Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially confirmed that The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new version of Batman into the DC Universe (DCU), definitively ruling out Robert Pattinson's involvement in the project.

During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, the co-CEOs clarified that Pattinson will continue to portray Batman exclusively within Matt Reeves’ separate cinematic world known as The Batman Epic Crime Saga. When asked about the possibility of Pattinson appearing in the DCU, Gunn was firm: “It’s certainly not the plan. No.”

Safran added, “We love him, but we’ve got to introduce a Batman into the DCU—that’s imperative. And that’s exactly what The Brave and the Bold is for.”

This news puts an end to earlier speculation that Pattinson might portray the Caped Crusader across multiple continuities. That chatter began earlier this year when Reeves hinted he wasn’t entirely closed off to the idea.

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“I think it really comes down to whether or not it makes sense,” Reeves told reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes. “What’s been great is there was a story that I wanted to tell with what we’re calling The Epic Crime Saga, which is the main focus of our efforts. It’s been important to me to be able to fully realize that vision, and James and Peter have been very supportive of that—they’re letting us do our thing.

“As for what the future holds? I can’t say. Right now, my focus is entirely on getting The Batman Part 2 into production and making something truly special—that’s my top priority.”

Safran echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for Reeves’ direction on The Batman Part 2: “We both love what he’s doing, and we’re just as excited to see it as you are.” He also noted that while a script has not yet been submitted, the material reviewed so far has been promising.

Meanwhile, The Brave and the Bold remains in active development, with its storyline shaping up nicely. As for Andy Muschietti—who directed The Flash—Gunn and Safran are currently fine-tuning the script and plan to present it to him once it reaches a solid stage. “I’m very actively involved in that script,” Gunn said, while Safran teased that more updates on the film would arrive “very soon.”

Last year, The Batman Part 2 was pushed back once again—this time to October 1, 2027. If that date holds, it will mark a five-year gap between the debut of Robert Pattinson as Batman and the release of his sequel.

Does this delay offer any clues about The Brave and the Bold’s release window? Not quite. Safran simply stated, “We’ve announced that there will be a Batman movie in October 2027. That’s all we can share right now.”

While fans wait for The Brave and the Bold, a brief tease of Gunn’s Batman already appeared in Episode 6 of the DCU’s Creature Commandos, where the Dark Knight was seen observing Doctor Phosphorus from a rooftop. The shot revealed a muscular figure in the classic Batsuit, though details were intentionally minimal.

As Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV, the silhouette-style appearance was intentional. He requested a less detailed version after seeing the initial design, wanting to keep his interpretation under wraps for now.

Batman in Creature Commandos. Image credit: Max.

That glimpse, however, made one thing clear: Batman already exists within the DCU timeline seen in Creature Commandos and [ttpp] and is widely recognized—eliminating the need for another origin story.

Gunn also hinted that this version of Batman may eventually team up with Superman.

“This is the DCU Batman,” Gunn said regarding the cameo. “Listen, I gotta tell you—I just love Batman. I’ve loved him since I was a kid. He’s one of my favorite characters. I’ve even said before, back when I was at Marvel, that my favorite superhero is Batman. I love him, and we’re going to do amazing things with him. He’s the most popular superhero in the world, and I can’t wait for people to see more—not only of him, but of him alongside Superman.”