The delays in the release date for The Batman 2 have sparked speculation that Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of the Dark Knight might be integrated into James Gunn’s DC Universe. Andy Muschietti, who is set to direct the upcoming DCU film The Brave and the Bold, has shared some insights about the situation unfolding behind the scenes.
Following the second delay of The Batman 2’s release date, the internet buzzed with theories about why writer/director Matt Reeves was taking longer than anticipated with the script. Many speculated that Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ leadership wanted to make adjustments to include Pattinson’s Batman in the DC Universe. Some fans are worried that Warner Bros. and DC Studios might ultimately scrap the DCU Batman film, The Brave and the Bold, and instead declare Pattinson’s version as part of the DCU. These worries intensified when director Muschietti confirmed the postponement of The Brave and the Bold, although he has tried to shed light on the current situation regarding the Batman franchise.
In a recent chat with Radio TU (translated by Reel Anarchy), Muschietti shared that Batman from The Brave and The Bold is indeed part of the DCU, making it clear that Pattinson’s portrayal exists in a different universe. With The Batman Part 2 now set to hit theaters in 2027, fans will have to be patient for the Caped Crusader’s entry into the DCU. Muschietti noted, “This means we’ll have to wait a bit longer for the next Batman film. Launching two Batman movies at the same time wouldn’t make sense.” He added that DC is working on a plan to keep these two films from overlapping.
In a recent interview from late 2024, Muschietti mentioned that he might take on a different project now that The Brave and the Bold has been delayed. This led some fans to speculate that he might be stepping away from the film or that it could be canceled. However, Muschietti reassured everyone that there is still a strong desire from all involved to collaborate on the DCU’s Batman movie. “As for my role in the project, everyone has good intentions at this point. They want to make the movie with me, and I’m just as excited to be a part of it,” he shared.
With The Batman Part 2 and The Brave and the Bold experiencing delays, fans have speculated that one might be scrapped in favor of the other. However, Muschietti’s remarks indicate that Warner Bros. aims to prevent audience confusion by not releasing two separate Batman movie franchises simultaneously. Sadly, due to Reeves taking longer than anticipated to complete the script, the future of The Brave and the Bold remains uncertain.
Warner Bros. might opt to introduce the DCU’s Caped Crusader before Reeves finishes his Batman trilogy. Although there are personal reasons for the unfinished script of The Batman Part 2, the studio may feel the need to integrate Pattinson’s Batman into the new universe to prevent further delays. This is purely speculative, and there are varying opinions on whether Pattinson’s Batman should be included in the DCU. Nevertheless, the long wait for Batman films is bound to spark ongoing rumors.