Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman: Confirmed

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that *The Brave and the Bold* will introduce a new Batman to the DCU, confirming that Robert Pattinson will not reprise the role. Speaking at a DC Studios presentation, the co-chiefs emphasized that Pattinson's portrayal of Batman will remain exclusive to 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 added, "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*."

This announcement came after speculation earlier in the year, fueled by Reeves leaving open the possibility of Pattinson's Batman appearing across the entire DCU. However, Reeves clarified his stance during an interview at the Golden Globes with reporter Josh Horowitz, stating, "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."

Confirmed DCU Projects

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Reeves expressed his focus on *The Batman Part 2*, set to begin shooting soon, with the goal of making it "something really, really special." Safran praised Reeves' vision for the sequel, noting, "We love Matt’s vision for *The Batman Part 2*, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are." He also mentioned that while a script has not been submitted yet, the parts they've read are "very encouraging."

On the other hand, *The Brave and the Bold* is in "very active development," with the story "coming together very nicely." There's uncertainty about whether Andy Muschietti, director of *The Flash*, will helm the project. Gunn and Safran are currently developing the script and plan to 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," Safran explained. Gunn added, "I'm very, very actively involved in that script." More details on *The Brave and the Bold* are expected to be revealed "very soon."

*The Batman Part 2* faced a delay, now scheduled for release on October 1, 2027, extending the wait to five years since Pattinson first donned the cape. When asked about the potential release window for *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran was cryptic, saying, "Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now."

Fans eager to see Gunn's Batman can catch a glimpse in Episode 6 of *Creature Commandos*, where Batman is briefly seen on a rooftop overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image, featuring a silhouette of Batman in his iconic costume, was intentionally kept generic. Gunn revealed to Rotten Tomatoes TV that he requested "more silhouette" to avoid committing to a detailed design prematurely.

Gunn explained that this brief appearance indicates Batman's established presence in the DCU during the events of *Creature Commandos* and this year’s *Superman* movie, eliminating the need for an origin story. Additionally, Gunn hinted at a future collaboration between Batman and Superman, expressing his deep admiration for the character: "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."