James Gunn Ends the Debate: Robert Pattinson is NOT the DCU Batman

For years, DC fans have held onto the hope that Matt Reeves’ grounded, noir-inspired universe would eventually merge with the main DC Universe (DCU). The dream was simple: see Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne stand alongside David Corenswet’s Superman.

However, on January 29, 2026, James Gunn officially killed that dream with a single word on Threads: “No.”

Why the Separation?

Gunn’s refusal to bring “Battinson” into the DCU isn’t just a whim; it’s a strategic creative decision.

• The Multiverse Fatigue: Gunn wants to avoid the “variant” confusion that has recently plagued other superhero franchises.
• Tonal Clash: Matt Reeves’ Gotham is a world where Bruce Wayne is arguably the only “super” element. Dropping him into a DCU where heroes have existed for centuries would dilute the “grounded” vision Reeves has built.
• Elseworlds Status: The Batman Part II (releasing October 1, 2027) will remain an “Elseworlds” project, alongside Joker: Folie à Deux and The Penguin series.

A New Dark Knight for ‘The Brave and the Bold’

With Pattinson ruled out, the search is officially on for the DCU Batman. This version of the Caped Crusader will debut in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and we already know a few key details:

1. Damian Wayne: The film will focus on the father-son dynamic between Bruce and his lethal son, Damian (Robin).
2. Veteran Batman: This Bruce Wayne will be an established hero, likely older than Pattinson’s version, to account for his history with various Robins.
3. The Writer: Gunn confirmed that Christina Hodson (Bumblebee, Birds of Prey) is writing the script. Despite some fan backlash due to her work on The Flash, Gunn defended her, stating: “Anyone maligning Christina Hodson’s screenwriting skills has almost certainly never read an actual screenplay by her.”

The Flash: No Room for Grant Gustin

Fans also pressed Gunn on whether Grant Gustin—who played the Flash for nine years on The CW—could jump to the big screen as the DCU’s Barry Allen. Gunn was equally blunt: “He already played him on TV for 9 seasons.”

While Gunn praised Gustin’s performance, he made it clear that the DCU is about fresh starts. Rumors suggest that the DCU’s Flash might actually be Wally West, providing a clean break from the Barry Allen stories of the past decade.

DC Movie Slate: Upcoming Batman & Hero Projects (2026-2027)

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