James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that *The Brave and the Bold* will introduce a new Batman to the DCU, confirming that actor Robert Pattinson will not be reprising his role in this universe. Speaking at a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, co-chiefs Safran and Gunn emphasized that Pattinson will continue to portray Batman exclusively within 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 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*."

Earlier speculation about Pattinson potentially playing Batman across the entire DCU was fueled by comments from Reeves himself, who had left the door open for such a crossover. However, Reeves clarified his stance during a conversation with reporter 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."

Reeves also mentioned his focus on *The Batman Part 2*, which has been delayed to October 1, 2027. This delay means a five-year gap between the first film and its sequel. 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. Matt has yet to turn in a script, but what we've read so far is very encouraging."

Meanwhile, *The Brave and the Bold* is in "very active development," with the story "coming together very nicely." While Andy Muschietti was initially attached to direct, Gunn and Safran are currently developing the script and will present it to Muschietti once they feel it's ready. "I'm very, very actively involved in that script," Gunn confirmed. Safran teased that more details about *The Brave and the Bold* would be announced "very soon."

As for the release window of *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran was cryptic, only stating, "Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now."

Fans got a glimpse of Gunn's Batman in Episode 6 of *Creature Commandos*, where the Caped Crusader was seen on a rooftop observing crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image was intentionally generic, with Gunn revealing he had requested "more silhouette" to avoid committing to too much detail at this stage. This brief appearance confirmed that Batman already exists within the DCU and is well-known, eliminating the need for an origin story.

Gunn also hinted at a future collaboration between Batman and Superman, expressing his personal affection for the character. "This is the DCU Batman," he said of the *Creature Commandos* cameo. "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."

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