Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman into the DCU, confirming that Robert Pattinson will not reprise his role as the Caped Crusader in this new universe. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, the co-chiefs clarified that Pattinson will continue to play Batman solely within Matt Reeves’ The Batman Epic Crime Saga.

“It's certainly not the plan,” Gunn stated regarding the possibility of Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity to introduce a new Batman into the DCU: “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 potentially playing Batman across the entire DCU arose earlier this year when Reeves suggested the possibility. However, Reeves clarified his stance during an interview with Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, 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.”

Reeves also mentioned his focus on The Batman Part 2, scheduled for release on October 1, 2027, which will be five years after the first film. Both Gunn and Safran expressed their enthusiasm for Reeves’ vision for the sequel, with Safran noting that while the script is still in development, what they've seen so far is very promising.

As for The Brave and the Bold, Gunn and Safran revealed that the project is in "very active development" and the story is "coming together very nicely." Although Andy Muschietti, the director of The Flash, was initially attached to the project, Gunn and Safran are currently developing the script and will present it to Muschietti once they feel it's ready. Safran teased that more details about The Brave and the Bold will be announced soon.

While fans eagerly await more information on The Brave and the Bold, a brief glimpse of Batman was provided in Episode 6 of Creature Commandos, which is part of the DCU canon. The image showed Batman in his iconic costume, but Gunn explained that the silhouette was intentionally generic to keep details under wraps. He emphasized that this Batman already exists within the DCU and is well-known, negating the need for an origin story. Gunn also hinted at a future team-up between Batman and Superman, expressing his personal affection for the character: “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.”

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