James Gunn Confirms the DCU’s Batman Plans Have Changed Since ‘The Brave and the Bold’ Was Announced

When James Gunn and Peter Safran revealed DC Studios’ first slate in January 2023, one of the most exciting announcements was ‘The Brave and the Bold’. The film promised to bring a new Batman into the DCU, alongside his son Damian Wayne as Robin.

Gunn described it at the time as a father-son story inspired by Grant Morrison’s comic book run. More than 3 years later, though, the project still has no Batman, no release date, and a lot of open questions.

Gunn has now addressed one of those questions directly. When a fan asked whether the plans for the DCU’s Batman had changed creatively since the 2023 announcement, Gunn replied on Threads with a single word: “Yep.”

He didn’t say what has changed, but the reply confirms that the version of the Dark Knight coming to the DCU won’t be exactly what fans heard about in 2023. The comment came just hours after the premiere of ‘Clayface’, which Gunn called his favorite premiere in a long time.

Gunn’s answer fits earlier comments suggesting the project has been evolving. In a previous interview, he said he liked where the script was going but acknowledged that many things were still in flux, including details about Bruce Wayne’s parentage.

When asked whether Damian Wayne is still part of the film, Gunn didn’t give a clear answer and suggested fans would have to wait and see. Given how central Damian was to the original pitch, that uncertainty stands out.

Despite the changes, key pieces are still in place. Andy Muschietti, who directed ‘The Flash’, remains attached as director, and Christina Hodson joined in January 2026 to write the screenplay.

Batman hasn’t been cast yet. Gunn has said that plenty of high-profile actors have expressed interest in the role, and that it would be harder to find actors who don’t want to play the Caped Crusader.

Uncertainty around the film grew in August, when a report claimed the project had been paused because of the Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance merger. The claim came from a filmmaker who said Muschietti had told him work had stopped.

Gunn quickly pushed back on Threads, saying the comment didn’t sound like something Muschietti would say and that the project was in no way on hold. A Deadline report from October 7 described the film as still being in early development.

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The film’s timeline is also tied to Matt Reeves’ separate Batman series. Gunn has said he doesn’t want to compete with ‘The Batman Part II’, which is set for February 18, 2028, and is currently paused while Reeves deals with a family matter.

That means ‘The Brave and the Bold’ likely won’t arrive until 2029 at the earliest. With no release date, the extra time could give DC Studios room to rethink its approach to the character.

Fans are already sharing hopes for the revised direction. Many want the DCU’s Batman to be close in age to David Corenswet’s Superman rather than a much older hero, a choice that could affect whether Damian Wayne still fits.

Others have floated Jensen Ackles as a possible Bruce Wayne, though some worry an older actor might not work alongside Corenswet. Until casting is announced, the debate will likely continue.

Gunn’s short answer may raise more questions than it answers, but it confirms that the DCU’s Batman is still being actively shaped. Whether the changes involve Damian, Bruce’s age, or the story’s tone, the version that reaches theaters will clearly differ from the original 2023 plan. For now, fans will have to keep reading between the lines of Gunn’s social media replies.

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