Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman: Confirmed

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially confirmed that a new Batman will be introduced in the DCU with the upcoming film, *The Brave and the Bold*, explicitly ruling out Robert Pattinson for the role. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, Safran and Gunn clarified that Pattinson will continue to portray Batman solely within Matt Reeves' *The Batman Epic Crime Saga*.

"It's certainly not the plan," Gunn stated firmly about the possibility of Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of introducing a new Batman into the DCU. "And we love him, but we've got to introduce a Batman into the DCU," Safran added. "That's imperative. And so that's the plan with *The Brave and the Bold*."

The speculation around Pattinson potentially playing Batman across the entire DCU was fueled earlier this year when Reeves left the door open to the possibility. In a conversation with reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, Reeves noted, "It really comes down to whether or not it makes sense. What’s been great is there was a story that I wanted to tell with what we’re calling The Epic Crime Saga and all that, which is the thrust of what we want to do. And it’s been important to me to be able to play that out. And James and Peter have been really, really great about that and they’re letting us do that."

Reeves also mentioned his focus on *The Batman Part 2*, saying, "What the future brings? I can’t really tell you. I have no idea right now except that my head is down now about getting *The Batman Part 2* shooting and to make it something really, really special which, of course, is the most important thing."

Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves’ vision for *The Batman Part 2*, stating, "We love Reeves’ vision for *The Batman Part 2*, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are." He noted that while Reeves has yet to turn in a script, the parts they've seen are "very encouraging."

Meanwhile, *The Brave and the Bold* is in "very active development," with the story "coming together very nicely." There's uncertainty about whether *The Flash* director Andy Muschietti will direct, as Gunn and Safran are still developing the script. "We will show it to Muschietti when we have it in a place where we think it's ready to go... and see if it's a fit for him," Safran said. Gunn added, "I'm very, very actively involved in that script." Safran teased that more details about *The Brave and the Bold* will be announced "very soon."

Last year, *The Batman Part 2* faced a delay, moving its release to October 1, 2027. This means there will be a five-year gap between the debut of Robert Pattinson as Batman and its sequel. Regarding a potential release window for *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran cryptically stated, "Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now."

While fans eagerly await *The Brave and the Bold* to see Gunn's version of Batman, a brief glimpse of the character appeared in Episode 6 of *Creature Commandos*. The image showed Batman standing on a rooftop, overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. Although the image was somewhat generic, Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that he intentionally requested a more silhouette-focused depiction to keep details under wraps for now.

Gunn further clarified that this Batman cameo in *Creature Commandos* confirms Batman's established presence within the DCU during the events of *Creature Commandos* and this year's *Superman* movie. He also hinted at a future collaboration between Batman and Superman, stating, "This is the DCU Batman... Listen, I gotta tell you, I just love Batman. I love him. I've loved him since I was a little kid. He's one of my favorite characters. I've gone on the record in the past when I was at Marvel saying my favorite character is Batman. I love him and we're going to do great things with him. 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."

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Batman in Creature Commandos. Image credit: Max.