James Gunn Talks BATMAN's DCU Introduction And Skipping The Origin Story; Teases WORLD'S FINEST Plans

James Gunn Talks BATMAN's DCU Introduction And Skipping The Origin Story; Teases WORLD'S FINEST Plans

DC Studios boss and Superman director James Gunn has discussed Batman's introduction in Creature Commandos and teases future plans for the Caped Crusader in the DCU and a possible Superman team-up...

By JoshWilding - Jan 02, 2025 10:01 AM EST
Filed Under: The Brave and the Bold

In today's episode of Creature Commandos, Batman makes his DCU debut to take down Doctor Phosphorus. We don't see the hero in action but it's still an exciting glimpse at Gotham City's Dark Knight (which you can take a closer look at here).

The Brave and the Bold doesn't appear to be going anywhere fast and speculation continues to run rampant about The Batman's Bruce Wayne - played by Robert Pattinson - being brought into the DCU. 

In an interview discussing Creature Commandos' penultimate episode, James Gunn talked about the decision to introduce Batman in animation before he gets his own movie. 

"When they first gave it to me, we saw a lot more Batman [Laughs]," the filmmaker revealed. "I would say, 'I'm not ready to commit to that, I'm not ready to commit to that, I'm not ready to commit to that.' So I was like, 'More silhouette!' It's a great way to show that Batman does exist."

"He already exists in this universe just like when we come to the Superman movie and we see that Superman already exists and is already known by the people of Metropolis," Gunn continued. "We don't need to hear the origin story again. That's just the way to introduce that Batman is a part of this universe."

"He's an important part of this universe and he has an impact on it, including defeating such pretty dangerous, scary people like Phopherus who is pretty tough."

Asked specifically which Batman it is we're seeing, Gunn chose his words carefully when he responded, "It's the DCU Batman." Quickly changing the subject, the Superman director and DC Studios executive dropped some World's Finest crumbs by pointing out, "I love Batman. I've loved him since I was a little kid. He's one of my favourite characters...we're going to do great things with him."

"He's the most popular superhero in the world and I can't wait for people to see more of him along with Superman. And together..."

While work isn't progressing on The Brave and the Bold or The Batman 2 as quickly as fans would like, Clayface is being released in theaters next year and that would be the perfect opportunity to introduce the DCU's Bruce Wayne (Batman showing up, even for a cameo, would also increase interest in the project). 

Who do you think should play the DCU's Batman? Let us know in the comments section and check out the full interview with Gunn in the player below.

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Steel86
Steel86 - 1/2/2025, 10:59 AM
Hopefully this puts a nail in the DCU Batman won't have a movie untill Matt Reeves is done.
Sidenote- Can't wait to see a more comicbook Batman with his bat family and a Batman and Superman dynamic were there differences are truly highlighted.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 1/2/2025, 11:07 AM
@Steel86 - hopefully but likely won’t until it’s definitely shown on screen that they are separate.

I agree completely in that having a more comic booky Batman with somewhat of a Bat Family and having him interact with Superman will be great…

My only hrequest is that don’t have them go against each other but maybe have a misunderstanding if they don’t already know each other but quickly team up.
Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/2/2025, 11:08 AM
@Steel86 - fully agree! I’m excited to see a more fantastical Batman who takes on all kinds of threats. I liked that Snyder was slowly kinda having him do that in his movies, but this feels logical next step for a live action Batman.
Steel86
Steel86 - 1/2/2025, 11:13 AM
@TheVisionary25 - I think Batman-Superman Worlds Finest is the way to go. The cartoon was awesome. Alwaysed loved how they found out each other's secret identities.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 1/2/2025, 11:19 AM
@Steel86 - agreed though again depends on if they already know each other or not…

If not then using that as a blueprint for their first meeting would be great!!.

