In the ever-expanding realm of the DC Universe, co-CEO James Gunn recently shed light on the intricacies surrounding the much-anticipated Batman Part II and Joker: Folie à Deux. Notably, Gunn unraveled the mystery behind why Robert Pattinson’s Batman, a standout from 2022’s The Batman, won’t be seamlessly woven into the fabric of Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran’s DCU.
The Batman Part II: A Separate Universe within DC Elseworlds
One of the most intriguing revelations from James Gunn’s recent updates on Threads revolves around the fate of Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of the Dark Knight. Contrary to expectations of seamless integration, Gunn clarified that Batman Part II is destined to be a DC Elseworld title. This means it will reside in a distinct universe, separate from cinematic creations like Gunn’s Superman: Legacy, as part of the overarching DCU’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.
Gunn, responding to a curious fan, debunked the notion that it was a matter of permission, stating, “It’s not an ‘allowed’ thing. It’s Matt’s choice, and we respect that.” Here, Gunn emphasizes the autonomy of director Matt Reeves in steering the creative direction of The Batman. James Gunn DC
DCU Multiverse Dynamics: Safran’s Clarification James Gunn DC
Peter Safran, co-CEO alongside James Gunn, has previously clarified the mechanics of DCU’s multiverse dynamics. At the initial announcement of Gods and Monsters, Safran highlighted their focus on one universe within the multiverse. He underscored the importance of transparency, stating, “If something isn’t DCU, we’re going to make that very clear.” Safran’s explanation positions Elseworlds titles, such as Todd Phillips’ Joker and Team Titans Go, as distinctive narratives within the broader multiverse, mirroring the approach taken in the comic books. James Gunn DC
The Autonomy of Reeves: A Standalone Batverse James Gunn DC
The revelation that director Matt Reeves played a pivotal role in keeping The Batman within its own universe aligns with the standalone nature of the film. Gunn, echoing Reeves’ autonomy, expressed that The Batman is “his own thing.” The initial installment of The Batman detached itself from larger DC narratives like Justice League, establishing a unique Batverse under Reeves’ creative guidance.
“Matt is working on [The Batman Part II], which he thinks of as a Batman crime saga, which also includes the Penguin TV series,” Gunn elucidated. The distinctiveness of Reeves’ vision is further emphasized as he conceptualizes The Batman as a saga unto itself, introducing elements like the Penguin TV series, and expanding the narrative canvas.
A Trilogy in the Making: The Batman Part II’s Development
James Gunn tantalizingly hinted at the future of Reeves’ take on The Batman, revealing plans for a trilogy. The Batman Part II, slated for release on October 3, 2025, promises to continue the immersive storytelling initiated by Reeves. Despite the anticipation, Gunn clarified that while he has heard a pitch, the script is yet to materialize, with the writers’ strike from May to late September potentially affecting its progress. James Gunn DC
Gunn’s Involvement: An Oversight into The Batman and Joker
Even with The Batman and Joker existing as Elseworld titles, James Gunn maintains a degree of involvement. Responding to a fan query, Gunn disclosed his collaboration with director Todd Phillips on the sequel to the 2019 hit Joker. While acknowledging his role in watching and providing notes, Gunn stressed that the creative momentum began with Warner Bros., demonstrating the interconnected nature of the DC cinematic landscape. James Gunn DC
The Road Ahead: Superman Legacy and Gunn’s Transparent Approach
As the DCU’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters prepares to kick off in 2025 with Superman: Legacy, James Gunn remains a beacon of transparency in the industry. Gunn’s updates on social media provide fans with glimpses behind the curtain, fostering a sense of anticipation for the unfolding narrative. James Gunn DC
