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 the Hollywood 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’s Batman was Robert Pattinson. Well, he thought about it.
During the Happy Sad Confused podcast (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 . A Red Son story. 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 the Absolute Universe stories are all examples of this. Or, if it’s easier to understand, they’re stories that take place on alternate Earths like What 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 eventually cut back on 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 a Superman: Red Son project. 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 in Batman: Under the Red Hood. He's even dressed up as Red Hood for 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 to Caped Crusades and Bam Smack Pow to 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 Pow Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.