James Gunn Opens Up About Batman Villains Appearing in Both the Crime Saga and DCU: “There’s Not Die Hard Rule”

DC Studios co-head James Gunn recently clarified how villains can appear in both the main DC Universe (DCU) and Matt Reeves’ separate Batman films. According to Gunn, there are no strict rules preventing the same bad guys from showing up in both worlds.

Posting on Threads, Gunn explained that DC Studios oversees both the DCU and Reeves’ darker Batman series, known as the Crime Saga. “But both the Crime Saga and DCU are a part of DC Studios so we of course take everything into account. But there’s no die hard rule,” he said.

This means iconic villains like the Joker or the Riddler could feature in Reeves’ Gotham and the broader DCU, depending on what fits the story.

Gunn is guiding the DCU’s Batman in a new film, The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce Robin and present a different take on the Caped Crusader. While he’s not writing the script, Gunn is heavily involved in shaping it. “Batman’s my biggest issue in all of DC right now, personally,” he admitted.

This Batman will differ from Reeves’ grounded, moody version starring Robert Pattinson but won’t lean into comedy or camp. “He’s not exactly the same as Matt’s Batman. But yet he’s not a campy Batman,” Gunn noted.

Fans have long debated whether sharing villains across two universes might confuse audiences, but Gunn sees no issue as long as the storytelling works. He also left the door open for Reeves’ Batman to join the DCU someday, though it’s not a priority. “I would never say zero [chances],” he said about Pattinson’s Batman crossing over. However, he stressed that any Batman in the DCU must serve a clear purpose. “Batman has to have a reason for existing, right?” he added.

For now, DC Studios is keeping its options open, allowing flexibility for villains to appear across both universes while maintaining distinct tones for each Batman.

I think Gunn’s approach is smart. Letting villains like the Joker appear in both universes gives writers more freedom to tell great stories without being boxed in by rules. It could also keep things fresh for fans, though I hope DC avoids overusing the same characters to prevent fatigue.

I’m curious how different the two Batmen will feel and whether sharing villains will strengthen both worlds or cause overlap. What do you think about DC’s plan to share villains across universes? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!