James Gunn Says New DCU Batman Casting “Isn’t Very Far Away”

Gotham City is getting a new Dark Knight, and James Gunn says we’re getting closer to finding out who’ll be wearing the cape and cowl in the DCU.

While Robert Pattinson will continue playing Batman in Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, Gunn is preparing to introduce a completely different version of the character who will share a world with Superman and the rest of DC Studios’ growing superhero lineup.

Gunn and DC Studios co-head Peter Safran have made it clear that Batman will be a major part of their new DC Universe. That means this version of Bruce Wayne could eventually cross paths with David Corenswet’s Superman, Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart, and John Cena’s Peacemaker.

The big question, of course, is who’s going to play him? During a recent podcast discussion about The Suicide Squad, Gunn revealed that the search for the new DCU Batman is getting closer, while also shutting down rumors that someone has already landed the role.

“It won’t be too long before we’re casting Batman. We haven’t cast yet, by the way. All the people thinking he’ll show up in this or that, it’s all bullshit. When we do cast the DCU Batman, which isn’t very far away, if I gave somebody a day role in The Suicide Squad that is going to be the best Batman, I’m not going to rule him out from that.

“I want to get everybody into account. One of the things that excites me about casting Batman is being able to pick a Batman who’s actually the best actor for that role. Superman’s have always been chosen based on who the best actor for that role is. And for some reason, Batmans are always chosen as movie stars.”

That's an interesting approach, especially considering Batman's history on the big screen. Actors like Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Pattinson have all brought their own versions of Bruce Wayne to life.

Gunn seems interested in looking beyond the usual Hollywood star power and finding someone who can really make the character their own. That could open the door for a lesser-known actor to take on one of the biggest superhero roles in Hollywood.

Gunn also offered another detail about how his Batman will fit into the DCU, particularly when it comes to his relationship with Superman.

“People are always looking for little hints about the casting of Batman. Roughly, Batman and Superman are around the same age. I don’t think they’re drastically different ages. They’re future best pals. Contemporaries.”

So, it sounds like Gunn isn't looking for a significantly older, battle-hardened Batman to serve as a mentor to Superman. Instead, these two heroes will be contemporaries who could eventually develop the friendship comic book fans know so well.

Corenswet is currently 33 years old, which gives us a general idea of the age range Gunn might be considering for Bruce Wayne. Of course, the actor playing Batman doesn't necessarily have to be the exact same age.

There's also the question of where we'll first meet this new Batman. DC Studios previously announced The Brave and the Bold, a Batman movie that will introduce Bruce Wayne's son Damian Wayne as Robin. However, Gunn hasn't confirmed whether that film will mark Batman's first appearance or if the character could show up in another DCU project beforehand.

Meanwhile, Reeves' The Batman: Part II is scheduled to hit theaters in 2028, meaning DC will have two separate live-action versions of the Caped Crusader operating in different universes, which I think is perfectly fine.

The casting will be one of the biggest decisions Gunn and Safran make for the DCU. Batman is too important a character to get wrong, especially when he's expected to eventually stand alongside Superman and the other heroes in this interconnected universe.

I'm curious to see whether Gunn goes with an established actor or surprises everyone with someone completely unexpected. Given his comments about prioritizing the right performer over star power, it could make for a pretty exciting casting announcement.

Who would you like to see play the new DCU Batman?