James Gunn’s Batman Move: A Risky Step Backward for the DC Universe

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Summary

  • Gunn unlikely to integrate Pattinson’s Batman in DCU, causing confusion.
  • Multiple Batmans may lead to audience burnout and negatively impact DCU.
  • Decision to bypass successful Pattinson version of Batman is risky for DCU’s future.

As CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn is putting in a lot of effort to rejuvenate the DC Universe, which has faced ups and downs since its debut and currently lags behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nevertheless, the DCU boasts two of the most iconic characters in film history – Batman and Superman.

People are excited to see how Gunn intends to blend Batman with his current plans, since initially he focused more on Superman. Yet, Gunn’s choice on this matter has left many puzzled and perplexed, as viewers question whether it will produce the favorable results he anticipates.

What Has James Gunn Decided About Batman?

In 2022, Robert Pattinson took on the famous black mask and attire for his role as the main character in “The Batman.” This darker interpretation of the classic superhero was well-received by audiences. Following an impressive 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.8/10 score on IMDb, many fans anticipated that Pattinson would reprise his role in Gunn’s DCU. However, it appears that “The Batman Part II” will not be connected to the DCU as previously assumed.

According to Variety’s report, Gunn stated that it’s “very unlikely” Robert Pattinson will appear in the DCU or star in the upcoming film, The Brave and the Bold, where Batman will finally be portrayed correctly within this universe for the first time. He added, “I wouldn’t rule anything out; he could pop up elsewhere. But as of now, there’s no actor cast [yet].” This news has caused excitement among comic book fans who had anticipated seeing Pattinson join the DCU, given his impressive portrayal in that role. However, it appears that Gunn is planning a different direction for the character, which may involve two actors playing the part simultaneously.

Having Multiple Batman’s Could Cause Burnout And Confusion

Having two Batmans co-existing might appear delightful to a comic book enthusiast, but in practice, it could potentially harm both films. This could negatively affect the DCU, which Gunn should be cautious about considering the current situation. The market for Batman content has its limits, and while the films will likely be released at different times, it may strain that specific segment excessively. If Gunn’s chosen actor fails to meet expectations set by Pattinson, it could lead to additional complications as audiences will naturally compare the two interpretations to determine which is superior.

One significant issue with Gunn directing his own Batman interpretation might lead to perplexity among viewers. While ardent supporters may easily distinguish between the narratives and character portrayals, this isn’t the case for everyone. There are plenty of people who anticipate Robert Pattinson appearing in other DC Universe films, such as a potential Justice League movie, or they might assume certain plotlines will unfold in one film when they actually belong to another. This is a scenario that wouldn’t occur with Marvel, and this difference in quality is noticeable right now. It suggests a lack of strategic planning, and the probability of confusion is something that DC Studios should be working diligently to prevent, given the franchise requires a positive direction at this time.

James Gunn Should Have Tapped Into The Current Batman

It’s puzzling to many that Robert Pattinson wasn’t chosen for the role, considering his portrayal of the character is well-known and has been well-received by audiences. The Batman movie was financially successful, earning $772 million at the box office against a budget of $185-200 million, making it one of the top-grossing films of 2022. Moreover, it received three nominations for the 95th Academy Awards, indicating that it was not only a commercial success but also critically acclaimed. Given these factors, it seems unusual to pass up the opportunity to continue with this version of the character, as it appears to have all the elements of a hit.

Beyond this, Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Penguin is closely connected with Pattinson’s Batman, making it improbable that Gunn will delve into that narrative. This news adds another layer of challenge to the DC Universe, as the show and Farrell’s Penguin have garnered significant fan support. Gunn undoubtedly has unique visions for how he wants Batman to appear and behave in the DCU. However, disregarding Pattinson might result in a less than favorable outcome, and misrepresenting a character as crucial as Batman could be a predicament the DCU may struggle to recover from.

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2025-02-28 21:06