The use of retroactive continuity, or “retcon,” has allowed characters like Peacemaker to transition into the DCU despite their DCEU origins, and this same approach leaves the door open for Robert Pattinson’s Batman to join the new universe. In fact, his integration could be even simpler than Peacemaker’s, since Pattinson’s Dark Knight exists within DC Elseworlds and has no direct ties to the DCEU.
Although Peacemaker Season 1 spun out of the DCEU’s The Suicide Squad, its upcoming second season has been fully absorbed into the DCU with only minor adjustments, such as rebranding the ‘Justice League’ as the ‘Justice Gang’. These tweaks allow Season 2 to stand on its own as an individual series, while John Cena’s offbeat hero fits seamlessly into James Gunn’s newly launched universe.
Could Robert Pattinson’s Batman Save the DCU? Here’s Why He Fits Perfectly
James Gunn and Peter Safran rebooted the DCEU and launched the DCU to save the franchise after movies from the former performed poorly. The new universe kicked off with Superman, which was released to critical acclaim. Amidst this, one big question looms: how will Batman fit into the rebooted franchise?
Pattinson’s version of Bruce Wayne quickly earned praise for its noir-inspired storytelling, darker atmosphere, and fresh emotional depth. Unlike past iterations weighed down by the baggage of the DCEU, this Batman offers a clean slate, free of complicated continuity and messy crossovers.
That freedom gives Gunn and Safran the flexibility to bring him into the DCU without the kind of extensive “retcon” required for characters like Peacemaker, who carried clear DCEU ties into Season 2 of his show.
The timing also works in Robert Pattinson’s favor. The DCU slate is expanding with ambitious projects such as Supergirl and Lanterns. While these stories lean into cosmic and larger-than-life elements, the franchise still needs a grounded character who can balance the tone and keep the shared universe anchored. Batman could be that character.
Pattinson’s version can stand as the definitive Dark Knight for this new era, although Tyler Hoechlin hopes that does not happen. By combining his brooding realism with the DCU’s growing roster of heroes, Gunn has the opportunity to build a universe that feels both expansive and grounded.
What Has James Gunn Said About Introducing Robert Pattinson in the DCU?
James Gunn at San Diego Comic Con | Credit: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0 Via Wikimedia Commons
In late 2023, a fan asked James Gunn on Instagram’s Threads why Robert Pattinson’s Batman was not allowed to exist in the DCU. Gunn explained:
“It’s not an “allowed” thing, it’s Matt’s choice, and we respect that.”
During an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gunn told host Josh Horowitz that he had considered bringing in Pattinson in the DCU. He said:
“I’ve contemplated it, yeah. I contemplate everything. I talk about everything… I’d be an idiot not to think of how can this go or how can this go, but I’m committed to both telling stories in the DCU and telling Elseworlds stories.”
Well-known actors such as Michael Keaton, George Clooney, and Christian Bale have portrayed Batman over the years. Directed by Matt Reeves, The Batman brought in Pattinson, and fans were just as impressed, if not more. The film grossed $772 million at the box office and earned three Academy Award nominations.
Here are some other key details about the movie:
Key FactsThe BatmanDirectorMatt ReevesCastRobert PattinsonZoë KravitzPaul DanoJeffrey WrightJohn TurturroPeter SarsgaardAndy SerkisColin FarrellRotten Tomatoes85%IMDb7.8Streaming platformHBO Max
The Brave and the Bold will introduce DCU’s Batman, and that is not happening any time soon, according to the current slate. This suggests that Gunn and DCU co-head Peter Safran have time to change their mind about Pattinson’s inclusion in DCU.
Do you think Robert Pattinson should only exist in the DC Elseworlds? Let us know in the comments.
The Batman is currently streaming on HBO Max.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
