Update, August 6: The Batman stall now has an explanation on paper. The Paramount merger contract explains why no DCU Batman can be locked down — including why a frontrunner with Ritchson’s leverage could walk.
Update, July 29: Gunn now says no DCU Batman has been cast, replying “De and bunked” on Threads. Being a frontrunner is not being cast; the seat remains open.
Update, July 26: At Comic-Con’s Reacher panel, Ritchson said he does not think Batman is in the cards and that his DC conversations are about another character, though he added “never say never.” It came two days after he went speechless on the Batman question and signed off an interview with a “detective” clue. Note this report concerns Gunn’s side of the casting board, not what Ritchson’s reps are formally negotiating.
The Batman Part II did not move to February 2028 to buy post-production time.
Per my sources, James Gunn and Matt Reeves are in the middle of a fight, and the fight is over Gunn wanting his own Batman. That, I am told, is why Batman 2 moved.
Earlier today, when the new date landed, I asked whether seven months of separation from Man of Tomorrow gives Gunn the runway to put his own Batman on screen.
My sources now say that is exactly what this is about.
It follows what I reported yesterday: the “Reeves is slow” narrative is backwards, with Gunn stalling and offering notes while Reeves waited him out with Mike De Luca’s blessing.
A Bigger, Darker Batman: Alan Ritchson A Frontrunner
Here is the casting note.
I am told Gunn is considering a bigger Batman, in keeping with the Zack Snyder Batfleck model, and a darker one, in the vein of DC’s smash hit comic Absolute Batman, to clearly distinguish his version from Matt Reeves’ Robert Pattinson.
And Alan Ritchson is a frontrunner.
The Reacher star, who broke through as DC’s Hawk in Titans, is old enough to play an older Batman, which my sources note is part of the appeal.
The public record already points this way.
Gunn called himself a big Ritchson fan last year and, asked about casting, refused to say whether The Brave and the Bold would be “the first time you’ll see this Batman.”
Ritchson himself confirmed he met with Gunn and that “words have been exchanged about Batman,” before downplaying his chances. He also once said he would play the part for free.
File the downplaying under what actors say until the day they are announced.
Note this is a different direction from the earlier Tom Brittney chatter. As I reported in the bombshell, I am hearing Gunn himself has been putting the Batman leaks out to justify getting Batman, or some sort of cameo, into Man of Tomorrow.
Whether the Brittney talk was a trial balloon or misdirection, the model my sources now describe is bigger, older, and darker.
Damian Wayne In The Mix
My sources also say Gunn is winging it and wants to spring big surprises.
One name that came up: Damian Wayne.
Recall that Bruce and Damian were supposed to anchor The Brave and the Bold, announced back in 2023 with Andy Muschietti attached. That project has been sitting ever since.
It fits the picture insiders have painted of Man of Tomorrow: the last hurrah, loaded with cameos and fan service, because this could be it for Gunn. So that would mean no Brave and the Bold.
‘Reeves Is Pissed, Gunn Is Desperate’
One thing my source made a point to emphasize: Matt Reeves is pissed, but Gunn is desperate.
Reeves finally has cameras rolling at Leavesden and a locked 2028 date. Gunn has a July 2027 release, a growing cameo pile, and, per my reporting, a Paramount board that wants him and Peter Safran out once the merger closes.
