James Gunn has pushed back against the idea that the DCU’s Batman will be an older hero nearing the end of his crime-fighting career. Speaking on The Suicide Squad: Is It Canon? The Official Podcast, the DC Studios head said Batman will be roughly the same age as David Corenswet’s Superman, who is in his early thirties.
Gunn confirmed that Batman has not been cast, though he is already considering what kind of actor would suit the role. Jennifer Holland described the heroes as “contemporaries”; Gunn called them “future best pals.” He also suggested he hopes the eventual actor will play Batman for ten years or more, and said he would prioritize talent over star status.
The age detail addresses concerns prompted by The Brave and the Bold, the announced DCU Batman film, which is set to feature Bruce Wayne’s son Damian as Robin. Some fans had assumed that having a twelve-year-old son would make Bruce considerably older than Superman. Gunn’s comments indicate that the DCU’s Batman is not intended to be substantially older than its new Man of Steel.
Gunn also said a previous appearance in a DC project would not automatically rule an actor out of consideration. He gave a small role in The Suicide Squad as an example, while making no suggestion that he is currently considering a specific performer from that film.
The Brave and the Bold was announced in 2023, with Andy Muschietti attached to direct and Christina Hodson working on the script alongside Gunn. The podcast comments do not confirm a casting date or release window, but Gunn’s indication that casting is approaching suggests the project is progressing.
Batman is not expected to appear in next year’s Man of Tomorrow, according to the article’s account of Gunn’s remarks. The character’s DCU debut is therefore still ahead, with The Brave and the Bold planned as his first solo film in the franchise.
Sources: Comic Book Resources.