James Gunn has made it clear: Batman is the toughest nut to crack in the new DC Universe. 
The co-head of DC Studios recently opened up about the challenge of introducing a fresh Dark Knight to his revamped cinematic world, while simultaneously juggling Robert Pattinson’s ongoing portrayal in Matt Reeves’ gritty, noir-flavored Gotham.
“Batman’s my biggest issue in all of DC right now,” Gunn admitted in a recent interview. His conundrum? Crafting a new Batman for The Brave and the Bold without stepping on the cape of Pattinson’s version, who will remain exclusive to the self-contained The Batman Epic Crime Saga. That separation isn’t just creative-it’s necessary. Gunn wants no camp, no comedy capes, and absolutely no confusion. “I’m not interested in a funny, campy Batman,” he said. “Batman needs a reason to exist beyond being a brand.”
So while Reeves slowly chisels away at The Batman – Part 2 (now pushed to 2027, five years after Pattinson’s debut), Gunn is laser-focused on getting the tone right for a Batman who fits seamlessly into the new DCU. He isn’t writing The Brave and the Bold himself but is closely guiding a yet-unnamed writer to shape a compelling version that complements characters like Superman and Wonder Woman in the evolving DCU.
“We’re trying to get Batman and Wonder Woman scripts right,” Gunn said, calling them his studio’s top priorities. And unlike the mysterious, grounded vigilante of Reeves’ world, this Batman won’t be an origin story. Gunn confirmed the Caped Crusader already exists in the DCU timeline, as hinted in Creature Commandos, where a bulky, shadowed Batman briefly appeared-his cameo signaling presence, not promise.
Despite internet rumors, The Batman – Part 2 isn’t scrapped. Gunn defended Reeves’ methodical approach, saying, “Matt’s slow. Let him do what he’s doing.” The sequel’s script isn’t finished, and with no confirmed production timeline, fans are left waiting-for both versions.
But there’s hope. Gunn hinted at a Batman-Superman team-up in the near future, underscoring that both heroes are critical to his vision. “I love Batman,” he said. “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.”
As for tone, don’t expect another grim, silent loner. Gunn seems to be steering away from the overly brooding versions that audiences have seen lately. Instead, fans might get a Batman who combines detective work with world-class skill and just enough humanity to make him feel real-without sacrificing the darker duality that makes him unique. Whether he lands somewhere between animated-era Batman and the Keaton mold remains to be seen, but it’s clear: the Bat signal is up, and Gunn is working overtime to answer it-carefully.