As DC Studios co-head James Gunn continues to reshape the DC Universe, speculation around superhero castings remains rampant. Recently, a rumor suggesting that DC Studios is seeking a middle-aged Batman was swiftly addressed by Gunn, who labeled it as “Bullshit.”
Gunn’s strong rebuttal came after a post suggested the direction of the iconic character, especially considering that Bruce Wayne is set to team up with his son, Damien, in the upcoming film, The Brave and the Bold. This project, inspired by Grant Morrison’s celebrated comic-book run, aims to introduce the Bat-family into the freshly envisioned DC Universe, with Gunn previously admitting, “Damien Wayne is my favorite Robin.”
This incident is not Gunn’s first encounter with unfounded speculation. In August, he dashed rumors of a video game centered on The Batman, emphasizing that this particular franchise—featuring Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader—exists within its own distinct universe, separate from Gunn’s initiatives. Presently, HBO’s The Penguin is airing as a limited series, designed to bridge the narrative gap leading up to The Batman 2, which is set for release in October 2026.
In developments surrounding DC characters, it has been revealed that villains Bane and Deathstroke will join forces in a new film, with Matthew Orton, known for his work on Captain America: Brave New World, reportedly writing the screenplay. The specifics of their collaboration remain under wraps.
In casting news, Aaron Pierre from Rebel Ridge has been announced as John Stewart for HBO’s Green Lantern series, while anticipation builds for the DC Universe’s kickoff with Superman: Legacy, scheduled for a July 2025 release.
