Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that a new Batman will be introduced in the DCU with the film *The Brave and the Bold*, confirming that actor Robert Pattinson will not reprise the role in this universe. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, the co-chiefs clarified that Pattinson is exclusively tied to director 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 of introducing a new Batman for 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,” he added.

Speculation about Pattinson potentially playing Batman across the entire DCU arose earlier this year when Reeves hinted at the possibility. In an interview with Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, Reeves mentioned, “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 Matt’s vision for *The Batman Part 2*, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are.” He noted that while Reeves has yet to submit a script, the portions they've seen are promising.

Meanwhile, *The Brave and the Bold* is in “very active development,” with the story progressing well. Gunn and Safran are working on the script, planning to present it to *The Flash* director Andy Muschietti once it's ready. “I'm very, very actively involved in that script,” Gunn said. Safran teased that more details on *The Brave and the Bold* would be revealed soon.

*The Batman Part 2* faced another delay, now set for release on October 1, 2027, marking a five-year gap since Robert Pattinson first donned the cape. When asked about a potential release window for *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran responded, “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* to see Gunn’s take on Batman, Episode 6 of *Creature Commandos* provided a glimpse of Batman. The image showed a robust Batman in his classic attire overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. Gunn explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that he opted for a more silhouetted look to keep details under wraps, stating, “I asked for 'more silhouette' after the original Batman on show was more detailed than I was ready to commit to at the time.”

Batman in Creature Commandos. Image credit: Max.

This brief appearance confirmed that Batman already exists within the DCU during the timeline of *Creature Commandos* and this year’s *Superman* movie, and he is well-known within the universe, eliminating the need for an origin story. Gunn also hinted at a future collaboration between Batman and Superman, expressing his enthusiasm 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.”