Credit: DC / Warner Bros.The newly established DC Universe got off to a pretty solid start last year with Superman (2025), which grossed $616.8 million worldwide and received mostly favorable reviews.
But it also got off to a very confusing one.
Unless you’ve been trapped under a Kryptonite rock, you’ll know that the new DCU has replaced the DCEU (DC Extended Universe). That film series ran for 10 years, starting with Man of Steel (2013) and ending with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023). Now, the DCU is the only continuity that matters. But therein lies the question: what is its continuity?
Related: James Gunn’s DCU Falls Apart as Zack Snyder Confirms That Henry Cavill Is Still Superman
Superman (2025) Didn’t Launch the DCU
The DCU didn’t actually start with last year’s Superman — it quietly launched with the animated series Creature Commandos, which brought back Viola Davis as Amanda Waller from the DCEU’s Suicide Squad films. Peacemaker Season 2, which came after Superman, is also part of the DCU; however, Peacemaker Season 1 isn’t fully canon, according to Gunn.
Confused yet? Don’t worry, we aren’t too far ahead of you.
Related: Robert Pattinson’s ‘The Batman’ Sequel Officially Canceled, James Gunn Confirms
Is Robert Pattinson’s Batman Part of the DCU?
Recently, it was also implied that the DCEU’s Blue Beetle (2023) is now part of the DCU. But who really knows. It seems Gunn isn’t quite done deciding what’s canon and what isn’t yet.
Unsurprisingly, though, this has led to a lot of confusion and frustration among fans. So, who can blame them for wondering if Robert Pattinson would become the DCU’s Batman. They are, after all, rumors Gunn himself fueled by saying he had “contemplated” the idea.
Now, it seems he has put the rumors to bed once and for all.
Related: DC Studios May Have Quietly Confirmed That Robert Pattinson Is the DCU’s Batman
We Finally Know Who the DCU Batman Isn’t
James Gunn has finally shut down persistent rumors that Pattinson’s Batman will be integrated into the DCU. When one fan asked DC Studios’ co-CEO on Threads (via Den of Geek) whether Pattinson will appear in the DCU, Gunn gave a blunt answer: “No.”
As originally planned (or so we were told), a new actor will be cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman for The Brave and the Bold (TBA), which, as far as we know, will still form part of the DCU.
So, we might not be any closer to knowing who will play him, but we now know that the DCU’s Dark Knight will be a brand-new iteration. Unless Gunn changes his mind, of course.
What’s Next for the DCU and Beyond?
As for Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022) timeline, that film still exists firmly within DC’s Elseworlds. As does the HBO spinoff series The Penguin, which sees Colin Farrell return as the title villain, and the sequel The Batman — Part II, which releases in October, 2027.
Next up on the DCU slate is Supergirl, which stars Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, the cousin of Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman (David Corenswet).
Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Cruella) the upcoming film is an adaptation of the 2021–22 comic book miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by writer Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely. It flies into theaters on June 26, 2026.
Are you a fan of the DCU so far? Would you have liked to see Robert Pattinson’s Batman appear in this new timeline? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!