DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn recently revealed that he has given thought to the idea of integrating Robert Pattinson’s version of Batman into the broader DC Universe (DCU). This idea, however, remains in the realm of contemplation rather than active development. Gunn stated, “I’ve contemplated it, yeah,” in response to a question about the potential formal inclusion of Pattinson’s Batman in the DCU. Despite the open-ended nature of the comment, Gunn was careful to clarify that his thoughts are not yet concrete, explaining, “I contemplate everything. I talk about everything.” This openness suggests that, while nothing is set in stone, Gunn is exploring a variety of creative possibilities for the future of the DCU.
Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman, introduced in Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed The Batman (2022), has so far existed under the banner of DC's Elseworlds. Elseworlds is a term used by DC to categorize stories that stand apart from the main DCU continuity, allowing for a broader range of storytelling that doesn’t need to adhere to the constraints of the larger shared universe. While Elseworlds stories have no direct impact on the central DCU, they provide filmmakers with the creative freedom to tell standalone, often unique, stories that may not necessarily fit into the conventional DC timeline. Gunn reinforced his commitment to maintaining this distinction, asserting, “I want the freedom to tell Elseworld stories.” This statement highlights his desire to continue the practice of creating separate, independent narratives, while still leaving the door open for potential crossovers.
Gunn’s focus on expanding the scope of DC’s storytelling reflects a delicate balance between maintaining the interconnected nature of the DCU while also embracing the diversity offered by Elseworlds stories. "I am committed to both telling stories in the DCU and Elseworlds stories," he said, suggesting that DC Studios intends to continue pursuing both avenues without sacrificing the depth or integrity of either. His vision seems to suggest that the flexibility of Elseworlds will coexist with the expansive and connected world of the DCU, ensuring that a wide range of creative voices and stories can thrive within the franchise.
Meanwhile, The Batman director Matt Reeves also addressed the topic of his film’s future during an interview with Happy Sad Confused at the Golden Globes. When asked whether his version of Batman could eventually be integrated into the DCU, Reeves responded thoughtfully, saying that it ultimately "comes down to whether it makes sense." This careful consideration of creative direction echoes the sentiments of both Gunn and Reeves, who are both conscious of the need to stay true to the stories they are telling. Reeves emphasized the importance of completing his planned Batman narrative, stating, "There was a story I wanted to tell. The epic crime saga. It’s been important to me to play that out."
Reeves also expressed his gratitude for the creative freedom he has received from DC Studios, particularly from Gunn and Peter Safran. "James and Peter have been really great about that. They are letting us do that," Reeves shared, highlighting the trust placed in him to continue developing the darker, more grounded version of the Dark Knight that began with The Batman. While there is some uncertainty about whether Pattinson's Batman will ever cross over with the broader DCU, Reeves is currently focused on completing his own vision. “What the future brings, I can’t really tell you. I have no idea,” he admitted, underscoring his focus on completing The Batman Part II, which is expected to begin production in 2023. This film has generated significant anticipation among fans, who are eager to see where the saga of Pattinson’s Batman will go next.
The prospects for Pattinson's Batman to interact with other major DC characters remain an intriguing possibility. However, as of now, both Gunn and Reeves seem committed to allowing their respective stories to unfold without feeling pressured to merge them into a larger universe—at least not before the right time. Gunn’s comments suggest that while he is open to the idea of Pattinson’s Batman becoming a part of the DCU, he also values the creative freedom that Elseworlds provides, meaning that any potential crossover would need to feel organic and fitting for the narrative.
In terms of the future of the DCU, Gunn has made it clear that he aims to maintain a creative environment where both interconnected stories and independent tales can coexist. This dual approach ensures that there will be a variety of experiences for audiences, from the sprawling, interconnected plots of the DCU to the more isolated, self-contained narratives of Elseworlds. As for Pattinson’s Batman, fans will have to wait and see whether Gunn decides to bring him into the larger fold, or whether the Dark Knight will continue to operate outside the DCU for the time being.
In the meantime, The Batman Part II remains the primary focus for Reeves and his team. Production on the sequel is expected to kick off soon, with fans eagerly awaiting any new details regarding the next chapter in this unique interpretation of the iconic superhero. Whether or not Pattinson’s Batman will ultimately cross paths with other DC characters remains an open question, but for now, the story of Gotham’s protector will continue on its own path, offering a fresh and distinct take on the legendary character.
