James Gunn on Batman and Robert Pattinson: what's next remains to be seen
DC Studios co-head James Gunn has again clarified that Robert Pattinson's version of Batman, the one featured in director Matt Reeves's The Batman films, will remain separate from the main DC Universe (DCU) continuity.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Gunn stated, 'I've said it before. We've talked about it before, but it's not what's happening right now.'
This statement follows earlier reports from Comic-Con 2025, where a Warner Bros. insider told Cosmic Book News that Pattinson would not be brought into the interconnected DCU being developed by Gunn and Peter Safran.
That insider comment aligns with what Gunn has consistently said in public.
Pattinson's Batman is part of DC's Elseworlds label, which allows for standalone stories outside the shared DC continuity.
Meanwhile, the DCU is moving forward with a separate Batman in the upcoming film The Brave and the Bold, which will feature a different actor and storyline.
Although Gunn used the phrase 'right now,' suggesting the door isn't permanently closed, no plans have been confirmed to merge the two timelines.
Industry speculation suggests future decisions could be influenced by the performance of DCU films, particularly Superman, which has reportedly grossed over $500 million at the global box office.
Behind the scenes, some creative differences have surfaced, particularly around Gunn's lighter tonal direction with Superman and whether it would suit a traditionally darker Batman story.
However, as of now, Pattinson's Gotham remains entirely separate.
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