Robert Pattinson's The Batman was reportedly eyed by DC Studios' James Gunn and Peter Safran for integration into the wider DCU. However, Gunn has no problem debunking information with little to no merit at a time when information regarding the fractured franchise needs to be true to keep the narrative cohesive.Some fans believe that The Batman could be integrated into the DCU franchise. Although it may sound like an enticing opportunity at first glance, it should be noted that the adaptation that Matt Reeves and Pattinson created was never meant to exist in a world with other superheroes, which can be seen in everything from the character’s mannerisms to the grounded nature of its world and storytelling. As a result, it would be quite surprising for Gunn and Safran to hijack Reeves' up-and-coming Batman franchise for the benefit of the DCU, as the future direction of this adaptation would need substantial rewrites, which most likely wouldn’t give creative freedom to Reeves. However, sources claimed that this was the exact possibility Gunn was considering.Variety claimed that an anonymous but trusted source had told the outlet that Gunn and Safran were considering incorporating The Batman into the DCU, which would align with David Zaslav's promise of a unified DC Universe. Gunn fired back by calling the news source “entirely untrue.” Reeves, who is not usually active on social media, responded to Gunn by supporting Gunn's statement. This interaction reveals three important pieces of information.
Assuming that the source was not fabricated, this debunked claim sheds light on the possibility of continual internal politics between studio execs and media outlets regarding the cycle of information even after the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, as pieces are moving in ways that even “sources” may not be fully aware of. Gunn coming forth to dispute the source shows that, as far as the 10-year DCU plan goes, The Batman franchise appears safe from tampering. This also solidifies Reeves' original intentions with The Batman, as the director implicitly reiterates that his upcoming Batman franchise is its own thing.
Whether Ben Affleck will be the DCU Batman or if Gunn will recast remains to be seen, although Affleck publicly stated that his Batman appearance in The Flash acts as a positive send-off to the character. Either way, it is refreshing to see Gunn fight against false narratives, which frames the DCU in a positive light as it moves forward with new plans.
The Batman sequel is in development at Warner Bros. Pictures.
Source: Variety, James Gunn/Twitter