The Brave and the Bold will be Batman’s first solo movie in the new DC Universe, but after its latest Robin update, I’m starting to worry about the highly anticipated movie. David Corenswet’s Superman has already debuted in the franchise, with Batman and Wonder Woman movies among the confirmed projects in the DCU’s slate of movies and TV shows.
Save for a few details, not much has been revealed about Batman’s The Brave and the Bold movie in terms of story. As for its casting department, while many actors have been rumored to play the DCU Batman, casting will only begin when the script for the upcoming DC movie is finished. After a new update, even what we knew about the film becomes uncertain.
James Gunn Raises Doubts About Robin’s Role In DCU Batman Movie
When The Brave and the Bold was first announced, DC revealed that Damian Wayne would be key to the Batman movie. As Bruce Wayne’s biological son, his inclusion teased many developments for the DCU Batman franchise, marking the live-action debut of Damian Wayne. The original plan for the film was that it would focus on Batman discovering that he has a son.
However, it appears Damian might not be in the DCU Batman movie after all. Recently, James Gunn talked to IGN about the status of The Brave and the Bold, given that no major updates about the movie have been shared in some time. According to Gunn, “some things have changed.” The Superman director also mentioned how Batman’s “parentage” situation was in flux.
Gunn was then asked directly whether Damian Wayne was still part of the plan for The Brave and the Bold. Gunn chose not to confirm or deny, saying, “I think you have to wait to see exactly what’s happening.” The Superman director’s comments do not inspire confidence that Damian will be in the Batman movie. If he is not, more characters could be impacted.
Damian Wayne’s Uncertain DCU Batman Movie Role Impacts A DC Team Debut
When I first heard about Damian Wayne’s involvement in the DCU Batman movie, I was ecstatic. That was not necessarily due to his confirmation for the DCU, but what it meant for a larger group, the Bat-Family. Given that Damian is the fourth male Robin in DC Comics, his existence in the DCU suggested that all other Robins would also appear in the franchise.
That was boosted by Peter Safran, DC Studios’ co-CEO, who claimed other Bat-Family characters would appear in The Brave and the Bold when the Batman movie was announced. Now, if Damian is no longer in the film, as Gunn’s comments tease might be the case, then the Bat-Family’s DCU role could be heavily impacted.
As a Nightwing fan, I would love it if Dick Grayson were already his solo superhero self, with characters like Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, and Jason Todd also appearing in The Brave and the Bold and beyond. If DC ends up choosing to use another Robin, or not include the character at all, the DCU’s Batman franchise might not spotlight the Bat-Family like I hoped.
