James Gunn Confirms When Batman Will Make Live-Action His DCU Debut

The DCU is progressing steadily, with one animated project already released and the debut of Superman drawing closer by the day. Following Superman, fans can look forward to Peacemaker Season 2, and then in 2026, Supergirl will take the spotlight.

However, the timelines for two of the DCU’s other major pillars remain unclear. One of the most highly anticipated projects is undoubtedly The Brave and the Bold, which is expected to introduce Batman into the new DCU continuity.

James Gunn has recently admitted that he’s facing challenges with bringing Batman into the fold. Meanwhile, rumors, and hopeful speculation, continue to grown that Robert Pattinson could eventually become the primary Batman of the DCU. Still, everything we’ve seen so far suggests that the tone and style of Reeves’ The Batman universe, including The Penguin spin-off, remain largely incompatible with the emerging world of the DCU.

But, back to The Brave and the Bold. The movie is inspired by runs from Grant Morrison and Tom King about Batman. It will show the whole Bat Family, especially focusing on Damian Wayne as Robin.

James Gunn said Damian is his favorite Robin and wants to show him as a tough “assassin” and “murderer.” The movie will explore a unique father-son relationship.

No actors have been announced yet, but Andy Muschietti, who directed The Flash, will direct the movie. There is no information yet about when filming will start or when the movie will come out.

Still on his personal Threads account, James Gunn cleared up that as it stands, this is going to be Batman’s introduction in the DCU:

Batman’s first appearance in the DCU was technically in Creature Commandos. And speaking of that show, Gunn actually explained that Batman was at that point already established in the DCU.

In response to fans talking about the animated series, Gunn explained the timeline of Doctor Phosphorus, voiced by Alan Tudyk, and when he met Batman. It seems Doctor Phosphorus was active for a long time after he changed and after killing Rupert Thorne, which means Batman came later and didn’t have a direct history with Thorne.

Gunn replied to a fan on social media, saying, “Yes you are right. It would be silly to assume Phosphorus met Batman the minute after he became Phosphorus. I wouldn’t even trust Phosphorus’ sense of time/proclivity for hyperbole.”

In the show, scientist Alexander Sartorius is betrayed by Rupert Thorne, which leads to Sartorius becoming Doctor Phosphorus. Phosphorus kills Thorne and his family and takes over his criminal group. The episode shows that Batman eventually arrests Doctor Phosphorus, proving Batman is already working as a hero in the DCU.

Later in the series, Doctor Phosphorus says he hasn’t been “touched in 15 years” since he became a monster. Because of this and his control of Thorne’s criminal group, fans wondered how long Batman has been active in the DCU. Some thought Batman must have had a very long career if he fought Phosphorus.

James Gunn explained that the 15 years Phosphorus mentions doesn’t mean Batman fought him right away. This means Phosphorus could have run Thorne’s criminal business for a long time before Batman became Gotham’s main hero or before Batman noticed him. This also means Rupert Thorne may not have faced this version of Batman directly.

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