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Edited by ITMIs this the new DC universe’s choice for the Batman reboot?
Related: New Concept Art Shows Bruce Wayne’s Potential DCU Replacement
After the merger of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) last year, significant restructuring took place within the company, leading to Walter Hamada‘s departure, who formerly headed WB’s DC film division. James Gunn is renowned for directing the Guardians of the Galaxy series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) under The Walt Disney Company, as well as The Suicide Squad (2021) (distinct from the 2016 Suicide Squad featuring Jared Leto as the Joker), stepped into the role as Hamada’s successor, alongside co-CEO Peter Safran.
In the latest phase of the DC Universe (DCU), named “Chapter One – Gods and Monsters,” James Gunn and his newly formed DC Studios are gearing up for a significant revamp of the previous DCEU, with the intention of embarking on a fresh start. The current primary focus is on the DCU’s upcoming film, SUPERMAN, which is inspired by the DC Comics series of the same name, effectively restarting Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and Justice League narrative continuity — AKA the “Snyderverse“.
Now, reports are coming to light that indicate a rather promising move on DC and Warner Bros.’ part when it comes to casting the DCU’s new Batman.
Timothée Chalamet: the DCU’s New Batman?
Related: James Gunn Confirms Fan-Favorite DC Installment Isn’t Canon
Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) marked the debut of Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne in the DCEU. In contrast, Gunn’s DCU will introduce a completely fresh Batman storyline to the DC film universe through an upcoming movie (tentatively) titled The Brave and the Bold.
Recently, Hollywood and comic book movie insider ThwipT came forward alleging that DC CEO James Gunn wants Chalamet to join the DC Universe.
James Gunn has a character he wants Timothée Chalamet to play in the DCU#DCU #DC #TimotheeChalamet
— ThwipT (@ThwipT_) March 26, 2024
Last week, it was made known that Warner Bros. has signed a multi-movie deal with director Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi hit Dune (2022), Dune: Part Two (2024), and Paul King’s Wonka (2023) star Timothée Chalamet. According to Variety, co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, are “thrilled” for Chalamet to have worked out a “first-look” agreement for Warner Bros. to get the first option when it comes to backing the star’s future projects. The duo commented jointly:
Over the last few years, we have admired not only Timothée’s commitment to his craft, which is evident in the range and depth of his varied roles, but also his unwavering dedication to give 100% of his time and attention to every project he has made here at Warner Bros. and elsewhere. His collaboration on the campaigns for ‘Dune’ and ‘Wonka’ is something we all enjoyed immensely, and the results speak for themselves.
This future “collaboration” and good working relationship with the studio has fans speculating which WB projects young Chalamet will likely join.
Many suspect that the New York City native will take on the role of Dick Grayson’s Nightwing, the grown-up Robin from the DC Comics in the newly rebooted DCU Batman project, The Brave and the Bold, due to his age and build. What is equally possible, however, is that Chalamet will take on the role of the Dark Knight, AKA Batman, instead — as all signs are pointing to CEO Gunn taking on a totally separate approach to Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman.
How Can Timothée Chalamet Play Batman?
So far, we know that Gunn wants The Brave and the Bold to introduce Damian Wayne, and set up the DC Comics’ “Bat Family” — the fan-favorite family of adopted Robins, Batgirls, and other Bat-allies from the DC Comics, who are always ready to answer Bruce Wayne’s call despite many moving on and becoming fully-fledged heroes in their own right. They frequently feature ex-Robins Dick Grayson/Nightwing, Jason Todd/Red Hood, Tim Drake/Red Robin, Damian Wayne/Robin and Barbara Gordon/Batgirl/Oracle.
Following up on previous reports, it’s possible that Gunn might be adapting the storyline where Dick Grayson becomes the Caped Crusader Batman after Bruce Wayne “dies”. Grayson is placed in a difficult position where he is the best candidate to don the cowl, taking on Bruce Wayne’s newly-discovered biological son Damian Wayne as his Robin, eventually recruiting other heroes to uphold the Batman legacy.
Chalamet could very well be set to play Dick Grayson’s Robin, who is left to fill his mentor’s shoes, having to be both Brave and Bold to take on the role of Batman after the seeming death of Bruce Wayne. This would introduce a very different, new Batman forced into protecting a crime-ridden Gotham City filled with likely well-established villains, alongside a petulant (yet deadly) child Robin.
This would ensure a very different, Bat Family dynamic compared to Pattinson’s brooding early-days Bruce Wayne/Batman portrayal, which would still be canon to DCU’s “DC Elseworlds” continuity alongside the DCU’s mainline Batman portrayal.
Do you think Timothée Chalamet could play Batman? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!