Confirmed: Robert Pattinson Will Not Be the 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 will continue to portray Batman solely within Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga.

"It's certainly not the plan," Gunn stated when addressing the possibility of Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran reinforced this by saying, "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."

Earlier speculation about Pattinson potentially playing Batman across the entire DCU arose after Reeves hinted at the possibility. Speaking to reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, Reeves mentioned, "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 expressed uncertainty about the future, stating, "What the future brings? I can’t really tell you. I have no idea right now except that my head is down now about getting The Batman Part 2 shooting and to make it something really, really special which, of course, is the most important thing."

Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves' vision for The Batman Part 2, saying, "We love Matt Reeves’ vision for The Batman Part 2, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are." Although Reeves has yet to submit a script, Safran noted, "But what we've read so far is very encouraging."

The Brave and the Bold is currently in "very active development," with Gunn and Safran working closely on the script. Regarding director Andy Muschietti, who helmed The Flash, Safran mentioned, "We will show it to Muschietti when we have it in a place where we think it's ready to go... and see if it's a fit for him." Gunn added, "I'm very, very actively involved in that script," and Safran teased that more details about The Brave and the Bold will be announced "very soon."

Last year, The Batman Part 2 faced another delay, pushing its release to October 1, 2027. This means a five-year gap between the initial release of The Batman and its sequel. When asked about the potential release window for The Brave and the Bold, Safran cryptically responded, "Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now."

While fans await The Brave and the Bold to see Gunn's take on Batman, Episode 6 of Creature Commandos offered a glimpse of the DCU's Batman. The image showed Batman on a rooftop overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that this brief appearance was intentionally generic, saying, "I asked for 'more silhouette' after the original Batman on show was more detailed than I was ready to commit to at the time."

Gunn further clarified that this look at Batman in Creature Commandos indicates that Batman is already a well-known figure within the DCU during the events of Creature Commandos and the upcoming Superman movie, thus negating the need for an origin story. He also hinted at a future team-up between Batman and Superman, stating, "This is the DCU Batman. 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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