Will Robert Pattinson’s Batman Join James Gunn’s DCU? Matt Reeves Reveals the Truth

The DC Universe is undergoing massive changes, with James Gunn and Peter Safran spearheading a new era of storytelling. But amidst all the excitement, one question remains on every fan’s mind: Could Robert Pattinson’s gritty and grounded version of Batman step into Gunn’s expansive new DC Universe?

For now, Pattinson’s take on the Dark Knight exists in a standalone universe, as established by Matt Reeves’ *The Batman* (2022). This *Elseworlds* story separates itself from the interconnected DCU, allowing Reeves the creative freedom to craft an intense, crime-driven saga. But recent comments from Gunn and Reeves suggest that the door to merging these worlds might not be entirely closed.

James Gunn: “I’ve Contemplated It”

Appearing on the *Happy Sad Confused* podcast, Gunn dropped a tantalizing hint when asked if Robert Pattinson’s Batman could become the DCU’s main version of the Caped Crusader. “I’ve contemplated it, yeah,” Gunn admitted. While his comment sparked a flurry of speculation, he was quick to clarify: “I contemplate everything. I talk about everything.”

Gunn explained that while he’s building a unified DC Universe, he also values the creative freedom of *Elseworlds* projects like *The Batman*. “I want the freedom to tell Elseworld stories,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to standalone tales that don’t have to fit into the larger DCU narrative.

This dual approach allows Gunn to explore interconnected storytelling while still supporting directors like Reeves, who prefer to work outside those constraints.

Matt Reeves’ Perspective: “It Has to Make Sense”

Matt Reeves, the visionary behind *The Batman*, also addressed the idea of Pattinson’s Batman joining the DCU. Speaking to *Happy Sad Confused* at the Golden Globes, Reeves struck a careful balance between openness and focus.

“It really comes down to whether it makes sense,” Reeves said. “I had a story I wanted to tell—this epic crime saga. That’s been my focus, and James and Peter have been great about letting us do that. Beyond that, I can’t say. My priority right now is getting *The Batman Part II* ready to shoot.”

Reeves is clearly dedicated to his original vision for Batman, and it’s evident that he values the creative autonomy Gunn and Safran have given him. When asked how he’d feel if Gunn decided to integrate Pattinson’s Batman into the DCU, Reeves simply responded, “I don’t know. We’ll have to see where that goes.”

The Long Wait for *The Batman Part II*

Fans have been eagerly awaiting *The Batman Part II*, but the sequel’s release date was recently pushed back from October 2026 to October 2027. The delay was met with disappointment, but Gunn took to social media to explain the reasoning behind it.

“To be fair, a 5-year gap or more is fairly common in sequels,” Gunn wrote on Threads, referencing examples like the 7 years between *Alien* and *Aliens*, the 14 years between *The Incredibles* movies, and even the 13-year gap between the two *Avatar* films.

The primary reason for the delay is that the script isn’t finished yet. Gunn has made it a rule at DC Studios that no film goes into production without a completed script. “Matt Reeves is committed to making the best film he possibly can, and no one can accurately guess exactly how long a script will take to write,” Gunn said.

Once the script is finalized, the film will need at least two years for pre-production, shooting, and post-production. This timeline ensures that the sequel meets the high expectations set by its predecessor.

What’s Next for Pattinson’s Batman?

At the moment, Robert Pattinson’s Batman is firmly rooted in the *Elseworlds* category, separate from the DCU’s main continuity. However, James Gunn’s open-minded approach leaves room for speculation. Could Pattinson’s grounded, noir-inspired Batman eventually find a place in the larger DCU? Or will his story remain an independent exploration of Gotham’s dark underbelly?

Reeves’ focus remains on delivering his crime saga, but the possibility of Pattinson’s Batman crossing over into Gunn’s DCU isn’t entirely off the table. It all depends on whether the creative vision aligns—and whether it makes sense within the larger DCU narrative.

For now, fans can look forward to *The Batman Part II* continuing Reeves’ intense and character-driven approach. Whether Pattinson becomes the face of the DCU or stays in his own corner of Gotham, one thing is certain: the Dark Knight’s story is far from over.