Could Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader, as we know him from Matt Reeves’ The Batman and its eventual sequel, be our DCU version of the iconic hero? Some rumors making the rounds suggest that James Gunn and DC Studios are at least considering the possibility. Now, we are not advocates for this idea at all. In our humble opinion, the DCU Batman, set to debut in The Brave and the Bold, should be separate from Reeves’ version. Gunn’s new DCU seems to have a totally different tone than what we’ve seen already in Reeves’ world. But let’s say it does happen. Could it work? Yes, maybe it could. Maybe. And there’s precedent for this approach in the pages of DC Comics.
DC Comics Set the Example for How a Realistic Batman Can Exist in a Fantastical Universe
It’s true, Matt Reeves’ version of Batman lives in a gritty, realistic Gotham City. One that doesn’t seemingly vibe with the world of Creature Commandos, or the upcoming Superman. But the comics were very much like this too once. In Frank Millers seminal Batman: Year One, which reintroduced Batman to the modern era, there wasn’t the slightest hint of anything sci-fi or supernatural. Miller’s Gotham was a real world version. (Ok, aside from one mention of “that guy in Metropolis.”) And yet, readers accepted that outside those panels, a far more fantastical DC universe was taking shape. We’ve only had one Reeves Batman movie so far. Technically, it’s early enough into this franchise that more fantastical elements might not feel totally out of place in a sequel.
There could also be a significant time gap between what we see in The Batman and future DCU projects like Superman. Yes, The Batman seemed to be taking place in the present day, or at the very least the 2020s era. But for all we know, Superman and other future DC projects take place in the near future. Enough time for the majority of costumed heroes to have appeared some years after Pattinson’s Batman hit the scene. Yes, Gunn said that his DCU will have some history, suggesting heroes as far back as WWII. But there could be a time gap between those characters and modern-day superheroes. Batman’s debut could theoretically slip into that window of time.
We’ve Seen This Approach Work Before, in the MCU
There’s precedent for all of this in the MCU. If one walked out of the theater in 2008 after having seen Iron Man, they probably were not aware that this technological hero existed in the same universe as Asgardian gods, ancient sorcerers, and giant purple aliens. But subsequent MCU movies like The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man 2 instantly let us know that the world was getting bigger. Matt Reeves could do the same in The Batman – Part II. Even if it’s just a mention of wilder goings-on happening outside the frame. Technically, it’s still early enough to retcon The Batman into being the first DCU movie without being too egregious about it, if they really want to.
Some Wanted Christian Bale’s Batman in the DCEU, Just as Many Want Robert Pattinson’s Batman in the New DCU
The debate over Robert Pattinson’s Batman joining the new DCU is a bit of déjà vu for superhero movie fans. Allegedly, after the massive success of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, executives at Warner Bros. wanted Zack Snyder’s then-upcoming Man of Steel (which Nolan produced) to take place in the same universe as his Batman films. The intent from the folks in charge was that Christian Bale’s Batman and Superman would eventually share the screen together. In hindsight, that likely would have been way more impactful. Not to mention, it would have produced a bigger box office. Allegedly, Nolan put his foot down, and maintained that his Batman’s story was separate (and over). Will Matt Reeves make the same demand for his Bruce Wayne? We’ll all find out soon enough.
