The Brave and The Bold gets new DC Universe updates from James Gunn as the film is still in development. While the DCU’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” has already introduced several major heroes and villains from the larger comic book canon, the Dark Knight’s upcoming live-action reboot remains one of the most highly anticipated films from DC Studios.

As there will be two Batman adaptations in live-action at the same time, the one in Gunn’s new superhero franchise will be a more established take on the crime fighter, who already has a Bat-Family in this continuity. However, while the reboot has been in the works since the announcement in January 2023, filming is not starting anytime soon.

In a new interview with IGN, the DC Studios co-CEO was asked about the age range they are looking to go for with casting their new Bruce Wayne, as it was originally announced that his DCU film would focus on him as a father, including the introduction of Damian Wayne. However, the Superman and Man of Tomorrow filmmaker shared the following update:

James Gunn: No, I think you have to wait to see the movie. Some things have changed. Plenty of things are in flux on what his situation is with his parentage and all that stuff, so I wouldn’t take any of it – Yeah, I mean, the actor who wants to… Listen, first of all, I can’t tell you the amount of big actors that have told me they want to be Batman. I think you’d have a harder time finding actors who don’t want to be Batman. He’s the one character everyone wants to play. That’s the truth.

IGN asked for clarification about whether or not Damian is still set to appear in the movie as part of the DC story, following his first response. But rather than giving a yes or no to the question, he responded with the following:

James Gunn: I think you have to wait to see exactly what’s happening.

What James Gunn’s Batman Update Means

Since DC Studios won’t greenlight a movie before a script has been completed, things may have changed to the point where they’re waiting to introduce Bruce’s biological son in the franchise. As things have been taking a while for The Brave and The Bold movie, it may be a simple case where they haven’t found the right way to bring Damian into the fold.

While they’ve already established that the Caped Crusader is active in the DCU timeline, they have teased at least one Robin through Creature Commandos, but whether that’s Damian or not is unknown. Perhaps the movie is being retooled to focus on Bruce with a different Boy Wonder, as there is also Tim Drake, who could work for the reboot.

As far as casting for Batman goes, even though Bruce is already operating in this franchise, the age range isn’t necessarily something that has been set in stone quite yet, since no one knows how old this version of the hero is at this point. That could also explain Gunn’s cryptic response about things being in flux.

Our Take On James Gunn’s Batman Update

Given how many live-action versions there have been before, it’s understandable that DC Studios wants to take its proper time to give the audience a refreshing take on its large mythology, especially as it’ll be rooted in Gunn’s rebooted franchise. With The Batman universe also happening at the same time, it’s even more crucial to make sure theirs is unique.

If the film doesn’t end with Damian being part of it, he can always show up later in the franchise. Hopefully, as 2025 gets closer to its end, more updates on The Brave and The Bold will reveal where the story is going.