It's been a long road since James Gunn took the reins at DC Studios in 2022, but the DCU is finally hitting its stride with a slate of films and series that are reshaping the superhero landscape. Among the most anticipated projects is Batman: Brave and the Bold, which was announced early on but has remained shrouded in mystery. Now, Gunn has offered the clearest update yet on the Dark Knight's future in the DCU.
During a recent appearance on The Suicide Squad podcast, Gunn addressed the long-standing question of who will don the cape and cowl. He confirmed that the role has not yet been cast, despite swirling rumors, and that fans won't have to wait much longer. "It won't be too much longer before we're casting Batman," Gunn said, adding that he's "not cast yet."
Gunn also hinted at his casting philosophy, which marks a departure from the traditional approach. He emphasized that he's looking for the best actor for the role, not necessarily the biggest movie star. "If I gave somebody a day role in Suicide Squad who is going to be the best Batman, I'm not going to rule him out from that," he explained. This mirrors the strategy used for Superman, where David Corenswet was chosen for his fit rather than his fame.
The news comes as the DCU's latest entry, Clayface, hits theaters, starring Tom Rhys Harries as the shape-shifting villain. The film, written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini and directed by James Watkins, is set in Gotham City, which has only fueled speculation about Batman's involvement. Fans were quick to notice the Dark Knight's absence, prompting Gunn to clarify the timeline.
While Batman: Brave and the Bold still lacks a release date, the DCU's next big-screen outing is Man of Tomorrow, arriving on July 9, 2027. The sequel to 2025's Superman will see Clark Kent team up with Lex Luthor to battle Brainiac, played by Lars Eidinger, and will also feature Milly Alcock's Supergirl and Aaron Pierre's John Stewart from Lanterns.
Gunn's comments have also reignited discussions about Robert Pattinson's future as Batman. While Pattinson's portrayal in Matt Reeves' The Batman was critically acclaimed, Gunn's remarks suggest that the DCU's Batman will be a separate entity, with a new actor taking on the role. This aligns with earlier reports that the DCU and Reeves' Batman universe would remain distinct.
As the DCU continues to expand, fans are eager to see who will step into the iconic role. With casting expected to begin soon, the wait may finally be over. For more on the DCU's evolving slate, check out our coverage of Alan Ritchson's DCU future and the Clayface director's take on the tragic finale.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for the latest on Batman: Brave and the Bold and all things DCU.
