DC Fans Will Have to Wait Longer for the DCU’s Batman — Here’s Why

Fans eager to meet the DC Universe’s new Dark Knight will need a bit more patience. James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has explained why Batman will not return to the big screen in the DCU until at least 2028 — and possibly later.

A Script Still in Progress

Gunn confirmed that the script for Batman: The Brave and the Bold is not yet finished. Responding to fans on Threads, he made it clear that no major updates — including casting or production news — will be shared until there is a fully workable script in hand.

According to Gunn, the delay is not due to a lack of interest in Batman, but rather a careful approach to storytelling and long-term planning.

Avoiding “Batman Overload”

One major reason for the extended wait is timing. DC already has another major Batman project on the way: The Batman Part II, directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson, is scheduled to hit theaters on October 1, 2027.

Gunn explained that releasing two Batman movies too close together would be a mistake. While The Batman Part II exists as an Elseworlds story outside the main DCU, The Brave and the Bold will introduce the official DCU version of Batman, and DC wants each film to have its own space to shine.

“I’m not going to have two Batman movies come out in the same year,” Gunn stated, emphasizing strategy over speed.

Batman Is Still Central to the DCU

Some fans accused Gunn of undervaluing Batman’s role in the new DC Universe, but he firmly rejected that idea. Gunn stressed that Batman and Wonder Woman are both core pillars of the DCU, and the delay is about doing justice to the character — not sidelining him.

The broader DCU rollout, titled DC Universe: Chapter One – Gods and Monsters, is already underway. It began with the animated series Creature Commandos and continued with David Corenswet making his big-screen debut as Superman last summer.

Plenty of Batman Content in the Meantime

While live-action DCU Batman is still years away, Bat-fans won’t be left empty-handed. DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation are developing a multi-part animated adaptation of one of the most iconic Batman stories ever told: Batman: Knightfall.

The first installment, Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall, is set for release in 2026. It will be directed by Jeff Wamester and written by Jeremy Adams. Like The Batman, this project is also an Elseworlds story.

The Fall and Rise of the Dark Knight

The Knightfall storyline is legendary among comic fans. Told across three acts — Knightfall, Knightquest, and KnightsEnd — it follows the brutal defeat of Batman at the hands of Bane, who famously breaks Bruce Wayne’s back.

In Batman’s absence, Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael) takes over the mantle, becoming a far more violent and unhinged version of the Caped Crusader. The saga ultimately sees Bruce Wayne return to Gotham to reclaim his identity and restore what Batman truly stands for.

The Bigger Picture

While the wait for The Brave and the Bold may be frustrating, Gunn’s comments make one thing clear: DC Studios is prioritizing quality, clarity, and long-term vision over rushing projects out the door. For fans, that means fewer updates now — but a stronger, more carefully built Batman for the future. 🦇