James Gunn is presently shaping the way forward for DC Studios one undertaking at a time. Whereas 2025’s Superman was the primary main theatrical swing for Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, followers haven’t stopped asking concerning the different large icon within the Justice League—Batman. The co-head of DC Studios not too long ago offered a quick replace on the upcoming Courageous and the Daring, the long-awaited Bat-family reboot. And, whereas the script is reportedly coming collectively, it feels like every thing else could be very a lot “in flux.”
In a brand new interview with IGN, Gunn gave a measured however optimistic replace on the undertaking. “The Courageous and the Daring script, I like the place we’re,” he mentioned. Nonetheless, that’s the place the understanding ends. Requested concerning the movie’s unique premise, a Bat-story centered round Bruce Wayne and his assassin-raised son, Damian, the thoughts behind Peacemaker bought a bit extra cryptic:
No, I feel it’s important to wait to see the film. Some issues have modified. Loads of issues are in flux on what his scenario is together with his parentage and all that stuff, so I would not take any of it – Yeah, I imply, the actor who needs to… Hear, initially, I am unable to inform you the quantity of massive actors which have advised me they wish to be Batman.
In different phrases, nothing’s set in stone, at the very least not till it’s formally introduced. As for who’ll go well with up because the Darkish Knight, it feels like there’s no scarcity of curiosity. Gunn put it merely:
I feel you’d have a more durable time discovering actors who do not wish to be Batman. He is the one character everybody needs to play. That is the reality.
What do the Guardians of the Galaxy director’s fastidiously worded responses imply for Damian Wayne’s position in The Courageous and the Daring? Will he present up in any respect? That’s been the burning query ever for the reason that movie was introduced again in 2023, when James Gunn famously referred to as Damian “a bit son of a bitch” and “my favourite Robin,” making it clear this was the model he was excited to deliver to the display screen. Nonetheless, when requested immediately this week if Damian Wayne’s Robin continues to be even within the film, Gunn saved issues obscure:
I feel it’s important to wait to see precisely what’s taking place.
That’s not a no. Nonetheless, it’s not a definitive sure. Additionally, in case you’ve adopted Gunn’s public feedback in current months, this sort of cautious hedging isn’t new, particularly with regards to the long-lasting hero.
Again in June, the Slither filmmaker defined, “Batman’s my largest concern in all of DC proper now.” Not due to any behind-the-scenes chaos, however as a result of he needs to get it precisely proper. He’s not making a film centered on the Bat of the DCU simply because the character prints cash. He needs this model to have a purpose to exist, and it must really feel distinct from Matt Reeves’ The Batman Half II and the Elseworlds universe the filmmaker has created, but in addition isn’t veering into camp or comedy.
The DCU model of the Caped Crusader might want to stand by itself, each tonally and narratively. Whereas Andy Muschietti, who directed The Flash, continues to be reportedly hooked up to direct Courageous and the Daring, although he not too long ago shared a considerably discouraging replace about his communication with DC. As for the script, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran has mentioned they’ll solely cross it alongside “when we have now it in a spot the place we predict it’s able to go.”
Lots continues to be up within the air with this tackle the Gotham’s Knight, and it’s anybody’s guess whether or not it’ll truly flip right into a full-on father-son story. So, in case you’ve been hoping for a big-screen Batman and Damian team-up in 2027, it could be clever to handle expectations. Primarily based on James Gunn’s cautious wording, it’s clear The Courageous and the Daring continues to be very a lot a piece in progress, and nothing’s locked in simply but.