The DCU’s new Batman is easily one of the most anticipated heroes in James Gunn’s newly rebooted universe. With The Brave and the Bold expected to be the DCU’s first official Batman movie, the hype is sky-high (but so are expectations).
Thankfully, 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 on an almost daily basis. This includes some recent comments about the new live-action Batman, with Gunn sharing what fans have been most requesting, and what he most cares about for the DCU’s Dark Knight.
The Top 3 Things Fans Most Want For The DCU’s Batman (According To James Gunn)
According to James Gunn on Threads, there are three big things that DC fans have been asking for the most when it comes to the DCU’s new Batman and what they want him to look like:
Batman’s Gray-And-Blue Suit
It seems as though fans overwhelmingly want a gray-and-blue Batsuit we’re familiar with in the comics. It would be a big first for a live-action blockbuster Dark Knight, though a brighter color scheme beyond black alone would help differentiate the character from past cinematic versions of the Caped Crusader.
One could also argue that a blue-and-gray suit with more color could also help Batman’s interactions with other DCU heroes, like David Corenswet’s Superman.
Yellow Around The Bat Chest Logo
According to Gunn, the yellow oval around the chest logo looks to be a big fan request as well. The emblem and its incorporation of yellow is one of Batman’s most recognizable visual signatures, both in the comics and in earlier films.
As such, it seems as though many fans view it as an essential missing piece from past depictions that can better help distinguish this new DCU Batman from previous Dark Knights, especially if Gunn does decide to go beyond an all-black Batsuit.
White Lenses For The Mask
White eyes in the iconic bat-cowl are another top demand. A key addition to the mask that’s only rarely been seen with previous live-action versions of Batman, the prevailing belief is that white lenses would allow Batman to appear more mythic and comic-accurate.
White eyes would certainly help create a more expressive silhouette from the shadows while emphasizing his uncanny presence while facing Gotham’s criminal element, aiding in his ability to strike fear into their hearts. After decades without them as a consistent feature, the DCU does feel like the perfect place to debut the white lenses in full.
What James Gunn Most Cares About For The Next Live-Action Batman
While all the aforementioned top requests are exciting to think about, it’s important to note that they’re all about Batman’s visual appearance and what he might look like in the DCU.
Conversely, James Gunn confirmed that while he is thinking about all of those things, his top focuses for the DCU Dark Knight are deeper: character, writing, and the new actor who will eventually play Batman.
As far as the character himself, the DCU’s Batman will need to be just as emotionally rich and narratively compelling as any other DCU hero, albeit in his own way that lines up with the comics in one way or another. After all, Gunn undoubtedly wants a version that can anchor years of DCU storytelling while still standing apart from previous live-action Dark Knights.
As with the entire DC Universe and its multiple projects, writing is another top priority of Gunn’s, wanting to ensure that the story of the DCU’s Batman is worth telling, works within the greater universe being built, and will stand apart as something fresh and unique.
Lastly, Gunn emphasized how crucial the actor playing Batman is going to be. After all, the actor playing the DCU’s Batman will need to be able to convincingly portray a seasoned crime-fighter, as well as a father to Damian Wayne’s Robin (who has been confirmed for The Brave and the Bold).
Casting will naturally define so much, and Gunn clearly knows how essential this decision will be for the long-term and the greater DC Universe at large.
Clearly, The DCU’s New Batman Is In Good Hands
With one hand on fan hopes/hype and the other on his own priorities for the character, it does look as though James Gunn is striking the perfect balance between fan expectations and strong creative focus.
Gunn is listening to what audiences want visually, while also keeping his attention on story, character, casting, and more elements that will ensure the next Batman sticks around for years to come as the DCU continues to develop.
Currently, there’s every reason to believe the DCU’s Batman will feel fresh, faithful, and built to last. James Gunn’s approach suggests the next Dark Knight isn’t just in good hands, but may very well be in one of the best yet.
The Brave and the Bold is expected to be released sometime in 2028 from DC Studios.
