James Gunn has announced The Brave and the Bold – the first DCU Batman movie featuring the introduction of the Bat-Family
The wait is over. James Gunn and Peter Safran have finally outlined their vision of the new DC Universe. And as expected, it is packed full of incredible titles that will tantalize every DC fan. Aside from the Man of Steel’s big screen return in Superman: Legacy, and Supergirl’s return in Woman of Tomorrow; Gunn blew every Batman fan’s mind when he announced The Brave and the Bold – the first Batman movie under the new DC banner.
The Dark Knight’s DCU debut will be an integral part of the new cohesive universe by showcasing the birth of the Bat Family. And leading the charge will be Damien Wayne as Robin. Bruce Wayne’s son will be suiting up as Robin for the very first time and the movie will delve deeper into their relationship as they defend Gotham from evil. But what can we expect from the Dynamic Duo’s first big screen outing?
Enter James Gunn.
JAMES GUNN
“The Brave and the Bold” will introduce “the Bat family,” Gunn said. First among them is Robin, who is returning fully to live-action movies for the first time since 1997’s ill-fated feature “Batman and Robin.”
This version of Robin is Damian Wayne; Gunn described him as “our favorite Robin,” “a little son of a bitch,” an “assassin” and a “murderer.”
Damian is Bruce Wayne’s biological son, a fact unknown to Wayne for the first eight to 10 years of Damian’s life. “It’s a very strange sort of father-son story about the two of them,” Gunn said.
The project is based on the run of Batman comics authored by Grant Morrison, who Gunn said was “exceptionally influential” on the DCU. The other comics writer Gunn mentioned by name was Tom King — who participated in the DCU writers room and leads right into the next feature project.
RETURN OF THE CAPED CRUSADERS
The return of the Dynamic Duo has been a long time coming. Robin has been unfairly omitted from the wider DC Universe following his divisive outings in Joel Schumacher’s Batman sequels. And although some fans, myself included would rather see Dick Grayson back in the iconic suit, it is refreshing to see Damien Wayne given his chance to shine.
Whether or not Dick Grayson will return as Nightwing further down the line remains to be seen. But with Gunn promising the imminent arrival of the Bat Family, surely the arrival of Batgirl and Nightwing won’t be too far behind. And let’s face it, Gotham just wouldn’t be the same without the full team.
CASTING
The first BIG task for Gunn and Safran is to cast the DCU’s new Batman. The duty of filling the Caped Crusader’s cowl is a tough ask, one that has the power to make or break a career. But with Gunn confirming that any actor cast in the new DCU will be tied into long-term contracts, the new Batman will be here to stay for the foreseeable future. And that alone is enough to compel Bat-fans back to Gotham City!
RELEASE
Sadly Gunn refused to go into detail about tentative release dates, so we’re still in the dark as to when we can pile into theatres to enjoy The Brave and the Bold. But thankfully, Superman: Legacy and The Batman: Part II are on target to release in 2025. So we’ll have plenty of DC content to feast upon. But before we get ahead of ourselves, 2023 has a wonderful slate of movies starting with Shazam! Fury of the Gods which lands in cinemas in March.
Next up, The Flash will serve as a flashpoint for the Snyder-Verse and close the book on that chapter. And finally, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will strengthen the foundation of Jason Momoa’s tenure as the King of the Seven Seas. So get ready for a rollercoaster ride of DC awesomeness!
Who would you cast as the new Batman? Are you excited about The Brave and the Bold? Sound off below.
Author
Phil Roberts is the Owner, Daily Content Manager, and Editor-In-Chief of The Future of the Force. He is passionate about Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force and babbles frequently!
