Robert Pattinson says his Batman would struggle to fit in James Gunn’s DCU
Robert Pattinson told LADbible he finds it “tough” to imagine Matt Reeves’ brooding Batman crossing over into James Gunn’s DC cinematic universe, and has teased that The Batman Part II will take a surprising new direction.
Robert Pattinson has suggested his version of Batman — the dark, grounded take seen in Matt Reeves’ films — would struggle to coexist with James Gunn’s emerging DC Universe. Speaking to LADbible (as reported by The Hollywood Reporter), Pattinson said the tone and demands of Reeves’ Batman make it hard to picture the character interacting with other DC heroes. The actor also recently described the forthcoming The Batman Part II as a bold change from the first film in comments to Collider.
Pattinson: Reeves’ Batman is hard to place inside Gunn’s DCU
Why Reeves’ Batman feels distinct
Reeves’ 2022 The Batman deliberately framed Bruce Wayne as a darker, more psychological figure than a conventional superhero lead. The Hollywood Reporter describes the film as a grounded crime noir in which Pattinson’s Batman investigates Gotham’s corruption after a sadistic serial killer targets civic figures. That distinctive tone and approach underpin Pattinson’s comments about the character’s fit — or lack of fit — within the broader, interconnected DC cinematic plans James Gunn is developing.
Pattinson teases ‘left turn’ for The Batman Part II
Pattinson has already returned to the role for Reeves’ The Batman Part II, which is currently in production and scheduled to open in theatres on 18 February 2028. In a separate interview with Collider, he described the sequel as “a real left turn from the first” and called it “so ambitious,” while saying it still retains some elements of the original’s feel. Those comments suggest Reeves is taking a different direction for the follow-up while staying true to his established vision of the character.