Batman Casting Bombshell And DCU Script Shake-Up Revealed
James Gunn says the hunt for the DCU’s Batman is accelerating as The Brave and the Bold moves through early development under director Andy Muschietti, setting the stage for the Dark Knight’s debut in the new continuity.
Quick DCU Batman check-in: James Gunn just talked casting and script status, and if you were hoping for a name today, nope. He has favorites, there is a big-name actor who wants the gig, and Andy Muschietti's Batman movie is still early days. Translation: patience.
Where Batman fits in the new DCU
Batman will officially enter Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU in 'The Brave and the Bold,' with Andy Muschietti directing. The movie is in the early stages of development, so nothing is locked beyond that.
What Gunn actually said about casting
'I have guys I like.'
That was Gunn on The Ringer-Verse podcast, clarifying that he does have a short list in mind, the same way he did for Superman. But he made a point of saying that having favorites does not guarantee the job. Remember how David Corenswet became Superman over some of the rumored front-runners? Same idea here. He also said they will run screen tests once the hiring process truly starts, which is when things often shift.
Interesting wrinkle: Gunn says a pretty big star has told him they want to be Batman, and the two have talked about it, but Gunn is not convinced that is how this ends. In other words, enthusiasm helps, but the cape is not first-come, first-served.
The names fans keep throwing around
Outside the studio, a couple of actors have publicly raised their hands: Alan Ritchson and Brandon Sklenar. The Sklenar chatter got extra gasoline because Gunn has praised '1923' (the show Sklenar is on), which the podcast host poked him about. Gunn called the series really good, but he did not connect that praise to Batman casting. Read: not a hint, just a TV recommendation.
Script status for The Brave and the Bold
Gunn says someone is writing the script right now. He thinks it is really good so far, but it is not finished yet. So we are firmly in the development lane, not the pre-production lane.
- Batman debuts in the DCU in 'The Brave and the Bold' from director Andy Muschietti
- The film is in early development; script is being written, not done
- Gunn has a shortlist for Batman but warns that favorites do not always win (see: Superman)
- A major star wants the role and has spoken with Gunn, but nothing is decided
- Alan Ritchson and Brandon Sklenar have publicly expressed interest
- Gunn likes '1923' but did not tie that to casting Sklenar
- Screen tests will happen once casting formally ramps up
Bottom line: the Bat-casting rumor mill will keep spinning, but the real action starts when those screen tests roll. Until then, expect more noise than signal.