James Gunn Keeps Pattinson’s Batman Out of DCU Plans

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Even though there’s a lot of excitement about Robert Pattinson as Batman, don’t anticipate him showing up in the wider DC Universe right away. In a chat with Rolling Stone, James Gunn, who shares the CEO role at DC Studios, didn’t rule out the possibility entirely but suggested it’s not something they are counting on and is quite improbable.

In 2022, Robert Pattinson made his debut as the caped crusader in ‘The Batman’, a film that offered a dark, detective-focused interpretation of the famous superhero directed by Matt Reeves. The movie was highly acclaimed, grossing over $770 million worldwide and receiving an 85% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The grimy, noir-inspired version of Gotham, combined with Pattinson’s intense portrayal of a young Bruce Wayne, resonated with viewers. The plot revolved around Batman solving the Riddler’s deadly enigmas, skillfully played by Paul Dano, and confronting Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman and Colin Farrell’s Penguin. The film’s success validated Reeves’ vision as a crowd-pleaser, leading to a sequel and spin-offs.

Title ‘Batman: The Next Chapter’ is scheduled for release on October 1, 2027, taking audiences further into the dark depths of Gotham City’s criminal underbelly. Director Matt Reeves, renowned for his work in ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ (2017), is weaving a more expansive tale, fueling speculation about potential new adversaries such as Clayface or Hush. Simultaneously, the HBO series ‘The Penguin’, premiered in September 2024, continues immediately after the first film, delving into the power struggle within Gotham. This self-contained universe, referred to as “Elseworlds” by DC, allows Reeves to create gritty and character-driven narratives independent of the broader superhero realm.

James Gunn and his producing partner Peter Safran are actively crafting the primary narrative arc for the DC Universe, commencing with ‘Superman’ on July 11, 2025. David Corenswet plays Superman in this movie, paving the way for a unified universe featuring ‘The Authority’, ‘Green Lanterns’, and ‘The Brave and the Bold’. The latter will introduce a unique Batman character, distinct from Pattinson’s portrayal, inspired by Grant Morrison’s comics. This storyline emphasizes an older Bruce Wayne training his son, Damian Wayne, as Robin – a dynamic that hasn’t been explored on the big screen previously. Gunn’s strategy ensures consistency within the DCU, while independent projects such as ‘The Batman’ or Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ have the freedom to innovate outside the main storyline.

Robert Pattinson, known for his versatile roles in movies like ‘Good Time’ (2017), ‘The Lighthouse’ (2019), and ‘Tenet’ (2020), brings a melancholic intensity to the character of Batman. His portrayal – that of a tormented vigilante struggling with anger and direction – aligns perfectly with Reeves’ gritty storytelling style. I’m eagerly anticipating how they will develop this character, particularly considering the sequel hints at higher stakes. However, James Gunn’s stance suggests that we won’t likely see Pattinson’s Batman interacting with Superman or Wonder Woman in the near future.

Currently, the Elseworlds tag allows Reeves to establish a unique part of Gotham for himself, which is more than enough to keep me intrigued. As ‘The Batman Part II’ isn’t due until two years from now, I plan to rewatch the initial film and explore ‘The Penguin’ in the meantime. In his own universe, Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman is truly radiant, even if he’s a solitary figure within the DCU.

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2025-06-17 00:44