The future of Batman in James Gunn’s new DCU continues to spark passionate debates, wild theories, and plenty of confusion among fans trying to understand how multiple Batmen can coexist.
As Matt Reeves the Batman saga towers with a brooding, noir-driven Dark Knight portrayed by Robert Pattinson, the DCU is in the process of establishing its own version, one that will not see Pattinson enter the shared universe alongside David Corenswet‘s Superman. However, despite this separation, filmmaker Mike Flanagan believes the door isn’t fully closed on harmony between Gotham’s many incarnations.
The DCU Needs A Different Dark Knight
While talking at Motor City Comic Con 2025, Mike Flanagan painted a picture that is both honest and emotionally grounded in admiration for Reeves’ work, while also hopeful for what Gunn and DC Studios are creating next. As Flanagan finishes his ‘Clayface’ film and prepares to unleash a new Gotham, the future of Batman storytelling is expanding more than ever before. Robert Pattinson’s casting as Batman in 2022 immediately became iconic to fans.
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People always wanted to see a detective-first version of the character based on realism, emotional trauma, and gothic ambiance. The actor added a certain hauntedness which had never been seen in the movies before in any Batman. Naturally, this has led to the question: Why not simply introduce Pattinson into the DCU and turn him into the central Batman? Mike Flanagan touched this lightly but squarely.
He praised Pattinson’s performance as “excellent,” expressing deep admiration for the Gotham Matt Reeves built. He called Reeves a powerhouse, noting how the director was able to create a city that goes beyond its hero. But Flanagan also stressed honesty: “I have no idea what the plan is for any of that… James Gunn is running DC his way, and I think it’s great.”
Pattinson’s Batman is successful because it exists within its own bubble, the Elseworlds universe, without the demands of crossovers and universe-wide continuity. James Gunn himself has already made it clear: Chapter 1 of the DCU will present a new Batman in The Brave and the Bold. Pattinson remains separate. This does not take away the universe of Reeves. If anything, it protects it. It enables the director to complete his trilogy and develop the tone he established.
Mike Flanagan On Building A New Gotham In ‘Clayface’
If Pattinson’s Gotham is noir, then the DCU’s Gotham, through Mike Flanagan’s involvement, is something far creepier. In the same panel, Flanagan opened up on how he approached ‘Clayface’, saying that he was not inspired by Reeves. Rather, he went back to childhood origins: “Feat of Clay, that incredible two-parter… was so formative for me as a kid.”
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To most fans, ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ is the ultimate version of Gotham, moody, tragic, and filled with psychological depth. The version by Flanagan is a direct descendant of that lineage. Although he eventually had to leave directing because of his other commitments, Flanagan worked on the film extensively with both Matt Reeves and James Gunn before handing the reins over to director James Watkins. He talked of how he enjoyed working with Reeves, Gunn, and Peter Safran, and admitted it was a “sadness” to walk away just before cameras rolled.
But even from the outside now, Flanagan remains deeply proud of the world he helped shape. “Batman: The Animated Series is art,” he stated. I can’t wait to see what they did with it.” Having Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen and the filming being completed on November 1, 2025, ‘Clayface’ will present audiences with a Gotham that is a mixture of superhero drama and traditional horror storytelling. It will be the first significant window into Gunn Gotham, a place where there are no vigilantes and more monsters.
