James Gunn Drops Bombshell on Robert Pattinson’s Future as DCU Batman: ‘Never Say Never’

James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, is finally opening up about where things stand with Batman in the new DC Universe, and whether Robert Pattinson’s version could ever become part of it.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn was asked if Pattinson’s Batman might one day show up in the DCU. His response was honest, but left the door slightly open.

“I would never say zero [chances], because you just never know.”

While Gunn’s new Superman film is officially happening, the future of Batman in his universe is still a big question mark. When asked about whether his version of Batman could’ve existed in an earlier time in his career, Gunn said he wasn’t ready back then.

“I don’t think the 2020 James could [have made this film],” he admitted. “Everybody knows I was offered Superman in 2018. They also talked to me about Batman earlier than that, but I was in the middle of Guardians 3. If they had come to me in 2018 with Batman, I would’ve said yes. But, yeah, I just couldn’t quite wrap my head around it.”

So what changed? According to Gunn, time and personal growth played a big part in shaping his creative approach.

“I needed the right way in,” he explained. “That required time to think through a few thousand options before I got to the way that I thought worked. But I do also think that my life and career has been a gradual softening of the edges. I still like black comedy. I still have edges. But I used to like provoking a lot. And today, although I still seem to do it, I don’t really like doing that. In my heart, I’m pretty sentimental. I just believe in basic human values.”

Gunn pointed to Guardians of the Galaxy as the turning point in his storytelling style. He said that the film helped shape his ability to balance humor, emotion, and heart.

The conversation then turned back to Batman and the tricky situation of building a new version while Robert Pattinson’s Batman still exists in Matt Reeves’ separate universe. Gunn made it clear that the idea of bringing Pattinson into the DCU has been discussed before.

“It would be a consideration. We’d have to think about it. It’s not like we’ve never discussed it.”

When the interviewer pointed out that his answer sounded like the topic was still on the table, Gunn responded with clarity:

“No, I don’t — Batman’s my biggest issue in all of DC right now, personally. I’m not writing Batman, but I am working with the writer of Batman and trying to get it right, because he’s incredibly important to DC, as is Wonder Woman.”

Gunn emphasized that getting Batman and Wonder Woman right is a top priority—even for the parts of DC he’s not directly writing.

He confirmed that the script for his Batman film is still being called The Brave and the Bold for now. But what matters more to him is why this new Batman should exist at all.

“Batman has to have a reason for existing, right?” Gunn said. “So Batman can’t just be ‘Oh, we’re making a Batman movie because Batman’s the biggest character in all of Warner Bros.,’ which he is. But because there’s a need for him in the DCU.”

He added that the new Batman will be different from the one Matt Reeves created. But that doesn’t mean he’s going for something silly or lighthearted.

“He’s not exactly the same as Matt’s Batman. But yet he’s not a campy Batman. I’m not interested in that. I’m not interested in a funny, campy Batman, really.”

As for where things stand now, Gunn said he’s actively working with the writer of the new Batman movie to make sure it’s done right.

“I think I have a way in, by the way,” he added. “I think I really know what it’s — I just am dealing with the writer to make sure that we can make it a reality.”

So while details are still being worked out, it’s clear Gunn is thinking hard about how to reintroduce one of DC’s biggest characters in a way that makes sense—and feels new.

As far as Matt Reeves’ Batman goes, things are also complicated. The movie was already delayed several times, 2 years from its initial release date. A sequel to The Batman was officially announced at CinemaCon in April 2022. Robert Pattinson is coming back as Batman, and Matt Reeves is also returning to direct. In August 2022, Mattson Tomlin joined as co-writer.

The movie was first called The Batman – Part II in early 2023, but by the end of 2024, it didn’t have an official title yet because Reeves was still working on the script. Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell are all coming back too, playing Gordon, Alfred, and Penguin.

Filming is expected to start late in 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in England. The movie is planned to hit theaters in the U.S. on October 1, 2027.

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