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 reprise his role as the Dark Knight in this new universe. Speaking at a DC Studios presentation covered by IGN, the co-chiefs clarified that Pattinson's portrayal of Batman will be exclusive to Matt Reeves’ The Batman Epic Crime Saga.

"It's certainly not the plan," Gunn stated firmly about Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of 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 around 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."

Despite this, Reeves remains focused on The Batman Part 2, which has been delayed to October 1, 2027. Gunn and Safran expressed their enthusiasm for Reeves' vision and are eagerly awaiting the film's completion. "We love Matt’s vision for The Batman Part 2, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are," Safran remarked, adding that while they haven't seen a full script yet, what they have read is promising.

Meanwhile, The Brave and the Bold is in "very active development" with the story progressing well. While Andy Muschietti was initially slated to direct, Gunn and Safran are still refining the script and will present it to him when it's ready. "I'm very, very actively involved in that script," Gunn confirmed, and Safran teased that more details about The Brave and the Bold will be announced soon.

The new release date for The Batman Part 2 has sparked questions about the potential release window for The Brave and the Bold. Safran cryptically responded, "Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now."

For fans eager to catch a glimpse of Gunn's Batman, Episode 6 of Creature Commandos featured a brief appearance of the Caped Crusader overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image showcased a robust Batman in his iconic costume, yet offered little else about Gunn's vision. Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that he requested a more silhouetted look, indicating that this Batman is already established within the DCU, alongside other characters like Superman.

Gunn also hinted at future collaborations between Batman and Superman, stating, "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

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Batman in Creature Commandos. Image credit: Max.