While James Gunn’s new DC Universe is slowly taking shape, one of the biggest pieces still being figured out is Batman — and the director isn’t hiding the fact that it’s proving to be one of his toughest challenges.

A New Batman, Separate From Robert Pattinson

Gunn has long confirmed that his upcoming DCU will include a brand new take on Batman, separate from Matt Reeves’ ongoing The Batman films with Robert Pattinson. But exactly how this new Dark Knight will fit into his broader DC world is something Gunn says he’s working hard to get right.

“Batman’s my biggest issue in all of DC right now, personally,” Gunn has admitted in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. “I’m not writing Batman, but I am working with the writer of Batman and trying to get it right, because he’s incredibly important to DC, as is Wonder Woman.”

There’s been no confirmation as to who exactly this writer is.

Gunn also addressed the frequent fan speculation about whether Pattinson’s Batman could eventually be folded into the DCU. “It would be a consideration. We’d have to think about it. We’d have to think about it. It is not like we’ve never discussed it,” Gunn said. But when pressed, he clarified: “I would never say zero, because you just never know. But it’s not likely. It’s not likely at all.”

For Now, The Brave and the Bold Will Introduce DCU’s Batman

Instead, Gunn’s DC Universe will introduce its own Batman in The Brave and the Bold (as it is currently titled), with Andy Muschietti (The Flash) still attached to direct. Based on the Grant Morrison comic run, the story will centre on Bruce Wayne and his son Damian, who becomes the new Robin.

For Gunn, though, simply making another Batman movie for the sake of the character’s popularity isn’t the goal. “Batman has to have a reason for existing, right? So Batman can’t just be ‘Oh, we’re making a Batman movie because Batman’s the biggest character in all of Warner Bros.’, which he is,” Gunn explained. “But because there’s a need for him in the DCU and a need that he’s not exactly the same as Matt’s Batman.”

At the same time, Gunn stressed that while they’re ensuring this new Batman is distinct from Pattinson’s darker, crime-noir version, it won’t mean a lighter or comedic take. “I’m not interested in a funny, campy Batman, really,” he said. “I think I have a way in, by the way. I think I really know what it’s — I just am dealing with the writer to make sure that we can make it a reality.”

ALSO READ – James Gunn Confirms New ‘Wonder Woman’ Movie Is Officially in the Works

The Batman Part II Is Still Moving Forward

“It’s not canceled,” Gunn said, shutting down rumours that Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II was in trouble. “We don’t have a script. Matt’s slow. Let him take his time. Let him do what he’s doing. God, people are mean. Let him do his thing, man.”

For now, it appears like Gunn is content to let Reeves continue building his separate version of Gotham at his own pace — a luxury Gunn may not have as his DC Universe prepares to properly launch. With Superman set to hit cinemas in July and season 2 of Peacemaker arriving on Max in August, Gunn has his hands full steering the first wave of DCU projects.

Meanwhile, work on shaping the new DCU’s Batman continues in the background, with the Caped Crusader still positioned as a crucial cornerstone in Gunn’s long-term plans.