Batman Recast in New DC Universe

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that The Brave and the Bold will feature a new Batman within the DC Universe, confirming that Robert Pattinson will not reprise the role.

During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, co-chairs Safran and Gunn clarified that Pattinson's portrayal of Batman is exclusive to director Matt Reeves' standalone Batman universe, known as The Batman Epic Crime Saga.

"That is definitely not part of our plan," Gunn stated regarding any potential crossover of Pattinson into the DCU. "It's not something we're considering. Absolutely not."

"We have tremendous respect for his work," Safran added, "but introducing a distinct Batman to the DCU is essential. That is the core objective behind The Brave and the Bold."

Earlier speculation about Pattinson potentially portraying Batman across the broader DCU arose after Reeves himself hinted at the possibility.

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"It ultimately depends on whether it aligns with the overall narrative," Reeves explained to reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes. "I've been fortunate to develop the story I envisioned for The Epic Crime Saga, which remains our primary focus. James and Peter have been incredibly supportive of that vision, allowing us to fully realize it.

"What lies ahead is uncertain. My immediate priority is to begin production on The Batman Part 2 and ensure it becomes a truly exceptional film, which is our main goal."

Safran expressed his and Gunn's enthusiasm for Reeves' direction on The Batman Part 2, stating, "We share the fans' anticipation for this next chapter." Although the script is not yet finalized, Safran noted, "The material we've reviewed so far is highly promising."

Meanwhile, The Brave and the Bold is in "active development," with the storyline "progressing well." Regarding the director, Andy Muschietti, Gunn and Safran are refining the script and plan to present it to him "once it reaches a stage we're satisfied with... to determine if it suits his vision." Gunn emphasized his deep involvement in the scripting process. Safran hinted that further updates on The Brave and the Bold will be shared "in the near future."

The release of The Batman Part 2 was recently postponed by a full year, now scheduled for October 1, 2027. If this date holds, it will result in a five-year gap between Robert Pattinson's debut as the Dark Knight and its sequel.

How does this new timeline for The Batman Part 2 affect the potential release window for The Brave and the Bold? "We have announced a Batman movie for October 2027," Safran remarked. "That is the extent of the information we can provide at this time."

While audiences await The Brave and the Bold for Gunn's interpretation of Batman, Episode 6 of the DCU's Creature Commandos offered a glimpse of Batman observing crime lord Doctor Phosphorus from a rooftop. The scene presented a heavily built Caped Crusader in his classic suit, though little else was revealed about this version of the hero.

Gunn's comments to Rotten Tomatoes TV after the episode aired explain why Batman's appearance was intentionally vague. Gunn mentioned he requested "a more silhouetted figure" after the initial, more detailed design was more than he was prepared to finalize then.

Gunn elaborated that this brief appearance served to confirm Batman's established presence in the DCU during the events of Creature Commandos and the upcoming Superman film. He emphasized that Batman is already a recognized figure in this world, making a retelling of his origin story unnecessary.

Gunn also hinted at a future team-up, suggesting the DCU's Batman will eventually join forces with Superman.

"This is the definitive DCU Batman," he said of the Creature Commandos cameo. "I've always been a huge Batman fan since childhood—he's one of my all-time favorite characters. I've even said previously that Batman is my favorite superhero. We have exciting plans for him. As the world's most popular superhero, I'm eager for audiences to see more of him, both on his own and alongside Superman."