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 DC Universe (DCU), explicitly ruling out Robert Pattinson from reprising his role in this new cinematic universe. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, the co-chiefs confirmed that Pattinson will continue to portray Batman solely within director Matt Reeves’ 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 necessity of introducing a new Batman to the DCU. “And we love him, but we've got to introduce a Batman into the DCU,” Safran said. “That's imperative. And so that's the plan with The Brave and the Bold.”

Earlier this year, speculation about Pattinson playing Batman across the entire DCU arose when Reeves hinted at the possibility. However, Reeves clarified his position in an interview with Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes. “It really comes down to whether or not it makes sense,” Reeves explained. “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 also mentioned that his focus is currently on The Batman Part 2, scheduled for release on October 1, 2027, which has been delayed by a year. “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 added.

Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves’ vision for The Batman Part 2, stating that both he and Gunn “love” the direction and are eagerly anticipating the film. Although Reeves has yet to submit a final script, Safran noted that what they've seen so far is promising.

Meanwhile, The Brave and the Bold is in “very active development” with its story “coming together very nicely.” Regarding potential director Andy Muschietti, Safran mentioned that they are still developing the script and will present it to him once it’s ready. “I'm very, very actively involved in that script,” Gunn added. Safran teased that more details about The Brave and the Bold will be announced soon.

When asked about the release window for The Brave and the Bold in relation to The Batman Part 2, 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.”

Fans got a glimpse of Gunn’s Batman in Episode 6 of Creature Commandos, which is part of the DCU canon. The image showed Batman standing on a rooftop overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that he requested a more silhouette-focused image to keep the details of Batman's appearance under wraps for now.

This brief appearance confirmed that Batman already exists and is well-known within the DCU, negating the need for an origin story. Gunn also hinted at a future collaboration between Batman and Superman, expressing his enthusiasm 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