The Debate Over Batman in the DC Universe
As James Gunn's DC Universe (DCU) begins to take shape following the release of Superman and Peacemaker Season 2, fans are once again caught in a passionate debate about the future of Batman. While a new film titled The Brave and the Bold is set to introduce a different actor as the Caped Crusader, some fans argue that Robert Pattinson should remain the definitive Batman within the DCU.
A recent Reddit post sparked this ongoing discussion, with one user suggesting that Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman should stay within the Elseworlds storyline rather than being part of the official DCU canon. The user referenced multiple statements from Gunn denying that Pattinson’s Batman would be part of the DCU, emphasizing that The Batman series is meant to exist in an alternate universe known as the Reevesverse. This user pointed out specific elements in Peacemaker Season 2, such as the inclusion of White Rabbit—a character that director Matt Reeves would never have his Batman fight—as evidence that the two universes are fundamentally incompatible.
This argument was met with strong opposition from other fans who believe that the DCU could still accommodate both versions of Batman. One fan commented, “The worlds are so obviously incompatible and Gunn himself has said so. Anyone who thinks Reeves’ Batman could possibly coexist with the DCU’s casual pocket dimensions and imps and kaiju goofiness isn’t being serious.” However, another fan countered by pointing out that Gunn has expressed a desire for projects with vastly different tones, including a body horror film featuring Clayface. This suggests that a dark and gritty version of Batman could indeed fit within the broader DCU framework.
Some fans also highlighted the practical challenges of introducing a new Batman. “I just think it's stupid to have 2 Batmans when you can have 1,” one user wrote. Others added that Pattinson’s interpretation of the character has been widely praised and that replacing him could risk disappointing audiences. “With a new Batman in the DCU, they risk audiences being underwhelmed,” another fan noted. “Pattinson’s interpretation is one of the most popular because it's such a good interpretation of the character.”
Beyond the practical concerns, there are fans who simply want to avoid the inevitable conflicts that come with having multiple versions of the same character. “The reason I wanted Battinson in the DCU is to avoid the inevitable fan war that will come once the DCU Batman is revealed,” one fan explained. They pointed to the current divide between fans of the new Superman and the Snyder-era version, expressing hope that having one clear Batman could bring more unity to the fandom.
For now, the situation remains unresolved. Two distinct Batman films are on the horizon: The Batman 2, starring Pattinson and set for 2027, and The Brave and the Bold, which will feature a new actor. According to Gunn, production on The Brave and the Bold will not begin until a solid script is in place. Meanwhile, fans await further details about the direction of the DCU and how it will integrate its various characters and stories.
Looking ahead, the next major DC project is Supergirl, scheduled for release in 2026. In the meantime, fans can keep track of all the upcoming DC movies and shows to stay updated on what’s coming next.
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