James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe is expanding, with new films like "Supergirl" and "Clayface" slated for 2026. Despite "Clayface" taking place in Gotham City, Batman will not appear in the film. This has led to questions about the future of the iconic hero within the new DCU.
Robert Pattinson's Batman and the DCU
When Gunn and Safran took over DC Studios in 2023, they inherited Matt Reeves' Batman franchise, which began with "The Batman" in 2022 and continued with "The Penguin" series in 2024. Many fans speculated whether Robert Pattinson's Batman would be integrated into the new DCU. However, Gunn has clarified that this is not the plan. The "Gods and Monsters" slate revealed in 2023 confirmed the intention to introduce a new Batman in the upcoming film "Batman: The Brave and the Bold."
This means DC is currently managing two distinct live-action versions of Batman. Pattinson will reprise his role in "The Batman - Part II," scheduled for release in February 2028. Concurrently, Gunn and his team will cast a new actor for "The Brave and the Bold," which is not expected before 2029. It remains uncertain whether these two versions will coexist indefinitely or if "The Batman - Part II" will mark the end of Reeves' Batman saga.
A significant tonal difference is anticipated between the two Batmen. Reeves' "The Batman" leans into a darker, noir-inspired aesthetic, while Gunn's version is expected to be more family-friendly and comic-book-inspired, similar to "Superman" starring David Corenswet. "The Brave and the Bold" is heavily influenced by Grant Morrison's Batman comics and will introduce Bruce Wayne's son, Damian.
Batman's Existence in the DCU
While "Clayface" introduces Gotham City to the DCU, Batman himself has made only a fleeting appearance so far. The Caped Crusader was briefly seen as a silhouette on a rooftop in "Creature Commandos." While this cameo provides no details about his age or costume, it confirms his presence in the DCU.
The "Lanterns" series also contains references to Batman. The character Kerry Kane, a former Gotham native, is implied to be connected to the Kane dynasty, making her a distant cousin of Bruce Wayne. In episode five, Hal Jordan mentions Guy Gardner being influenced by a "Bat guy over in Gotham."
Even in "Clayface," where he does not appear, his existence is confirmed. Producer Peter Safran stated that while Batman's activities during the events of "Clayface" have not been detailed, he is present, and this film marks the initial introduction to Gotham City in the live-action DCU. The silhouette in "Creature Commandos" signifies that he is active in this universe.
Batman's Active Status
Determining how long Batman has been active in the DCU is difficult. The "Creature Commandos" cameo suggests his presence in 2024, aligning with the contemporary setting of "Clayface." Notably, "Lanterns" references Batman only in its 2026 storyline, with no confirmed mentions before the 2020s.
However, the inspiration drawn from Grant Morrison's comics for "The Brave and the Bold" suggests a more established and older Batman. Morrison's run often depicts a Batman with years of experience and a supporting cast of sidekicks. This iteration also includes a pre-teen son, Damian, implying Bruce Wayne is likely middle-aged.
Given that "Superman" established Kal-El's superhero career beginning in 2022, it is probable that the DCU's Batman has been active for at least as long, if not longer. While he may have operated in the shadows initially, his current status is evidenced by the Bat-Signal atop GCPD headquarters and mentions by other superheroes. The relationship between Batman and other DCU heroes, such as Superman, remains to be explored, potentially in "Man of Tomorrow" in 2027. The casting for DCU's Batman is still pending.