Thescreescore – DC Studios head James Gunn recently offered a production update on the highly anticipated DC Universe Batman film, The Brave and the Bold. While a lead actor for Bruce Wayne remains uncast, Andy Muschietti is attached to direct. The film, inspired by Grant Morrison’s celebrated Batman comic run, will center on Bruce’s complex relationship with his previously unknown son, Damian Wayne/Robin. Despite Batman’s iconic status within the DC universe, a release date remains elusive.
This strategic delay is part of a broader DC Studios approach, as Gunn explained on the DC Studios Showcase podcast. He highlighted the studio’s willingness to embrace unexpected pitches that resonate with the characters, while also emphasizing his meticulous approach to projects with pre-conceived ideas, stating, "If somebody comes in with a pitch that’s completely outside of what we expected, but it’s great, and it fits the character, then I’m like, ‘Oh, there’s a bird in the hand, like, go with it.’" The Brave and the Bold, he confirmed, falls into the latter category, with the studio currently collaborating with a writer, a process Gunn describes as "going really well" and one he is heavily involved in.
Gunn’s philosophy centers on prioritizing the individual narrative before considering the larger DCU storyline. This meticulous approach explains the extended development time, a deliberate contrast to the rushed approach that often plagued the DCEU. He previously articulated the challenge of crafting a Batman that fits seamlessly into the vibrant DCU alongside Superman, while retaining the character’s inherent gravitas, stating, "Batman can’t just be ‘Oh, we’re making a Batman movie because Batman’s the biggest character in all of Warner Bros.’…But because there’s a need for him in the DCU and a need that he’s not exactly the same as Matt’s Batman. But yet he’s not a campy Batman. I’m not interested in that."
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This commitment to quality, while extending the wait for fans eager to see the Dark Knight alongside David Corenswet’s Superman, is a welcome change. The previous DCEU’s unevenness often stemmed from a lack of character development before thrusting heroes into ensemble conflicts. By prioritizing fully realized characters, DC Studios aims to avoid repeating past mistakes, even if it means a longer wait for The Brave and the Bold. The meticulous script-first approach suggests a more thoughtful, character-driven DCU is on the horizon.
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