James Gunn's latest announcements about the first chapter of the new DC Universe have fans talking on social media about some of the existing DC projects. One of the main ones is Matt Reeves' The Batman trilogy, with many concerned that the upcoming films will be canceled. However, along with a slate of films being worked on, Gunn has confirmed that The Batman trilogy lives on, only it won’t be a part of the main DCU.Since Gunn and Peter Safran took over as DC's new co-CEOs, several changes have been made regarding existing projects. Reeves wanted to turn The Batman into a trilogy, but many fans were concerned that his franchise would meet the chopping block instead, similar to other projects. However, fans of the character can rejoice, as the sequel, which is now titled The Batman - Part II, has officially been greenlit and is scheduled to premiere in October 2025.As part of the announcements for Gunn's DC slate, not only was The Batman trilogy confirmed, but Gunn also revealed that Reeves is planning to make The Penguin HBO series (via ScreenRant). Both projects will be disconnected from the DCU and will instead be a part of “an overall crime saga” that will continue outside Gunn's DCU slate. The filmmaker also suggested that The Batman - Part II will begin pre-production work this year, with Robert Pattinson returning to play the Caped Crusader.
Reeves' The Batman trilogy will not be the only DC project in the works involving the popular character. Gunn has revealed a new film titled The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce fans to the “DCU's Batman.” The idea behind the DCU is to build a universe that avoids multiple actors from playing the same character. To clarify how these two versions of Batman will co-exist, Gunn introduced the concept of DC Elseworlds, which are projects that “will take place outside the main DCU continuity and be allowed to remain separate.” Reeves introduced his The Batman as being separate from the DCEU, and it’ll remain the same moving forward.
This is good news for fans of Pattinson's The Batman, as they get to see him play out the role in the classic noir detective franchise developed by Reeves. Gunn is seemingly setting a high benchmark for any DC projects that are not a part of the DCU and want to be greenlit in the future. Reeves' The Batman received high praise from both fans and critics, which, perhaps, is the basis for the trilogy plan to move forward.
The Batman - Part II is scheduled to premiere in theaters on October 3, 2025.
Source: ScreenRant