Robert Pattinson’s The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves, stands as one of DC Films’ recent triumphs. While the film, and its planned sequels, are part of a Batman shared universe under the DC Elseworlds banner, James Gunn has revealed they could have been part of the larger DC Universe – but Reeves chose a different path.
Gunn made the revelation on Threads a few days ago, when a fan asked, “I’m curious, why isn’t Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ allowed to exist within the new DCU?” Gunn responded that they extended an invitation to Reeves’s The Batman universe but the War for the Planet of the Apes helmer decided against it.
Adding to the intrigue, Gunn revealed that The Batman sequel doesn’t yet have a script, though a story outline exists. With the WGA strike’s impact still lingering, Gunn’s claim regarding the script is not surprising. However, fans will be hoping that Reeves and screenwriter Mattson Tomlin are working hard on the script, especially since the film’s October 2025 premiere is less than two years away.
Before Gunn came on board at DC Studios (formerly DC Films), The Batman could have joined the now-defunct DC Extended Universe, but just as with Gunn’s DCU, Reeves chose a standalone route. In retrospect, this was probably a good shout.
Given this context, it is surprising that Gunn thought of making The Batman franchise part of the DC Universe and broached the topic with Reeves. However, it is hardly surprising that Reeves declined, instead sticking with his original vision for the franchise.
Reeves’s decisions regarding The Batman have been spot on so far. For instance, virtually every recent DCEU movie of the past few years, from Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods to The Flash and Blue Beetle have flopped at the box office.
The only two movies to have survived this spate of underperformance are The Batman and Joker, both of which are not affiliated with the DCEU, thereby validating Reeves’ approach. Reeves’s current plan for the Bat-Verse is a trilogy of Batman films alongside a couple of spinoffs.
While work is just beginning on the second Batman movie, one of the planned spinoffs, The Penguin, is far along in development and will make its debut in late 2024. The limited series will follow the titular character, played by Colin Farrell, and his rise to the top of Gotham’s underworld.
With Reeves marching on with his vision for the dark knight, Gunn and his co-CEO Peter Safran plan to introduce a new Batman to the DCU with its first appearance coming in The Brave and the Bold, a film that will explore the relationship between Batman and his sidekick Robin. Andy Muschietti, who helmed The Flash, is reportedly on course to direct.
The decision to keep The Batman separate from the DCU may have surprised some, but it ultimately speaks to the power of a director’s vision. Reeves’ success with his standalone universe demonstrates the potential for fresh interpretations and unique storytelling even within established franchises. You know, two cakes.
If things proceed as planned, The Batman – Part II will arrive in theaters on October 3, 2025.
