The Batman Part 2 Might Be Putting James Gunn In A Tough Spot

The cinematic landscape for the new DC Cinematic Universe is in flux as James Gunn and Peter Safran usher in their vision for the DCU. Among their plans is an official DCU Batman movie, The Brave and the Bold, which is set to introduce a new Caped Crusader alongside Damian Wayne as Robin. However, this ambitious endeavor is complicated by The Batman Part 2, Matt Reeves’ sequel to his critically acclaimed and financially successful noir-inspired take on Gotham’s protector.

While Gunn has expressed public support for Reeves’ vision and made it clear that The Batman films exist in their own corner of the multiverse, the delay of The Batman Part 2 to 2026 could create significant issues for the future of DC. The coexistence of two vastly different Batman narratives risks audience confusion, logistical hurdles, and questions about how—or if—these separate universes could coexist without undermining one another.

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The Challenge of Two Batman Stories

Having two active Batman film franchises may sound like a dream for fans, but it also presents a double-edged sword. Gunn’s DCU slate aims to establish a cohesive universe with interconnected characters and narratives. Introducing a new Batman in The Brave and the Bold while The Batman Part 2 is still fresh in audiences’ minds could dilute the brand.

For general moviegoers, the potential overlap between the gritty, grounded tone of Reeves’ Gotham and the presumably more fantastical approach of Gunn’s DCU might cause confusion. Casual fans may struggle to reconcile why there are two different Batmen operating simultaneously, especially if both franchises release films in close proximity.

Moreover, Reeves’ vision is deeply tied to Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of a younger, brooding Bruce Wayne still finding his footing as Gotham’s protector. Allowing Pattinson’s Batman to coexist with a more seasoned, DCU-focused Dark Knight could disrupt the narrative flow of both universes. Gunn and Reeves would need to carefully coordinate—or completely segregate—their projects to avoid tonal and thematic clashes.

Incorporating Pattinson into the DCU

One possible solution, however unlikely, would be to incorporate Pattinson’s Batman into the DCU. Gunn has already embraced the concept of the multiverse, with The Flash exploring alternate timelines and Elseworlds branding being used for standalone projects like Joker: Folie à Deux.

If Pattinson’s Batman were to transition into the DCU, it could provide continuity for audiences who are already invested in his story. However, this raises logistical concerns. Reeves has built The Batman around its own self-contained world, with plans for spin-offs like The Penguin series on Max. Folding Pattinson’s iteration into the wider DCU would likely mean compromising Reeves’ artistic vision, which has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s success.

Additionally, transitioning Pattinson’s Batman to the DCU would complicate plans for The Brave and the Bold, which is expected to introduce a seasoned Bruce Wayne with a son in tow. Forcing Pattinson’s portrayal to align with this storyline would clash with the character development established in The Batman.

Gunn’s Balancing Act

James Gunn has repeatedly emphasized his respect for creative freedom and his desire to collaborate with filmmakers to craft compelling stories. His public support of Reeves’ work suggests a willingness to let The Batman remain separate from the DCU, but this approach is not without its risks.

From a business perspective, DC faces an uphill battle in re-establishing its cinematic brand after the inconsistent performance of the DCEU. Having two concurrent Batman narratives could undermine the cohesion Gunn and Safran are trying to build. Audiences may grow fatigued or confused by multiple versions of iconic characters appearing in separate franchises, which could weaken both projects’ potential impact. However, there’s also plenty of reasons why two Batmans can work, especially considering it’s one of the most popular characters in all of comic lore. Matt Reeves has established his version and having a more comic book-like version could play well in the DCU.

However, Gunn’s plans for the DCU rely on building momentum with key characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. If The Batman Part 2 dominates headlines and box office in 2025, it may overshadow the introduction of the DCU’s Batman, delaying the franchise’s ability to establish its identity.

The road ahead for DC’s cinematic universe is paved with challenges, and The Batman Part 2 is a major wildcard in James Gunn’s plans. While the multiverse approach provides creative flexibility, it also introduces potential pitfalls that require careful navigation.

Ultimately, the success of both The Batman Part 2 and Gunn’s DCU will depend on clear communication with audiences and a strategic release schedule. Gunn’s ability to juggle the two franchises while preserving their distinct tones and stories could set the stage for a bold new era of superhero cinema—or risk further fracturing the DC brand.

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The Batman Part II

The Batman Part II is the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, released in 2022, and will continue where the original film left off. The film shares a universe with the HBO Max original Penguin series and sees the return of the Riddler and a different incarnation of the Joker.

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