Dynamic Duo Animated Film Stays Independent from DCU Plans

James Gunn has offered a rare update on the progress of the upcoming Dynamic Duo animated feature, and it’s clear the project is charting its own course. When quizzed by fans on Threads about how things were shaping up, Gunn’s response was succinct:

“Really, really well,”

he replied, giving little away but sounding quietly confident. The conversation quickly turned to speculation about whether the film might be reworked to fit into the broader DC Universe, to which Gunn simply shot back:

“Nope.”

Arthur Mintz, who heads up Swaybox, is at the helm as director, working from a script penned by Matthew Aldrich, best known for his work on Coco. Gunn himself, alongside Matt Reeves—who directed The Batman—are both attached as producers. Despite Reeves’ involvement, there’s no suggestion that this new animated outing will have any direct ties to the world of The Batman.

First announced in 2024, the project was described by Gunn as

“a mix of animation, puppetry, and CGI.”

The story will centre on Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, both of whom have donned the Robin mantle in the comics, and will explore their dynamic during their formative years. This marks the first animated release from DC Studios under Gunn’s stewardship, and expectations are quietly building among fans of the caped sidekick.

Behind the Scenes: Creative Team and Vision

Mintz’s background in animation and Swaybox’s reputation for blending traditional and modern techniques suggest the film could offer something visually distinctive. Aldrich’s involvement as screenwriter hints at a narrative with emotional depth, given his previous work. The combination of animation, puppetry, and CGI is a curious one, and it remains to be seen how these elements will mesh on screen.

Gunn and Reeves’ roles as producers have naturally sparked plenty of chatter, but the creative team has been careful not to stoke expectations of a crossover with other DC properties. The focus, it seems, is firmly on telling a self-contained story about the two Robins, rather than weaving them into the ever-expanding DCU tapestry.

Release Date and the Wider DC Slate

Dynamic Duo is currently pencilled in for a 30 June 2028 release. It’s a long wait, but the film is shaping up to be a notable addition to DC’s animated offerings. In the meantime, audiences can look forward to a string of other DC projects: Supergirl is due out in June 2026, while The Batman 2 is scheduled for October 2027. There’s also a live-action Batman film, The Brave and the Bold, which isn’t expected to arrive before 2028.

With so many projects on the horizon, the decision to keep Dynamic Duo separate from the DCU may come as a relief to those who prefer their stories a bit more self-contained. For now, fans of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd will have to wait and see how their partnership is brought to life in this ambitious animated venture.