?si=lipwlHa4aikrL3wt
Steel86
Steel86 - 1/2/2025, 11:26 AM
@Ironnick - Yeah I've said for a long time that was a huge disappointment. Snyder had a way better take on Batman than he did Supes. And I liked the already established Batman so we could launch right into his villains and the bat family.
Arthorious
Arthorious - 1/2/2025, 11:29 AM
@Steel86 - And the recent comics have been fantastic for World's Finest. I tell ya the best Batman and Superman stories are when they are friends and they are working together instead of have a fist fight.
Steel86
Steel86 - 1/2/2025, 11:31 AM
@TheVisionary25 - Could be wrong but I think Gunn will give fans a proper Superman-Batman meet up. And Batman being established but have not meet most if not all of the other heroes would make sense because he doesn't know when he wants to add him fully to the picture. He could even add a funny line like
Superman- Yeah the Batman. Have you seen him?
Guy Garden- No, no one's seen him. The criminals in Gotham are crazy.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 1/2/2025, 11:36 AM
@Steel86 - him being an urban legend could be fun but we’ll see.
TheNewYorker
TheNewYorker - 1/2/2025, 11:39 AM
“Bat family” lmao people be desperate to see cheesy shit on the big screen.
Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/2/2025, 11:42 AM
@Steel86 - I actually agree that Snyder had a more interesting take on Batman than Superman, and I didn’t hate his Superman lol. That said, I really am just excited we’re getting a more fantastical Batman. My favorite iteration of the character is the from Batman: The Brave and The Bold, so to be getting a version that appears to be more reflective of that version is pretty cool. And to be honest, I really do dig that the DCU as a whole has a more vibrant and fantastical tone to it.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 1/2/2025, 11:51 AM
@Ironnick - wait , the Brave and The Bold show?

I mean , it’s legit a great show but never had anyone say that’s their favorite version of Batman haha.

?si=kst9misFhbxrt0A9

6of13
6of13 - 1/2/2025, 12:01 PM
@TheVisionary25 - That example is perfect. This one below would also be great:

Malatrova15
Malatrova15 - 1/2/2025, 12:01 PM
@Steel86 - i mean...si tu quieres seremos amigos, yo te ayudo a olvidar el pasado, no te aferres a un imposible.
Steel86
Steel86 - 1/2/2025, 12:07 PM
@Malatrova15 - Si si
Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/2/2025, 12:19 PM
@TheVisionary25 - The very same! I’m almost 30 years, and I can confidently say that this is my favorite version of the character. I love the hope and optimism this version of Batman has. This Batman inspires others and does his best to help everyone no matter the scenario. Plus I love how the show highlights under appreciated or little known DC characters and gives them the spotlight! My favorite episode is the Madness of the Madnicks! The whole crux of the episode being Booster Gold wanting to to see his best Friend, Ted Kord Blue Beet, one last time is genuinely moving.
Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/2/2025, 12:23 PM
@Ironnick - *Menace of the Madnicks*
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 1/2/2025, 12:24 PM
@Ironnick - ahhh fair enough

I do like those versions of the characters and the Silver Age-y vibe and tone of the show.

Very funny genuinely , even has some good drama and heart aswell

Also one of if not the best Aquaman outside of comics.

?si=TOFTMOMRtThyIKsd

Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/2/2025, 12:27 PM
@TheVisionary25 - agreed on Aquaman! Love his character in the show.
Asterisk
Asterisk - 1/2/2025, 12:58 PM
@Ironnick - yeah my favorite version of Batman is the DCAU version but that one is such a perfect adaptation it’s kind of a close call.

