Batman is one of the biggest parts of DC Comics. His popularity has brought the company billions of dollars from his movies, TV shows, merchandise, and more. Recently, The Dark Knight's fame got him a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame. It only makes sense that he’d be added to James Gunn’s DCU at some point. However, there was almost a time when Gunn’sBatman was Robert Pattinson. Well, he thought about it.
During theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast (that you can see above) at the 35:16 mark, Josh Horowitz asks James Gunn if he ever contemplated putting Robert Pattinson’s Batman in the DCU. Gunn wisely took a second to answer saying that he has thought about it, but knows that no matter what he says it will be taken a certain way. He does go on to give a response that makes a lot of sense. He says,
"I'm committed to both telling stories in the DCU and telling Elseworlds stories. I want the freedom to tell Elseworld stories. We want to be able to tell a story about Superman [that's different]. ARed Sonstory. Whatever. We want to be able to play with these characters in different ways. ... I think that's part of the fun of DC."
For those of you who don’t know, Elseworld stories are exactly what they sound like. Stories that take place somewhere outside of the main DC Comics continuity.Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter,Green Lantern: Dark, and theAbsolute Universestories are all examples of this. Or, if it’s easier to understand, they’re stories that take place on alternate Earths likeWhat if...?. If James Gunn is thinking this deeply then it’s another reason why the DCU is in good hands, especially after complaints from Marvel fans.
A lot of people love the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s provided hours of entertainment, escapism, and emotional moments. The problem that people are starting to have is needing to watch every show and movie to understand what’s happening. Marvel Studios has stated that they’ll eventuallycut backon the amount of shows and movies released yearly, but the damage may have already been done.
Elseworld projects allow people to enjoy something without having to wonder if it connects to another movie or show. Like James Gunn said, fans could get aSuperman: Red Sonproject. There’s been an animated feature, but a live-action mini-series would be a must-watch show. It also allows for other actors to play one-time roles.
Jensen Ackles may not play Jason Todd or Bruce Wayne in a live-action role long-term, but fans would love it in a one-time thing. He's been The Dark Knight in multiple animated features and Jason Todd inBatman: Under the Red Hood. He's even dressed up asRed Hoodfor Halloween.
Endless possibilities like these are why fans are happy that James Gunn signed on. He knows what the people want and does whatever he can to bring them to us. Stay tuned toCaped CrusadesandBam Smack Powto see what he thinks of next.
Do you think Robert Pattinson's Batman should be in the DCU or do you prefer the idea of Elseworlds? Let us know on the Bam Smack PowBluesky,Instagram, andTwitter.
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