Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman: Confirmed

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman to the DCU, confirming that actor Robert Pattinson will not reprise his role in this new universe. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, co-chiefs Safran and Gunn clarified that Pattinson's portrayal of Batman will be exclusive to director Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga.

"It's certainly not the plan," Gunn stated firmly about the possibility of Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to introduce a new Batman for the DCU. "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," he added.

The speculation about Pattinson potentially playing Batman across the entire DCU arose earlier this year when Reeves hinted at the possibility. However, Reeves later clarified his stance during an interview with reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes. "It really comes down to whether or not it makes sense," Reeves explained. He emphasized his focus on The Batman Epic Crime Saga and expressed gratitude for Gunn and Safran's support in allowing him to pursue his vision. "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."

Safran praised 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 noted 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 very nicely." There is uncertainty about whether Andy Muschietti, the director of The Flash, will helm the project. Gunn and Safran are currently developing the script and plan to present it to Muschietti once it's ready. "I'm very, very actively involved in that script," Gunn confirmed. Safran hinted that more details about The Brave and the Bold will be announced soon.

The release of The Batman Part 2 has been delayed to October 1, 2027, marking a five-year gap since Robert Pattinson first donned the cape and cowl. When asked about the potential release window for The Brave and the Bold, Safran was cryptic, stating only, "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 glimpse of the character was provided in Episode 6 of Creature Commandos. The image showed Batman standing on a rooftop, observing crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. Gunn explained that this generic portrayal was intentional, as he requested "more silhouette" to keep the character's design under wraps. This cameo confirmed that Batman already exists and is well-known within the DCU during the events of Creature Commandos and the upcoming Superman movie, negating the need for an origin story.

Gunn also hinted at a future collaboration between Batman and Superman, expressing his deep affection 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."

Confirmed DCU Projects

11 Images

Batman in Creature Commandos. Image credit: Max.