With 2025’s upcoming Superman film set to kick off the DCU in earnest, James Gunn has explained how the new universe might co-exist with the world established in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. The Batman’s “Epic Crime Saga” universe introduced fans to several new versions of iconic villains from the comics, including Colin Farrell’s Penguin and Paul Dano’s Riddler. But will these characters ever crossover to Gunn’s DCU? In a recent interaction, the Guardians of the Galaxy director shared his take on this idea, shedding more light on his plans for the DCU.
James Gunn details rules to use Batman villains in DCU and Crime Saga
James Gunn recently noted in a Threads discussion that he does not have any agreement with Matt Reeves that bars him from inducting the Epic Crime Saga’s Batman villains into the new DCU.
Gunn highlighted that both universes fall under the DC Studios banner and that he’ll “take everything into account” when creating projects. “But both the Crime Saga and DCU are a part of DC Studios so we of course take everything into account. But there’s no die hard rule,” he noted.
While Gunn’s recent statement suggests that the appearance of Batman villains from Matt Reeves’ universe in the DCU might be a viable concept, it does not necessarily mean that Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader will also make the crossover. Talking about the possibility of Pattinson’s Batman featuring in his DCU, Gunn told Rolling Stone, “It would be a consideration. We’d have to think about it. We’d have to think about it. It is not like we’ve never discussed it. I would never say zero [chance], because you just never know. But it’s not likely. It’s not likely at all.”
Notably, the DCU’s version of the Dark Knight is expected to make his debut in the upcoming The Brave and the Bold film. However, no actor has been officially cast in the role of Bruce Wayne / Batman, and there are no firm details yet about the project’s release date window.
