James Gunn has firmly ruled out Robert Pattinson joining the DC Universe as its main Batman. Responding to a fan question on Threads (via Den of Geek) about whether Pattinson’s Dark Knight would appear in the DCU, the DC Studios co-CEO delivered a one-word response: “No.”
The comment appears to end years of speculation that Pattinson’s take on Bruce Wayne could be folded into the cinematic franchise’s new primary continuity.
Gunn previously told Variety he'd “contemplated” the idea, which only fueled rumors about a possible crossover between timelines. This would have seen Pattinson's Caped Crusader star alongside David Corenswet's Man of Steel from last year's Superman, which was written and directed by Gunn himself.
A New Batman Is Still Coming
With Pattinson officially staying outside the shared universe, DC Studios is still moving forward with plans to introduce a new Dark Knight. The role is expected to be recast for The Brave and the Bold, which is currently in development as part of the DCU slate.
The film is set to focus on Bruce Wayne and his son Damian Wayne, who goes on to become Robin. While details about casting remain under wraps, Gunn’s recent comment confirms the DCU will feature a completely separate version of the character.
Batman has been portrayed by several actors across multiple continuities, including Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Pattinson. Each version has existed within its own interpretation of Gotham City and the broader DC mythology.
Related: New Batman Multiverse Adventure Will Replace ‘The Flash' (2023) : Disney Fanatic
How Pattinson’s Batman Fits Into DC’s Plans
Pattinson first played the Dark Knight in Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), which launched a grounded, standalone storyline separate from shared-universe storytelling.
That timeline is categorized under DC’s Elseworlds label, which allows filmmakers to tell stories outside the main DCU.
That continuity is continuing to expand. Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb returned in HBO’s The Penguin, and Reeves is developing The Batman – Part II, which is currently scheduled to release in October 2027.
The DCU Continues To Take Shape
Although Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU officially moved forward theatrically with Superman (2025), the interconnected universe actually began with the animated series Creature Commandos.
Next up for the new universe is Supergirl, starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film adapts Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s comic book Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and is set to arrive in theaters on June 26, 2026.
Are you a fan of the DCU so far? Would you have liked to see Robert Pattinson's Batman appear in this new timeline? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
