While we attended Comic-Con over the weekend, a Warner Bros. insider confirmed to Cosmic Book News that Robert Pattinson will not be part of James Gunn’s DCU, despite the speculation.
This lines up with what Gunn has said publicly, and he recently reiterated the point in an interview with ET.
WB insider tells me they don't think Pattinson will be the DCU's Batman. Worried what Gunn will do with Batman. #comiccon pic.twitter.com/3Klfp7SNPS
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) July 28, 2025
James Gunn Reaffirms: Pattinson Not in the DCU
After I posted the insider tip on social media, Gunn responded to Entertainment Tonight saying:
“I’ve said it before. We’ve talked about it before, but it’s not what’s happening right now.”
That makes it clear that Pattinson’s Batman will remain separate in the Elseworlds universe, led by Matt Reeves.
However, worth a note is that Gunn added “right now.” Rumors have offered they are waiting to see how well Superman performs at the box office before making the final decision to bring in Robert Pattinson as the DCU’s Batman. Superman hit over $500M at the box office this past weekend.
Exactly what insiders just told me at #comiccon https://t.co/SgBHlnIyvQ
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) July 29, 2025
Internal Concerns About Gunn’s Batman Direction
While WB execs are on board with the direction of Superman, the insider said there may be some hesitation about what Gunn plans to do with Batman.
The concerns we discussed stem from Gunn’s lighter, more comedic and goofier tone with Superman, and how that could translate—or not—to the darker, more serious tone typically associated with Batman.
In Gunn’s defense, Gunn has said each DCU project will have a different tone. However, that remains to be seen, as all the DC projects under Gunn share that similar goofy tone.
James Gunn’s DCU Batman plans
James Gunn has also recently reaffirmed that Batman: The Brave and the Bold is still in development as part of the DCU.
Andy Muschietti (The Flash) remains attached to direct. Muschietti also attended the Superman premiere, signaling he’s still involved behind the scenes. Matt Reeves was also there.
Matt Reeves y Andy Muschietti en la premiere de SUPERMAN pic.twitter.com/iKLlt4YRoQ
— Todo Noticias (@Todo_Noticia1) July 8, 2025
No casting or release date has been announced yet, but the film is expected to introduce a new Bruce Wayne alongside Damian Wayne as Robin. Script continues to be worked on.
