Confirmed: Robert Pattinson Will Not Be the DCU Batman

James Gunn and Peter Safran have made it clear that The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman into the DCU, definitively ruling out Robert Pattinson for this role. During a DC Studios presentation, Safran and Gunn emphasized that Pattinson will continue to portray Batman solely within Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga.

“It's certainly not the plan,” Gunn stated firmly, dismissing any possibility of Pattinson's Batman crossing over into the DCU. Safran echoed this sentiment, 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.”

Speculation about Pattinson playing Batman across the entire DCU arose earlier this year when Reeves hinted at the possibility. However, Reeves later clarified his stance to reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, saying, “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. 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.”

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Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves' vision for The Batman Part 2, stating, “We love [Reeves'] vision for The Batman Part 2, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are.” He also mentioned that while Reeves has yet to turn in a script, “what we've read so far is very encouraging.”

The Brave and the Bold is currently in “very active development,” with the story “coming together very nicely.” There's uncertainty about whether Andy Muschietti, who directed The Flash, will helm this project. Gunn and Safran are actively developing the script and plan to present it to Muschietti once it's ready. “I'm very, very actively involved in that script,” Gunn added. Safran teased that more details about The Brave and the Bold would be announced “very soon.”

Last year, The Batman Part 2 faced another delay, pushing its release to October 1, 2027. This means fans will have to wait five years between seeing Robert Pattinson's debut as the Dark Knight and its sequel. When asked about the potential release window for The Brave and the Bold, Safran cryptically remarked, “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 for a more detailed look at Gunn's Batman, a brief glimpse was offered in Episode 6 of Creature Commandos. The scene showed Batman on a rooftop, observing crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image was intentionally generic, as Gunn requested "more silhouette" to keep the details of his Batman under wraps. “This is the DCU Batman,” Gunn stated, emphasizing that Batman already exists and is well-known within the DCU during the events of Creature Commandos and this year’s Superman movie.

Gunn also hinted at future collaborations, saying, “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.”