James Gunn Says Batman: The Brave and the Bold Still in Flux Over Damian Wayne

James Gunn, the co-chief of DC Studios, has once again sparked conversation around Batman: The Brave and the Bold, the highly anticipated film that will formally introduce a new Dark Knight into the DC Universe (DCU). Speaking in a recent interview, Gunn said, “The Brave and the Bold script, I like where we are,” but quickly added a note of caution: “Plenty of things are in flux.” His phrasing has left fans both intrigued and uncertain, especially regarding Damian Wayne’s role in the movie.

When Gunn and his partner Peter Safran first unveiled the Gods and Monsters slate in 2023, the project was pitched as a story about Bruce Wayne and his son Damian Wayne – the ruthless, precocious child raised by the League of Assassins and later taken under Batman’s wing.

Gunn even called Damian “a little son of a bitch” and “my favorite Robin.” That early description led many to assume the film would adapt Grant Morrison’s popular run where Damian is introduced as Robin. But now, with Gunn emphasizing that details around Damian’s “parentage” are in flux, some wonder whether the boy wonder will even appear in the movie at all.

The age question complicates things further. If Damian is roughly 10 years old, as in the comics, logic suggests that Bruce Wayne in the DCU should be in his mid-to-late 30s. Gunn, however, dismissed simple math and gave a teasing response: “I think you have to wait to see the movie. Some things have changed. Plenty of things are in flux on what his situation is with his parentage and all that stuff.” It’s a cryptic way of saying the film may not follow the expected continuity, opening the door to retcons, alternate explanations, or creative liberties – perhaps similar to the New 52 comics, where Damian was depicted as a genetically engineered test-tube child who was artificially aged.

One thing is certain: the Batman casting has Hollywood buzzing. “I can’t tell you the amount of big actors that have told me they want to be Batman,” Gunn revealed. “You’d have a harder time finding actors who don’t want to be Batman. He’s the one character everyone wants to play.” That statement underlines Batman’s unmatched status as Warner Bros.’ crown jewel, but Gunn is careful to stress that the character’s inclusion in the DCU must serve a narrative purpose. As he told Rolling Stone earlier this year, “Batman has to have a reason for existing. He can’t just be, ‘We’re making a Batman movie because Batman’s the biggest character.’” Gunn has made clear that his Batman won’t overlap with Matt Reeves’ Elseworlds vision – nor will he be campy or comedic. Instead, Gunn promises a grounded yet fresh take.

Still, Gunn’s choice of words has drawn scrutiny. His remark that he is “dealing with the writer to make sure that we can make it a reality” struck some fans as controlling, sparking debate about how much creative space he allows directors and screenwriters. For now, the screenplay remains in development, with the plan to show it to director Andy Muschietti once it reaches a stage Gunn and Safran deem strong enough.

Meanwhile, the parallel Batman universe continues to thrive. Matt Reeves’ The Batman 2, with Robert Pattinson returning under the cowl, already has a completed script and is expected to begin filming next year. That project stands apart from Gunn’s DCU but inevitably adds pressure – and confusion – for audiences trying to keep track of multiple Batmen. Rumors swirl that Pattinson might cross universes, though Gunn has repeatedly downplayed such speculation.

For now, The Brave and the Bold remains shrouded in secrecy. Whether Damian Wayne survives the rewrite process, whether Gunn opts for a younger Bruce Wayne to match his Superman reboot, and who ultimately dons the cape and cowl remain unanswered questions. What is clear is that Batman’s place in the DCU is considered pivotal, and Gunn seems determined to get it right – even if that means keeping fans guessing for a little while longer.