Few superheroes have been reinvented as often as Batman. From Tim Burton’s gothic interpretation with Michael Keaton to Christopher Nolan’s grounded trilogy starring Christian Bale, the Dark Knight has rarely stayed tied to one creative direction for long.
The trend has continued in recent years as DC Studios reshapes its cinematic universe while maintaining separate storytelling branches.
Matt Reeves introduced a new version of Bruce Wayne in The Batman (2022), casting Robert Pattinson as a younger, more isolated vigilante. The film launched a self-contained world that also expanded through HBO’s The Penguin, starring Colin Farrell, with The Batman – Part II scheduled for release in October 2027.
Multiple Batman Universes, One Franchise
But while Reeves’ series moves forward independently, DC Studios is simultaneously building a new interconnected franchise under James Gunn and Peter Safran. The DCU began quietly with the animated series Creature Commandos, before continuing into live-action with Superman (2025).
That shifting timeline has raised questions about which characters and actors might carry over from previous projects. However, some overlap has already occurred. Elements from earlier films, including Blue Beetle (2023), have been suggested as fitting within the new continuity, though DC Studios has been selective about what remains canon.
Related: Dark Knight Trilogy Actor Could Become New DCU’s Batman After Latest Comments | Disney Dining
Gunn Addresses Pattinson Speculation
One of the most common questions surrounding the DCU has focused on whether Pattinson’s Batman might transition into the shared universe. Now, Gunn has addressed the speculation directly. When asked by a fan on Threads if Pattinson would eventually appear in the DCU, his response was brief and definitive: “No.”
The answer now confirms that Reeves’ Gotham City will indeed remain separate from the main DCU storyline.
A Different Dark Knight On The Way
With that said, DC Studios is still planning to introduce its own version of Batman in The Brave and the Bold. The film will center on Bruce Wayne’s relationship with Damian Wayne, who takes on the Robin mantle. Casting for the role has not yet been announced.
Beyond Batman, DC Studios is continuing to expand its new slate. The next theatrical release is Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Milly Alcock. Based on the comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the film is scheduled to premiere on June 26, 2026, as DC works to establish the long-term foundation of its latest shared universe.
Are you a fan of the DCU so far? Would you have liked to see Robert Pattinson’s Batman appear in this new timeline? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
