Despite how exciting it could be, The Batman’s integration into James Gunn’s DCU doesn’t sound like a great idea anymore. Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise was born as a solo DCEU spinoff of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, initially set to be directed by and starring Ben Affleck. The original version of The Batman was canceled, and it became a standalone movie with no connection to a cinematic universe — a quality that helped it stand out and do its own thing without the need for any synergy with other projects.
After The Batman and The Penguin’s mᴀssive success and ahead of The Batman – Part II’s 2027 release, fan discussion has centered on the possibility of merging Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise with James Gunn’s DC Universe. In theory, this would ensure the DCU’s Batman is a well-liked version of the Dark Knight, and it would guarantee a long movie and television run for Robert Pattinson’s popular Batman portrayal. However, not only is this scenario unlikely, but it could be damaging to everything The Batman franchise has been building.
The DCU Is Compatible With The Batman, But The Batman Is Not Compatible With The DCU
The DCU Has No Room For Matt Reeves’ Batman Universe
The DCU would certainly benefit from incorporating the vast and detailed Gotham City established by The Batman and The Penguin, not to mention the beloved portrayals of characters as important as James Gordon, Catwoman, the Riddler, Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell’s award-winning Penguin. However, joining the DCU would be extremely limiting for The Batman, as Matt Reeves’ whole franchise would have to adapt to the DCU’s overarching plans sooner or later.
Matt Reeves is taking his time with The Baman – Part II’s script, to the point that he prefers to delay the sequel until he reaches the best version of the movie he wants to make. Clearly, Reeves wants to deliver a sequel that represents his artistic vision without any constraints. Even if James Gunn gave Matt Reeves all the creative freedom he requested, the DCU’s Batman would still be part of a franchise that Reeves has no complete control over, and Robert Pattinson would be required to reprise his role in multiple projects not strictly related to his first Batman movie.
The DCU Is Already Setting Up Batman’s Story Before His Live-Action Debut
The DCU Already Has A Defined Batman Not Connected To Robert Pattinson’s
Besides Matt Reeves’ creative vision, The Batman’s integration into the DCU would interfere with both franchises’ current plans. The DCU’s Batman is set to make his first live-action appearance in Andy Muschietti’s The Brave and the Bold, where he will co-star with his son Damian Wayne. The DCU’s Batman has already faced villains like Clayface and Doctor Phosphorus, as confirmed by Creature Commandos. Therefore, Robert Pattinson’s Batman would be obligated to go through these events at some point, and Matt Reeves would be obligated to lead his trilogy in that direction.
Robert Pattinson’s and the DCU’s Batman would have to reach a middle ground in order to become the same version of the character
Damian Wayne’s role in The Brave and the Bold also suggests that Batman has already met Talia al Ghul and trained multiple Robins, and Batman’s cameo in Circe’s vision of the future in Creature Commandos episode 4 sets up his future team-up with characters such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Starfire. Robert Pattinson’s and the DCU’s Batman would have to reach a middle ground in order to become the same version of the character, sacrificing their unique qualities in the process.
Matt Reeves And Lauren LeFranc Are Being Very Careful With The Batman Franchise’s Future
Matt Reeves And Lauren LeFranc Don’t Follow The Usual Cinematic Universe Approach
Matt Reeves is working on The Batman – Part II’s script, which has required the sequel to set its release date to October 2027 — five years after The Batman. Matt Reeves and The Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc have also ᴀsserted their stance on The Penguin’s status as a limited series. Only until recently have they loosened up about the possibility of a second season. Lauren LeFranc said The Penguin season 2 could be possible, but clarified there would have to be a solid in-story reason for a follow-up.
Meanwhile, the DCU will have released multiple movie and television projects by 2027. Although The Brave and the Bold may not release until after 2027, the DCU’s Batman could continue to make small appearances in other тιтles. Clayface and Dynamic Duo will probably establish the DCU’s version of Gotham and many of its inhabitants, and Teen тιтans developing script might settle on a backstory for its lead Robin. By the time The Batman – Part II hits theaters, the DCU’s Batman will probably be completely different from Robert Pattinson’s.
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
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Superman
- Release Date
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July 11, 2025
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Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- Release Date
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June 26, 2026
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The Batman Part II
- Release Date
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October 1, 2027
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