/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25777573/STKE002_CES2025_A.jpg "What to expect at CES 2025")
James Gunn has discussed the DC Universe’s take on Batman after the superhero’s heavily silhouetted cameo during a recent episode of animated series Creature Commandos.
Warning! Spoilers for Episode 6 of Creature Commandos follow.
Episode 6 of DCU kickstarter Creature Commandos shows Batman standing on a rooftop looking down at crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image shows a mega-stacked Caped Crusader in his iconic costume, but there’s little else that can be discerned about Gunn’s take on the superhero.
Based on comments Gunn issued to Rotten Tomatoes TV following the release of Episode 6, it’s easy to see why this brief look at Batman is so generic. Gunn said he asked for “more silhouette” after the original Batman on show was more detailed than he was ready to commit to at this stage.
“When they first gave it to me we saw a lot more Batman and I was saying, ‘I am not ready to commit to that, I’m not ready to commit to that, I’m not ready to commit to that!’ ” Gunn said. “So I was just like, ‘More silhouette! More silhouette! More silhouette!’ ”
What this look at Batman does provide fans with, Gunn explained, is a clear indication that Batman not only already exists within the DCU during the events we’re seeing in Creature Commandos and this year’s Superman movie, but that he is well-known within the universe.
“I think it’s a great way to show that Batman does exist,” Gunn said. “He already exists in this universe just like when we come to the Superman movie we see that Superman already exists. He’s already known by the people in Metropolis. We don’t need to hear the origin story again.
“So yeah, that’s just a way to introduce that Batman is a part of this universe, he’s an important part of this universe, and he has an impact on it, including defeating pretty dangerous, scary, people like Phosphorus, who’s pretty tough.”
Gunn then made an interesting comment that suggests the DCU Batman will team up with Superman at some point.
“This is the DCU Batman,” he said. “Listen I gotta tell you, I just love Batman. I love him. I’ve loved him since I was a little kid. He’s one of my favorite characters. I’ve gone on the record in the past when I was at Marvel saying my favorite character is Batman. I love him and we’re going to do great things with him. He’s the most popular superhero in the world and I can’t wait for people to see more of him, along with Superman, and together.”
The question is, at what point will we see the DCU Batman properly revealed? Will fans have to wait for the Batman: The Brave and the Bold movie, which doesn’t have a release window, or could Batman make a surprise appearance in another project before then? It could be some time before we find out, given the DCU’s Batman still remains uncast.
It’s worth noting that the DCU Batman is not the same Batman we see in Matt Reeves’ 2022 The Batman, played by Robert Pattinson. Sequel The Batman 2 was recently delayed by a year and will now release in theaters on October 1, 2027 as part of the separate Batman Epic Crime Saga.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