Glenn Howerton should be our grumbling sarcastic dad Batman in the DCU!!
Malatrova15
Malatrova15 - 1/2/2025, 1:23 PM
@Steel86 - i mean..as TheVisionary says...QUE MEDURA LA VERDURA.
Malatrova15
Malatrova15 - 1/2/2025, 1:26 PM
@Asterisk - Glenn Howerton should be Ganthet since he embodies the wisdom and selfness of his tribe.
NodrickStripson
NodrickStripson - 1/2/2025, 1:29 PM
@TheNewYorker - Couldn’t agree more.
I love Batman but the whole “bat-family” thing is just eye-rollingly shit to me.
ElJefe
ElJefe - 1/2/2025, 2:06 PM
@Ironnick - The Brave and the Bold is my favorite animated Batman! I get all the moody noir Batman love - but that’s not my favorite version of him.
Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/2/2025, 2:29 PM
@ElJefe - Exactly! The Brave and The Bold highlights that Batman can be so much more than what we typically see in most Batman media.
Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/2/2025, 2:30 PM
@Asterisk - that’s a good pick!
Asterisk
Asterisk - 1/2/2025, 3:57 PM
@Malatrova15 - if Clint Howard doesn’t play ganthet something has gone very wrong
elcapitan
elcapitan - 1/2/2025, 3:59 PM
@Steel86 - User Comment Image
ObserverIO
ObserverIO - 1/2/2025, 4:37 PM
@Steel86 - I think Snyder got it wrong by having a dark Batman and a dark Superman. I hope Gunn doesn't get it wrong by having a light Superman and a light Batman.

The fact that they are polar opposites is what makes them a great team-up.
Steel86
Steel86 - 1/2/2025, 5:17 PM
@ObserverIO - Exactly. That's the fun of their dynamic. Like in Snyder's film it made no sense for why Superman wanted to stop Batman. He just killed an African warlord holding his girlfriend captive and let a courtroom full of people die. Yet you hate Batman brands people, Lol.
Steel86
Steel86 - 1/2/2025, 5:18 PM
@elcapitan - Why did you say that name! 😂😂
ElJefe
ElJefe - 1/2/2025, 8:46 PM
@Ironnick - Got favorite fan cast for Bats?
Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/2/2025, 11:34 PM
@ElJefe - honestly, I would like to see Bill Skarsgård as Batman. I’m still riding the high from his performance in Nosferatu, but I do genuinely think he’s terrific actor and i think he brings a lot of pathos to his roles and I would love to see what he could bring to it. That said I would also be interested in seeing someone along the lines of Alan Ritchson. He definitely has an stoic intensity that could work well as Batman, but he also brings a sense of compassion and hopefulness that I think we haven’t really seen much from live action Batman.
ElJefe
ElJefe - 1/3/2025, 9:04 AM
@Ironnick - That would be interesting! I’m hoping Skarsgard comes on for the Joker. Maybe a little on the nose casting wise, but if he’s written well I think the performance would be more than just another crazy clown.
Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/3/2025, 1:40 PM
@ElJefe - I can definitely see Skarsgard actually being cast The Joker, he would do a great job.
ElJefe
ElJefe - 1/3/2025, 3:37 PM
@Ironnick - It’s old school and probably outdated now, especially since Joker is a part of the pop culture zeitgeist, but a proper Joker would be nice to see circa 70s-80s.

User Comment Image

Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/4/2025, 11:10 AM
@ElJefe - now that’s a joker I’d love to see adapted. After all the versions we’ve seen recently, I think it’s time for a more consistent joker that feels like a rival and archenemy to Batman.
Ironnick
Ironnick - 1/4/2025, 11:13 AM
@Ironnick - The last time we really had that kinda of dynamic between the two characters was The Dark Knight haha.
ZiggyStarman
ZiggyStarman - 1/2/2025, 11:04 AM
I have a lot of faith in James Gunn to deliver a more fantastical Batman. More akin to the Kevin Conroy version we got in animation. Just hope they don’t resort to stunt casting, because fans asked for it.
bkmeijer1
bkmeijer1 - 1/2/2025, 11:21 AM
@ZiggyStarman - one casting I could see happen that fans (including me) have brought up is Alan Ritchson. DCU Batman looks buff, and it wouldn't be the first fancasting come true
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