The much-anticipated The Batman 2, starring Robert Pattinson, has been officially delayed to October 1, 2027, sparking frustration and concern among fans. Though the main reason stated is that Matt Reeves is committed to delivering a masterpiece of a script, the delay also reignites a contentious rumor: DC Studios co-chief James Gunn is reportedly (if rumors are to be believed) trying to convince Reeves to integrate The Batman into the new DC Universe (DCU). Reeves, however, remains steadfast in his quest to build a standalone universe, a vision that has already proven immensely successful.
The success of The Penguin series, widely praised as the best superhero show since Netflix’s Daredevil and already garnering Golden Globe recognition, further emphasizes the brilliance of Reeves’s approach. With The Batman universe carving out its own niche, here’s why forcing it into the broader DCU would be a colossal mistake.
The Batman Is A Thriving Standalone Universe
Matt Reeves has meticulously crafted a grounded and atmospheric take on Gotham City that resonates with fans. The Batman and The Penguin have successfully established a gritty, noir-inspired world distinct from the flashy, larger-than-life tone of most superhero films. Fans appreciate the slow-burn storytelling, complex character arcs, and the realistic depiction of Gotham’s chaos.
Forcing this self-contained narrative into the interconnected DCU would dilute its grounded vision. Integrating Reeves’s Gotham into the DCU risks compromising the tone and storytelling style that has made this universe so beloved. The standalone approach is precisely what sets The Batman apart in a crowded genre, and disrupting that formula could alienate the very audience that Reeves has cultivated.
DCU Already Has a Batman
James Gunn’s DCU has already announced The Brave and The Bold, directed by Andy Muschietti which will introduce a new Batman alongside Robin, exploring a father-son dynamic. With a Batman already being planned for the DCU, incorporating Pattinson’s version would create unnecessary redundancy and confusion among audiences.
Two simultaneous Batmen, one in Reeves’s grounded universe and another in the fantastical DCU, would inevitably clash tonally and narratively. This would undermine the uniqueness of both projects and create branding challenges for Warner Bros. Keeping The Batman as a separate entity ensures clarity for fans and preserves the integrity of both versions.
The Multiverse Trap
One of the proposed solutions to integrate Pattinson’s Batman into the DCU is through the multiverse, but this approach comes with significant risks. The multiverse has been a mixed bag for both DC and Marvel. Warner Bros.’ previous forays into multiverse storytelling, like The Flash, have largely underperformed, failing to capture audience interest.
Moreover, Reeves’s vision thrives on grounded realism. Introducing multiverse elements would not only feel forced but also cheapen the meticulous world-building he has achieved. Fans have grown weary of multiverse-driven stories that rely on nostalgia and cameos rather than compelling narratives. Reeves’s The Batman universe deserves to be remembered for its depth and originality, not as a footnote in a multiverse spectacle.
The Batman 2: Some Things Are Best Left Alone
The Batman universe has proven itself to be a standout in the superhero genre, thanks to Matt Reeves’s uncompromising vision and storytelling prowess. Forcing it into the DCU would not only undermine its success but also compromise the creativity and integrity of both Reeves’s standalone world and Gunn’s interconnected universe.
Some stories are meant to thrive on their own, unburdened by the constraints of shared continuity. By allowing Reeves and his team the freedom to continue building their epic standalone saga, Warner Bros. can ensure The Batman remains a shining example of what superhero cinema can achieve when left to its own devices.
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