Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman

James Gunn and Peter Safran have confirmed that *The Brave and the Bold* will introduce a new Batman into the DCU, definitively ruling out actor Robert Pattinson for this role. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, co-chiefs Safran and Gunn clarified that Pattinson will continue to portray Batman exclusively in 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 added, "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*."

Earlier this year, speculation about Pattinson possibly playing Batman across the entire DCU was sparked when Reeves hinted at the possibility. In an interview with Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, Reeves said, "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 also mentioned his focus on *The Batman Part 2*, emphasizing that his current priority is to make the sequel "something really, really special." Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves' vision for *The Batman Part 2*, stating, "We love Matt's vision for *The Batman Part 2*, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are." He added that Reeves has yet to turn in a script, but "what we've read so far is very encouraging."

*The Brave and the Bold* is currently in "very active development," with the story "coming together very nicely." While *The Flash* director Andy Muschietti was previously attached, Gunn and Safran are now developing the script and will present it to Muschietti "when we have it in a place where we think it's ready to go... and see if it's a fit for him," Safran said. Gunn added, "I'm very, very actively involved in that script." Safran teased that more details on *The Brave and the Bold* will be announced "very soon."

*The Batman Part 2* has been delayed to October 1, 2027, marking a five-year gap between the original film and its sequel. When asked about a potential release window for *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran only said, "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, Episode 6 of the DCU canon kickstarter *Creature Commandos* offered a brief glimpse of the character. The image showed Batman standing on a rooftop, looking down at crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The silhouette was intentionally kept generic, as Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV, "I asked for 'more silhouette' after the original Batman on show was more detailed than I was ready to commit to at the time."

This brief appearance confirmed that Batman already exists and is well-known within the DCU during the events of *Creature Commandos* and the upcoming *Superman* movie, eliminating the need for an origin story. Gunn also hinted at a future collaboration between Batman and Superman, saying, "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."

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