James Gunn Says He’d Love To See ‘Batman Beyond’ on the Big Screen

Few animated Batman stories have earned a fanbase quite as devoted as ‘Batman Beyond’. The cyberpunk series debuted on January 10, 1999, as a sequel to ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ and ‘The New Batman Adventures’, following teenager Terry McGinnis as he becomes the new Batman of a near-future Gotham.

Created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, with Will Friedle voicing Terry, the show ran for 3 seasons and 52 episodes before ending in 2001. It also spawned the animated movie ‘Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker’, and Terry has since carried his story forward through numerous comic book runs.

Now the DC Studios co-CEO has given fans of the series something to get excited about. Speaking to ¡HOLA! USA on the red carpet at the ‘Clayface’ premiere, James Gunn was asked which animated Batman could make a great movie, and he named ‘Batman Beyond’.

Gunn said he loves the series and described it as a great thing for the future. He added that it’s a property that originated in animation and could make a good movie. It’s important to note that Gunn did not announce any project or timeline. His comments are an expression of enthusiasm rather than confirmation that a ‘Batman Beyond’ film is actually in development.

Still, hearing the head of DC Studios openly praise the concept is significant. For a fanbase that has long hoped to see Terry McGinnis in live action, even a hint of interest is enough to spark excitement.

Part of the series’ lasting appeal is its premise. In the show, an aging Bruce Wayne retires from crime-fighting, only for Terry to discover his secret and take up the mantle after a personal tragedy, with Bruce guiding him from the Batcave.

James Gunn is open to a BATMAN BEYOND film at DC Studios 🦇 On which animated Batman could make a great movie: "I love Batman Beyond. So that’s a great thing for the future. And I think that’s something that originated in animation that could be a good movie." (Via Hola! USA) https://t.co/A29IcrJrj7

— DC Film News (@DCFilmNews) October 14, 2026

Its futuristic cyberpunk look also sets it apart from earlier takes on the character. That bold, distinctive style could translate well to a big-screen adaptation. Of course, the DCU has yet to introduce its own Bruce Wayne on the big screen. While the Dark Knight is already active in the continuity, he hasn’t been cast, and Andy Muschietti’s reboot has yet to reveal which villains will be involved.

That means a future-set Batman story would likely be a long way off. The studio would first need to establish its main Batman before passing the torch to a successor. Gunn’s comments came during a busy premiere night for the studio. He also confirmed that the shapeshifting villain at the center of ‘Clayface’ will return in a future DCU project.

Meanwhile, Peter Safran revealed that the script for ‘Swamp Thing’ is currently being written. Together, the updates painted a picture of a studio with plenty of ideas in motion. The R-rated horror film, directed by James Watkins and starring Tom Rhys Harries, is the latest entry in the DCU and takes place before the events of ‘Creature Commandos’ Season 1.

Batman doesn’t appear in the movie, though his presence is felt throughout Gotham. ‘Clayface’ opens in theaters on October 23. Its success could help show how willing audiences are to embrace DC stories that venture into new territory.

The final trailer for DC’s ‘CLAYFACE’ has been released. In theaters on October 23. https://t.co/ecTMB97Sto

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 24, 2026

For now, a ‘Batman Beyond’ movie remains a dream rather than a plan. But with Gunn openly calling it a great idea for the future, fans finally have reason to believe Terry McGinnis could one day make the leap from animation to the big screen.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!