James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that *The Brave and the Bold* will introduce a new Batman to the DC Universe (DCU), effectively ruling out Robert Pattinson reprising his role in this new continuity. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, the co-chiefs confirmed that Pattinson's portrayal of the Dark Knight will be exclusive to Matt Reeves' *The Batman Epic Crime Saga*.
"It's certainly not the plan," Gunn stated about Pattinson potentially 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*."
The speculation around Pattinson's involvement in the broader DCU was fueled earlier this year when Reeves hinted at the possibility. However, Reeves clarified his stance in an interview with Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, saying, "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*, which has been delayed to October 1, 2027. This delay means a five-year gap between the original *The Batman* and its sequel. Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves' vision, 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 has yet to turn in a script, but what we've read so far is very encouraging."
As for *The Brave and the Bold*, it is currently in "very active development," with the story "coming together very nicely." While Andy Muschietti was initially set to direct, Gunn and Safran are still developing the script and will present it to him once it's ready. Safran teased that more details about *The Brave and the Bold* will be announced "very soon."
Regarding the release window for *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran was cryptic, saying, "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*, where the Caped Crusader was seen on a rooftop overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image was intentionally 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 within the DCU during the events of *Creature Commandos* and the upcoming *Superman* movie, and he is well-known within the universe. Gunn also hinted at a future team-up between Batman and Superman, expressing his love 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
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Batman in Creature Commandos. Image credit: Max.
