Amidst Batman Casting Drama, James Gunn Answers The Bigger Question for DCU's Caped Crusader

Published 09/23/2025, 1:42 AM EDT

After much anticipation and fan speculation, James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has finally shed some light on the future of Batman within the new DC Universe. Gunn has provided the most substantial update yet for the upcoming film, The Brave and the Bold. His comments not only confirm a promising story is in the works but also offer intriguing hints about the tone and potential plot, amid the ongoing discussion about the new face of the Caped Crusader.

James Gunn's vision for the DCU's Batman goes beyond superficial details and fans’ debate.

What matters to James Gunn for shaping the character?

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James Gunn's comments on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, which was broadcast on YHM Studios, reveal a focus on the core of the character rather than costume details that often spark religious debates among fans. When asked about a more colorful Batman, Gunn acknowledged the different expressions of the character. He emphasized that the "black and dark grey" versus "blue and grey" and Batman's “white eyes” or “the color of his utility belt”, aesthetics are less important than the character and his story.

James Gunn expressed in 2 Bears, 1 Cave, admiration for many different versions of the Dark Knight, from the brutal fighter to the "silly '50s Silver Age Batman." He believes that the ability to access these various interpretations is a key part of what makes the character so iconic. For Gunn, the essential aspect of the new DCU's Batman is ensuring a compelling narrative that serves the character's long and rich history.

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James Gunn even hinted at the specific direction of the new film by revealing his personal favorite version of the Caped Crusader, forgetting his past struggle with certain characters.

A supernatural influence on the Dark Knight

James Gunn's personal favorite version of the character provides a deeper look into the potential direction of the upcoming film. He pointed to the 1970s Batman, a horror-fueled story by Denny O'Neil and Irv Novick, as a key influence. This comic is known for its supernatural elements and for redefining Batman as a grittier hero of the shadows.

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This particular comic's influence is especially telling, as the O'Neil and Neal Adams era introduced pivotal characters like Ra's al-Ghul and his daughter, Talia. Given that The Brave and the Bold is expected to explore the relationship between Batman and his son with Talia, Damian Wayne, this could mean the film will incorporate fantastical elements such as the mystical Lazarus Pit.

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what are your views on the character, how will you sketch the superhero?  Let us know in the comments below.

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Soma Mitra

365 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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