The new DCU Batman is easily one of the most anticipated heroes of James Gunn newly rebooted universe. With The brave and the bold Supposed to be the first official Batman film in the DCU, the hype is dizzying (and so are the expectations).
Luckily, James Gunn is one of the most transparent directors/producers of all time, sharing new details, what he’s working on, and interacting with fans almost daily. This includes some recent comments on the new live-action Batman, with Gunn sharing what fans have asked for most and what he cares about most for the DCU’s Dark Knight.
The 3 Things Fans Want Most For The DCU’s Batman (According To James Gunn)
According to James Gunn on Threads, There are three big things DC fans are asking the most when it comes to the DCU’s new Batman and what they want him to look like:
Batman’s gray and blue costume
It seems fans overwhelmingly want a gray and blue Batsuit that we know from the comics.. He would be being a big first for a live-action blockbuster Dark Knight, although a brighter color palette beyond black alone would help differentiate the character from previous cinematic versions of the Caped Crusader.
It could also be argued that a blue and gray suit with more colors could also make Batman’s interactions with other heroes in the DCU easier, like David Corenswet’s Superman.
Yellow logo around the bat’s chest
According to Gunn, the yellow oval around the logo on the chest also seems to be a big request from fans.. The emblem and its incorporation of yellow is one of Batman’s most recognizable visual signatures, both in the comics and in the previous films.
As such, it seems many fans see him as a key missing piece from past depictions that can better help distinguish this new DCU Batman from previous Dark Knights, especially if Gunn decides to go beyond an all-black Batsuit.
White lenses for the mask
White eyes in the iconic bat cowl are another big request. A key addition to the mask that has rarely been seen with previous live-action versions of Batman, the prevailing belief is that white lenses would allow Batman to appear more mythical and comic book accurate.
The white eyes would certainly help create a more expressive figure in the shadows while emphasizing his eerie presence in the face of Gotham’s criminal element, contributing to his ability to strike fear into their hearts. After decades without them as a consistent feature, the DCU seems like the perfect place to fully debut White Lenses.
What James Gunn is most interested in for the next live-action Batman
While all of the major requests mentioned above are interesting to think about, it’s important to note that they all relate to Batman’s visual appearance and what he might look like in the DCU.
Conversely, James Gunn confirmed that while he thought about all of these things, his main goals for the Dark Knight DCU were deeper: the character, the writing, and the new actor who would ultimately play Batman.
As for the character himself, the Batman of the DCU will need to be just as emotionally rich and narratively compelling as any other hero in the DCU, albeit in his own way that aligns with the comics in some way. After all, Gunn undoubtedly wants a version that can anchor years of DCU storytelling while also standing out from previous live-action Dark Knights.
As with the entire DC Universe and its multiple projects, writing is another top priority for Gunn, wanting to ensure that the DCU’s Batman story is worth telling, works within the larger universe under construction, and stands out as something fresh and unique.
Finally, Gunn emphasized how crucial the actor playing Batman will be. After all, the actor who plays the DCU’s Batman will need to be able to convincingly play a seasoned crime fighter, as well as the father of Damian Wayne’s Robin (who has been confirmed for The brave and the bold).
Casting will naturally define a lot, and Gunn clearly knows how pivotal this decision will be for the long term and for the greater DC Universe as a whole.
Clearly, the DCU’s new Batman is in good hands
With one hand on fan hopes and hype and the other on his own priorities for the character, it seems James Gunn is striking the perfect balance between fan expectations and a strong creative focus.
Gunn East listening to what the audience wants visually, while keeping their focus on story, character, casting, and other elements that will ensure the next Batman sticks around for years to come as the DCU continues to expand.
Currently, there’s every reason to believe that the DCU’s Batman will feel fresh, loyal, and built to last.. James Gunn’s approach suggests that the next Dark Knight is not only in good hands, but could very well be one of the best yet.
The brave and the bold should be released in 2028 by DC Studios.
