Recently, James Gunn and Peter Safran, Co-CEOs of DC Studios, debunked the rumors that Robert Pattinson’s Batman would make the leap from Matt Reeves’ The Batman films to the DC Universe’s The Brave and the Bold. Speculation has run rampant in the DC fanbase, in part due to a lack of casting updates for the DCU’s Batman and a cryptic update from Reeves on the possibility.

However, at a press event put on by DC Studios and attended by Screen Rant, Gunn gave a blunt answer when asked if Pattinson was joining the DCU: “It’s certainly not the plan.” For his part, Safran added: “We love him, but we’ve got to introduce a Batman into the DCU. It’s imperative. That’s the plan for The Brave and the Bold.“

Switching gears, Safran also opened up about the latest updates on both The Batman – Part II and The Brave and The Bold. He reiterated that he and Gunn “love Matt Reeve’s vision for The Batman – Part II and [are] looking forward to this film as much as you are.” The executive then explained: “He hasn’t yet turned in a script, but what we’ve read so far is very encouraging.“

Likewise, Safran said DC Studios is “in very active development on The Brave and the Bold, and that story’s also coming together very nicely.” He then teased: “we’ll have more on that for you very soon.“

What Gunn And Safran’s Comments On Robert Pattinson As Batman Mean

While Pattinson will continue playing Batman, it will be in a separate, Elseworlds canon. That way, Reeves can continue telling the story he started in The Batman and The Penguin, and the DCU can craft its Batman with his own unique lore and world. Notably, the DCU is slated to feature multiple Robins, including Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson, and Jason Todd, implying that its Bruce Wayne will be well into his tenure as Batman. This directly contrasts with Pattinson’s early-career Batman, making it much clearer as to why the decision was made to separate the two.

Previously, Gunn addressed the choice by stating that he’s “committed to both telling stories in the DCU and telling Elseworlds stories.” As a result, the films are both in development concurrently. The Batman – Part II is set for an October 2027 release, while The Brave and the Bold has not been given a release date. At this stage, it makes sense for both movies to be in early pre-production, though it could possibly lead to them coming to theaters in close succession.

Our Take On Gunn And Safran’s Comments On Robert Pattinson As Batman

Despite the potential for audience confusion, Gunn and Safran’s decision to produce both a DCU Batman film and The Batman – Part II makes the most sense for how they are building the brand. DC Studios has expressed the intention to make both canon and Elseworlds productions, so setting that precedent using an ongoing franchise is a good plan.

Moreover, it would be a shame to see Reeves’ story cut short or amended to fit the vision of the broader DCU. Allowing The Batman – Part II to exist as its own thing separately from the broader franchise both allows for Reeves to continue his creative vision and for Gunn and Safran to create a Batman for The Brave and the Bold that fits their DCU.

Upcoming DC Movie Releases

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  Superman

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  July 11, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

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  June 26, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Batman Part II

  Release Date

  
  October 1, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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