Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman to the DCU, confirming that Robert Pattinson will not be reprising his role as the Dark Knight in this new universe. During a DC Studios presentation, co-chiefs Safran and Gunn clarified that Pattinson will continue to portray Batman exclusively within 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 necessity of introducing 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."

The speculation regarding Pattinson potentially playing Batman across the entire DCU was fueled earlier this year when Reeves hinted at the possibility. In an interview with Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, Reeves noted, "It really comes down to whether or not it makes sense. 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 is currently focused on The Batman Part 2, which has been praised by Safran and Gunn. "We love Matt’s vision for The Batman Part 2, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are," Safran said, adding that while Reeves has yet to submit a final script, the initial drafts are promising.

Meanwhile, The Brave and the Bold is in active development, with Gunn and Safran closely involved in crafting the script. They plan to present it to The Flash director Andy Muschietti to see if it aligns with his vision. "I'm very, very actively involved in that script," Gunn stated, with Safran teasing more announcements about the project soon.

The Batman Part 2 has faced delays, now scheduled for October 1, 2027, marking a five-year gap since Pattinson's debut as Batman. When asked about the potential release window for The Brave and the Bold, Safran simply noted, "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 await The Brave and the Bold to see Gunn's Batman, a brief glimpse of the character was shown in Episode 6 of Creature Commandos. The image depicted Batman in his iconic costume overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. Gunn explained that the silhouette was intentionally kept generic, as he requested "more silhouette" for the initial depiction. This cameo confirmed that Batman is already a well-established figure within the DCU during the events of Creature Commandos and the upcoming Superman movie.

Gunn also hinted at future collaborations between Batman and Superman within the DCU, expressing his deep affection for the character: "This is the DCU Batman. 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