The question of whether Robert Pattinson's portrayal of Batman will find a place within the new DC Universe (DCU) helmed by James Gunn has been a persistent topic among fans. While the definitive answer remains somewhat nuanced, current indications suggest that Pattinson's Batman, as established in Matt Reeves' "The Batman" (2022) and its associated universe, will likely remain separate from the main DCU timeline.
James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has addressed the fervent fan desire to incorporate Pattinson's Dark Knight into the DCU. While acknowledging the character's immense importance to DC, Gunn has stated that he's working with a writer to "get it right" for the DCU, emphasizing the need for a Batman who serves a specific purpose within that universe and isn't simply a duplicate of Reeves' version. Gunn has admitted that Batman is his "biggest issue in all of DC right now, personally," highlighting the complexities of integrating such an iconic character into a shared universe while maintaining his distinctiveness.
Gunn has also addressed the possibility of Pattinson's Batman joining the DCU, stating that he would "never say zero" but that it is "not likely at all." This aligns with the "Elseworlds" approach that DC Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery have adopted, allowing for multiple iterations of the same character to exist on screen simultaneously. This means Pattinson's Batman can continue in his standalone franchise, while the DCU introduces its own version of the character.
The DCU's Batman will be introduced in "The Brave and the Bold," a film based on Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert's comic book run. The movie will feature Bruce Wayne's son, Damian, with Talia al Ghul. Andy Muschietti, director of "The Flash," is set to direct. Gunn has emphasized that the DCU Batman needs a reason for existing and cannot simply be a Batman movie for the sake of having one. He also clarified that he's "not interested in a funny, campy Batman," indicating that the DCU version will likely maintain a serious tone, albeit distinct from the darker, noir-inspired Reeves' interpretation.
The development of "The Brave and the Bold" appears to be a priority for DC Studios. Gunn mentioned that finishing the Wonder Woman and Batman scripts are the studio's main priorities outside of the projects that are actively in production. However, casting for the DCU's Batman has not yet begun, with Gunn debunking rumors that the process was already underway. He stated that casting typically commences once the script is finalized, suggesting that the project is still in its early stages.
Meanwhile, "The Batman Part II" is slated for release on October 1, 2027, after delays partly attributed to the 2023 Hollywood strikes and the time Matt Reeves is taking to develop the script. Gunn has confirmed that "The Batman Part II" is not canceled, despite rumors, but acknowledged that the sequel is taking time to materialize. This further solidifies the understanding that Pattinson's Batman will continue to exist separately, allowing Reeves to craft his vision for the character without direct interference from the broader DCU plans.
