James Gunn Finally Addresses Batman Casting for The Brave and the Bold

The next Batman may be closer than fans think — the franchise decision-maker already has a shortlist of contenders.

The DCU has its Superman and fresh Lanterns gearing up, but the big cowl on the shelf is still Batman. Fans want a name for The Brave and the Bold, and James Gunn knows it. The short version: he has ideas, the internet has theories, but we are not there yet.

Where things actually stand

The Brave and the Bold is the DCU Batman movie that pairs Bruce Wayne with his son Damian as the new Robin. It is very early days. Gunn says someone is writing the script and he thinks it is really good, but it is not finished. And per Gunn, nothing truly moves at DC Studios until there is a completed script. Translation: don’t start practicing your gravelly Bat-voice yet.

Gunn has his short list, but no Bat-signal

On The Ringer-Verse, Gunn said he absolutely has actors he likes for Batman, the same way he had favorites for Superman. That doesn’t mean a deal is imminent. It just means there are names he’s keeping close while the script gets sorted.

The rumor mill vs. reality

Gunn is very aware of the internet’s dream-casting. Alan Ritchson is one of the louder names fans keep bringing up, and he’s been pretty open about wanting the role. He’s also teased that a different DC gig might be in play after behind-closed-doors conversations. Gunn seemed to nod in that direction without naming names, offering this little grenade:

One actor in particular, a pretty big star, wants to be Batman. We’ve talked about it, but I don’t think that’s the case.

Another name fans keep tossing around is Brandon Sklenar from 1923. That one picked up steam after Gunn mentioned he’d been watching the Yellowstone prequel. When the interviewer connected those dots, Gunn laughed it off and basically said: yes, he watched it, and it was way better than he expected. That’s praise for a show, not a casting breadcrumb.

The timeline, in human terms

No Batman casting until that Brave and the Bold script is locked. Meanwhile, Matt Reeves will keep the Dark Knight on the big screen with The Batman Part II on October 1, 2027. Different continuity, same Bat-obsession satisfied.

Quick hits to keep straight

• DCU’s Batman movie is The Brave and the Bold, centered on Bruce Wayne and his son Damian as Robin.
• Script status: in progress, not done. Gunn won’t move forward without a finished draft.
• Gunn has favorite actors for Batman, but no casting yet.
• Alan Ritchson wants the role and hinted at another DC job; Gunn says a big star lobbied for Batman, but it likely won’t happen.
• Brandon Sklenar is a fan pick; Gunn liked 1923, but that’s not a hint.
• Until the DCU Bat arrives, the next Batman you’ll actually see is Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II on Oct 1, 2027.