Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman to the DCU, confirming that actor Robert Pattinson will not reprise his role in this new universe. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, the co-chiefs clarified that Pattinson's portrayal of Batman will be exclusive to Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga.

"It's certainly not the plan," Gunn stated firmly about the possibility of Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of introducing a new Batman for the DCU. "And we love him, but we've got to introduce a Batman into the DCU. That's imperative. And so that's the plan with The Brave and the Bold."

The speculation about Pattinson potentially playing Batman across the entire DCU arose earlier this year when Reeves hinted at the possibility. However, Reeves later clarified his stance during an interview with Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, stating, "It really comes down to whether or not it makes sense. What’s been great is there was a story that I wanted to tell with what we’re calling The Epic Crime Saga and all that, which is the thrust of what we want to do. And it’s been important to me to be able to play that out. And James and Peter have been really, really great about that and they’re letting us do that."

Reeves also mentioned his focus on The Batman Part 2, which has been delayed to October 1, 2027. This delay means a five-year gap between the first film and its sequel. Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves' vision for the sequel, noting that while the script is still in development, what they've seen so far is promising.

Meanwhile, The Brave and the Bold is in active development, with Gunn and Safran working closely on the script. They plan to present it to The Flash director Andy Muschietti once it's ready, to see if he's interested in directing. Safran hinted that more details about The Brave and the Bold will be revealed soon.

Regarding the release window for The Brave and the Bold, Safran was cryptic, only confirming that there will be a Batman movie in October 2027, without specifying which one.

Fans got a glimpse of Gunn's Batman in Episode 6 of Creature Commandos, where the character was seen on a rooftop overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image was intentionally generic, as Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV, requesting a more silhouetted look to avoid committing to specific details too early. This brief appearance confirmed that Batman already exists and is well-known within the DCU, negating the need for an origin story.

Gunn also hinted at future collaborations between Batman and Superman within the DCU, expressing his deep affection for the character and his excitement about the upcoming projects. "This is the DCU Batman," he said. "Listen, I gotta tell you, I just love Batman. I love him. I've loved him since I was a little kid. He's one of my favorite characters. I've gone on the record in the past when I was at Marvel saying my favorite character is Batman. I love him and we're going to do great things with him. He's the most popular superhero in the world and I can't wait for people to see more of him, along with Superman, and together."

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