Superman Trailer Easter Egg Reignites Speculation About Robert Pattinson's Batman Joining The DCU

One subtle detail in the new Superman trailer could be read as a hint that Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise actually takes place in James Gunn’s DCU. The new Superman trailer offers a better look at several characters like Metamorpho, the Engineer, Guy Gardner, and Ultraman, as well as a glimpse of Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s romantic relationship. It’s now clear that David Corenswet’s Superman will redefine the concept of superhero in the DC Universe, and he will receive pushback from villains like Lex Luthor and other members of the superhero community, which seems already established in the DCU.

Guy Gardner’s introduction in Superman sets the stage for the DCU’s upcoming Lanterns show, Hawkgirl’s debut suggests Hawkman also exists somewhere out there, and Rick Flag Jr.’s return confirms the events of Creature Commandos take place close to Superman‘s plot. There must be hundreds of famous and obscure DC characters all over the DCU’s Earth and cosmos. Even though A-list heroes like Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Flash, and Batman haven’t been cast or starred in their own projects yet, they must also be active at the same time that Superman launches a new era of heroes.

Superman Trailer Easter Egg Sparked New Speculation About The DCU’s Batman

Superman’s New Trailer Confirms Mysterious Major Floods

Superman flies to save a pedestrian from a monster's foot in Metropolis

At one point in the new official Superman trailer, David Corenswet’s Superman flies toward a woman to save her from being crushed by the kaiju’s foot. A news report appears for a split second on a screen in the background. The context of the news is unclear, but the news report reveals “major floods cause suffering” somewhere else in the world. Superman‘s report of major floods could be a reference to the catastrophic Gotham City flood caused by the Riddler in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, which would suggest Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise is part of James Gunn’s DC Universe.

James Gunn Has Already Confirmed The Batman Is Set In A Different Universe

Matt Reeves’ The Batman Franchise Is Guaranteed To Be Separate From The DCU

While Superman and The Batman could work within the same continuity, the two franchises are officially confirmed to be separate. DC Studios head James Gunn has addressed The Batman, saying, “it’s certainly not the plan” to integrate Robert Pattinson’s Batman into the DCU. Likewise, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran has confirmed “it’s imperative” for the DCU to introduce a new Batman in the upcoming The Brave and the Bold. The DCU’s Batman made his first on-screen appearance in Creature Commandos, and Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise is moving forward with 2027’s The Batman – Part II and The Batman – Part III.

Meanwhile, Matt Reeves has revealed The Batman – Part II is part of “The Epic Crime Saga”, and The Brave and the Bold director Andy Muschietti confirmed “DC is doing is creating a strategy to ensure these two films don’t conflict with each other.” Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise officially takes place in its own Elseworlds universe parallel to James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU. Matt Reeves and James Gunn have a very clear vision of their respective DC franchises. Combining the two would require one or both continuities to sacrifice their plans for future installments and their unique style.

Why It’s Good That The Batman Universe Is Separate From The DCU

The Batman And The DCU’s Dark Knight Need To Continue Their Own Stories

Since the DCU is an inherently interconnected universe and Reeves’ The Batman franchise is a realistic, self-contained continuity, the DCU needs to introduce a new Dark Knight who can interact with dozens of heroes and villains without interfering with Matt Reeves’ plans. That way, Matt Reeves can retain full creative control over Robert Pattinson’s Batman and every other character he designed, and James Gunn doesn’t have to deal with all the limitations involved in incorporating an already existing world into a wider universe. Although it would be exciting to see Corenswet’s Superman and Pattinson’s Batman interact, their respective universes simply don’t match.