Robert Pattinson delivered a surprisingly exceptional performance in his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman in The Batman. He even managed to impress James Gunn, who was open to including Pattinson’s version of the caped crusader in the DCU. However, director Matt Reeves chose to keep his film separate from the main DC universe, shattering Gunn’s hopes to team Pattinson up with David Corenswet’s Superman.
Gunn will kick off the DCU with his film Superman: Legacy, scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. The Batman movie in the DCU, The Brave and the Bold, is set to be directed by Andy Muschietti. However, Gunn has yet to find his Batman actor, who will join forces with Corenswet to battle villains.
James Gunn’s Plans To Unite Robert Pattinson And David Corenswet Was Foiled
James Gunn recently revealed to his thread followers that it was Matt Reeves‘s decision to keep The Batman out of the DCU. The DC chief was asked whether he didn’t allow Robert Pattinson’s $771 million-grossing hit to be a part of his universe. The Guardians of the Galaxy director responded that he was just respecting Reeves’ decision.
Post by @jamesgunnView on Threads
It appears that Gunn was interested in bringing the fan-favorite Batman portrayal into the DCU instead of going for a new Batman. However, Reeves’ decision foiled his plans, forcing him to look for a new actor for The Brave and the Bold. The 37-year-old Pattinson could have easily become the contemporary Batman for the 30-year-old David Corenswet.
Reeves received immense appreciation for his direction in The Batman. Interestingly, the film was intended to be part of the DCEU, with Ben Affleck set to direct and star in the film. However, Affleck had reservations about certain elements of the project and dropped out. When Reeves took over, he removed the DCEU connections in the story and fleshed out his own standalone movie.
His decision proved worthy as fans and critics hailed his exploration of characters in the film, especially Batman and Catwoman. Integrating his movie with the new DCU will also heavily restrict his creative control. With his movie established in the Elseworlds franchise, the Let Me In director plans to further explore the Batman universe with sequel and spin-off projects.
What’s Next In Robert Pattinson’s Batman Universe?
Matt Reeves is working on developing the sequel to The Batman with Robert Pattinson returning to his role. James Gunn revealed via Threads that he had heard a pitch for The Batman Part II but added that the script for the film was not ready yet. Colin Farrell’s critically acclaimed portrayal in The Batman led to him getting a spin-off series, The Penguin.
Alongside Farrell, How I Met Your Mother fame Cristin Milioti was cast as the antagonist Sofia Falcone. The series is scheduled for a Max release in late 2024. The franchise is also getting two other spin-off series, one based on the Arkham Asylum and the other based on the Gotham City Police Department.
Robert Pattinson’s Batman sequel will hit theaters on October 2, 2025, while his earlier film is now available for streaming on Max. James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025.
