Robert Pattinson Out as DCU Batman: Confirmed

James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that *The Brave and the Bold* will introduce a new Batman into the DCU, explicitly confirming that actor Robert Pattinson will not reprise his role as the Dark Knight in this new universe. During a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, co-chiefs Safran and Gunn emphasized that Pattinson's portrayal of Batman will be exclusive to director Matt Reeves’ *The Batman Epic Crime Saga*.

“It's certainly not the plan,” Gunn stated when questioned about the possibility of Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran added, “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*.” This statement comes after earlier speculation fueled by Reeves himself, who had hinted at the possibility of a crossover.

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Reeves elaborated on 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. 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.”

Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves’ vision for *The Batman Part 2*, saying, “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.”

On the other hand, *The Brave and the Bold* is in “very active development,” with the story “coming together very nicely.” Regarding the director, Safran said that they are developing the script and will present it to *The Flash* director Andy Muschietti "when we have it in a place where we think it's ready to go... and see if it's a fit for him." Gunn confirmed his active involvement in the script, and Safran promised more announcements about *The Brave and the Bold* “very soon.”

Last year, *The Batman Part 2* faced another delay, now scheduled for October 1, 2027. This new release date means a five-year gap between Robert Pattinson's first appearance as Batman and the sequel. When asked about the potential release window for *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran cryptically 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 eagerly await *The Brave and the Bold* to see Gunn's take on Batman, a brief glimpse of the character in Episode 6 of *Creature Commandos* has already been released. This episode showed Batman standing on a rooftop, looking down at crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image, which depicted a muscular Batman in his iconic costume, offered little detail about Gunn’s vision for the character. Gunn later explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that he requested "more silhouette" for the initial depiction, indicating a more generic portrayal to keep the character's specifics under wraps.

Gunn further clarified that this version of Batman already exists and is well-known within the DCU during the events of *Creature Commandos* and this year’s *Superman* movie, negating the need for an origin story. He also hinted at future collaborations, saying, “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.”