release planned for October 1, 2027, after multiple delays.

Gunn’s cautious approach to Batman shows he’s serious about getting it right, which is reassuring for DC fans tired of inconsistent visions. His openness to Pattinson’s Batman joining the DCU is intriguing, but I think a fresh take makes more sense to avoid confusing audiences. Reeves’ darker Batman works well on its own, and I’m curious to see how Gunn’s version will stand out without going

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