James Gunn Dashes Hopes for Early DCU Batman Release
James Gunn reveals the DCU Batman script is far from ready, pushing The Brave and the Bold’s debut well beyond 2027. Find out why fans will have to wait longer for the Caped Crusader’s return.
Anyone holding out for a swift return of Batman in the DCU is in for a bit of a wait. James Gunn, who now steers the DC ship, has made it plain that the much-anticipated script for the next Batman outing is still a work in progress. The upshot? The Brave and the Bold is unlikely to see the light of day before 2028, if not later.
When pressed by a fan on Threads about when audiences might finally catch a glimpse of the new film, Gunn was candid:
“I'm dependent on when there's an actionable script ready so there is no way of me guessing this. Also, frankly, we're well into Batman 2, and I wouldn't want to cloud the Batsphere until after that.”
In other words, there’s no point in speculating about a release date until the screenplay is actually finished. Gunn’s focus, it seems, is on getting the story right rather than rushing to meet a deadline.
One Batman at a Time
Some fans have voiced concern that Bruce Wayne’s role in the DCU is being sidelined. Gunn, however, was quick to respond:
“I'm not at all. I think both Batman and WW are incredibly important. But I'm also not going to have two Batman movies come out in the same year.”
The message is clear: there will be no doubling up on the Dark Knight. Gunn is determined to avoid any confusion or fatigue by spacing out the releases.
Another fan chimed in, suggesting that Matt Reeves’ take on the character, due in 2027, is something of a blessing. It keeps Bruce Wayne in the public eye while giving the DCU team time to polish their own script. Gunn agreed, replying simply:
“Totally true.”
Matt Reeves’ Batman Returns First
With Gunn’s approach, it’s now certain that Robert Pattinson’s brooding vigilante will return to screens before the DCU’s version gets a look-in. The sequel to The Batman, helmed by Matt Reeves, is set for release on 1 October 2027. The cast is shaping up to be quite the ensemble: Sebastian Stan steps in as Harvey Dent, Scarlett Johansson is on board in a mysterious role, and Colin Farrell reprises his part as the Penguin, though his screen time will be limited.
It’s worth noting that this particular iteration of the Caped Crusader exists outside the main DCU continuity. Like the Joker films with Joaquin Phoenix, Reeves’ Batman belongs to the Elseworlds strand, running parallel to the main universe but not intersecting with it.
What’s Next for the DCU?
While Batman fans may have to bide their time, the DCU isn’t standing still. The next big project is Supergirl, marking Milly Alcock’s first solo adventure as Kara Zor-El after her brief appearance in Superman. There’s plenty more in the pipeline, with a full slate of films and series on the horizon, but for now, the wait for a new Batman in the DCU continues.