Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman: Confirmed

James Gunn and Peter Safran have confirmed that The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman into the DCU, effectively ruling out actor Robert Pattinson from the role. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, co-chiefs Safran and Gunn clarified that Pattinson's portrayal of Batman will be confined to director Matt Reeves’ Batman 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 echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to introduce a new Batman into the DCU with The Brave and the Bold. “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,” Safran added.

Speculation about Pattinson potentially playing Batman across the entire DCU arose earlier this year when Reeves hinted at the possibility. However, Reeves told reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes that his focus remains on The Batman Epic Crime Saga. “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,” Reeves explained.

Regarding the future, Reeves admitted uncertainty but stressed his commitment to The Batman Part 2. “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,” he said.

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 added that while Reeves has yet to submit a script, the initial drafts are promising.

Meanwhile, The Brave and the Bold is in “very active development,” with the story coming together nicely. Although The Flash director Andy Muschietti was previously attached, Gunn and Safran are currently developing the script and will present it to Muschietti when ready. “I'm very, very actively involved in that script,” Gunn mentioned. Safran teased that more details on The Brave and the Bold will be announced soon.

Last year, The Batman Part 2 faced another delay, pushing its release to October 1, 2027. This adjustment means a five-year gap between the original film and its sequel. When asked about the potential release window for The Brave and the Bold, Safran simply stated, “Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now.”

While fans eagerly await The Brave and the Bold to see Gunn's take on Batman, a brief appearance in Episode 6 of the DCU canon kickstarter Creature Commandos offered a glimpse of Batman. The image showcased a muscular Batman in his iconic costume, standing on a rooftop overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. Gunn later explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that this generic look was intentional, as he requested "more silhouette" to avoid committing to a detailed design prematurely.

This cameo in Creature Commandos confirmed that Batman already exists within the DCU during the events of both this series and the upcoming Superman movie, and he is well-known within the universe. Gunn also hinted at a future collaboration between Batman and Superman, expressing his deep admiration for the character. “This is the DCU Batman,” he said. “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.”

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Batman in Creature Commandos. Image credit: Max.