The status of James Gunn’s DCU Batman is once again in question, and this time it’s said to be not happening for years (if ever).
Update: Daniel RPK is stating he didn’t say “James Gunn won’t introduce DCU’s Batman until Matt Reeve’s finished his trilogy” but hasn’t expanded upon what he did say, if anything.
Original article continues:
According to scooper DanielRPK, The Brave and the Bold isn’t coming anytime soon.
He claims Gunn is pushing to fast-track Matt Reeves’ The Batman 3 instead, as he “doesn’t want two Batmans” running at the same time and wants Matt Reeves’ trilogy wrapped so DC Studios can move forward.
That lines up with ongoing confusion about how the DCU Batman will coexist alongside Reeves’ separate universe starring Robert Pattinson.
It also lines up with the claims Gunn wanted Pattinson as the DCU Batman, as he would then be able to develop his Batman side by side Reeves. Well, that’s not happening.
The Brave and the Bold Reportedly Delayed for Years
The Brave and the Bold was originally announced as part of Gunn’s DCU Chapter One slate. The film is expected to introduce the DCU’s Batman and his son Damian Wayne as Robin.
However, if DanielRPK’s information is accurate, fans shouldn’t expect it anytime soon.
Instead, it’s claimed the focus appears to be on finishing Reeves’ saga, which began with The Batman.
Gunn reportedly wants that trilogy completed before launching a separate DCU Batman, avoiding audience confusion and franchise overlap, which again, would take years.
DanielRPK on Discord:
“Oh I am told Brave and the Bold is not coming for years. Gunn is pushing to get The Batman 3 out faster he wants that trilogy over he wants to move on. He
doesn’t want two Batmans.” pic.twitter.com/brZPyTmVR4
— Everything_DCU (@EverythingDCU_) February 18, 2026
James Gunn and Peter Safran
Gunn’s Future at DC Studios Tied to WBD Sale
However, beyond scheduling issues, there are bigger things in play.
We’ve been told that with the sale of Warner Bros. Discovery, James Gunn will be out as head of DC Studios.
That explains why Gunn is currently developing the Superman Family Saga projects.
Upcoming projects in development only include Man of Tomorrow and the Jimmy Olsen TV series (who asked for that?).
Meanwhile, everything else appears to be in limbo – including Wonder Woman – dependent on who ultimately takes control of WBD.
Lanterns and the HBO Factor
Lanterns is still moving forward, but it’s our understanding it’s essentially an HBO series. It’s only eight episodes.
That further fuels speculation that Gunn’s broader DCU film slate may be stalled until new ownership questions are resolved.
Concerns Over DCU Batman Tone
There is also internal concern, according to what we’ve been told, about how Gunn would handle Batman inside the DCU.
Batman remains DC’s biggest IP. The fear is that the Dark Knight could take on the same quirky, comedic, goofy tone seen in some of Gunn’s previous projects. For many fans and executives alike, Batman isn’t a character you turn into a punchline.
With The Brave and the Bold meant to feature Damian Wayne, tone will be everything. A misstep with Batman would have major consequences for the entire DCU.
New WBD Owners Could Reset DC Again
We’ve also been told that if new ownership comes in, they will likely want their own direction for DC. The Netflix CEO just confirmed Gunn’s Superman underperformed, which shows they are well aware of what is going on with Gunn and DC.
We’ve also been told the SnyderVerse could return depending on who wins the bidding war. If Paramount were to land WBD, that would reportedly mean Gunn is out, as Paramount leadership is viewed as politically aligned differently from Gunn’s perceived creative circle.
The Future of Batman
Right now, the DCU Batman remains a question mark.
If The Brave and the Bold is years away and The Batman trilogy gets priority, Gunn’s larger DCU plans could stall, if they haven’t already.
And if WBD changes hands, everything — including Gunn’s role — could shift overnight.
For now, fans are left waiting to see who ultimately controls DC… and what version of Batman – and DC – survives the corporate shakeup.