Following the change of ownership, James Gunn and Peter Safran are on their way to give a complete makeover to the Cinematic Universe of DC. Their dream of the new DCU has given rise to many reports that have completely shocked the fans. The series of shocks don’t seem to end soon as new details reveal that Robert Pattinson’s Batman might also enter the fantastical canon storyline of DCU.
Although it was initially reported that the sub-universes within DC like Todd Phillips’ Joker universe and Matt Reeves’ Batman universe will continue to run independently on their own, the plans might have changed by now. According to the latest report by Variety, James Gunn is looking forward to replacing Ben Affleck with Robert Pattinson’s Batman in the DCU.
Is Robert Pattinson going to be the only Batman in James Gunn’s DCU?
Over the years, we have gone through several versions of Batman in the movies by DC. Various stars like Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Christian Bale have helmed the role in the past. While Ben Affleck was in charge of the character in recent times, WB introduced Robert Pattinson as the Bruce Wayne of a different universe. Now despite the claims of both the Batman operating in their own separate universes, recent reports speak a different story.
Robert Pattinson’s The Batman is considered one of the top-tier movies and everyone loved the grounded approach taken by Matt Reeves. The primary focus given on the detective side of Bruce Wayne was widely appreciated by the fans. Reeves is even working on several sequels and spin-offs based on that universe but now it seems that all of them are going to be canon and part of one great sandbox.
After James Gunn and Peter Safran took over the head chairs and started working on a new DCU, they claimed that they are likely to be heading toward a complete reboot. This led to reports of various project cancellations such as Wonder Woman 3, Man of Steel 2, and Black Adam 2. This has also led to doubt about the future of various actors like Henry Cavill and Dwayne Johnson. The debate rose more after Jason Momoa was reportedly recast as Lobo with Aquaman 2 slated to be his last project as Arthur Curry.
Now, following Variety’s latest information, James Gunn is looking forward to replacing Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne with Pattinson’s version. As expected, the news completely divided the internet as several people spoke about how the grounded approach taken by Reeves would be lost in the fantastical big picture. Most of the fans were of the view that the character looks best in their own independent world and Gunn is heading in the wrong direction.
The internet is divided over the reports
The reports of The Lighthouse actor’s inclusion in the canon of DCU saw the internet getting completely divided into two factions. While most of the fans are against the decision due to their belief that Pattinson’s Batman has a totally different tone, many fans also support it to be the best possible path available to the company right now.
Take a look at some of the reactions of the fans:
L
I would much rather Reeves Batman existed in it's own universe with it's own unique tone. Really think the obsession with replicating the MCU has hurt the DC universe. The best thing going for it was the idea of having vastly different films and tones across the board.
— jihad me at hello 3: the return (@jihad_return) December 14, 2022
Honestly if thats is the first film in the universe thats fine but everything else would have to match its seriousness and appeal more to that then bringing in a billion dollars
— Brandon (@brandonsargs18) December 14, 2022
His batman doesn't fit a larger dc universe, what reeves build feels very grounded
— Hiebs 🇨🇦 – competitive rebuild (@senorhi3bs) December 14, 2022
Matt Reeves is able to work without the confines of a larger universe, the films focus on themselves and remain Batman films first and foremost. Far less studio interference, more of a filmmaker doing what they want. Let it exist on its own like the Dark Knight trilogy.
— Joshua K (@joshua_k98) December 14, 2022
Let’s also take a look at the other side of the war as many people also look supportive of the possible future of the Dark Knight in the new era of DCU.
For all the people freaking out this is literally how the DCAU started, and Batman was kept as serious throughout the whole thing. It doesn't neccesarily mean they're gonna make him goofy
— Truth is Scarier (@TruthScarier) December 14, 2022
If Affleck does not want to comeback, it really is the best solution.
— UgoComics (@MaestroJuninho) December 14, 2022
This is the best possible choice they could make. Stick to one batman
— luke ✞ (@lilchain64) December 14, 2022
They should, the new dc universe obviously needs a batman and i would hate to see another version instead of a great one we already have
— Omni man (@omnimanfan) December 14, 2022
With reports of Ben Affleck’s cameo cut from the upcoming Aquaman movie, it can be believed that James Gunn and Co. are already on their way to integrating the movies which were introduced under Walter Hamada in their present vision of DCU. But now we can only wait for the official reports from the studio which are already stated by The Suicide Squad director to be not pleasing to everyone.
The Batman can be streamed on HBO Max.
