The DC Universe’s new Batman is still a mystery, but fans are already building their wishlists — and James Gunn is paying attention. While promoting his rebooted superhero slate, the DC Studios co-CEO revealed what people most often ask for when it comes to the Dark Knight’s next cinematic debut. And yes, it has very little to do with plot and everything to do with the Batsuit. Responding to a fan online who asked whether white eye lenses were the most-requested feature, Gunn set the record straight:
“The most requested thing would be the blue and grey. Then the yellow around the bat. And THEN the white eyes. But all of those things I find less important than the character himself, the writing, and the person who plays him.”
It’s an interesting reminder that while fandom fixates on aesthetics, Gunn’s focus — understandably — is on the fundamentals.
What Batman Do Fans Want?
Over the decades, the Dark Knight’s cinematic wardrobe has included everything from molded rubber armor to tactical Kevlar plating. Oh, and Bat-nipples too. But the bright blue-and-grey look — once synonymous with the hero in comics and Adam West’s TV series — has been largely absent from live-action for nearly sixty years. Ben Affleck’s minimalist design in Zack Snyder’s films arguably came closest in shape, but the darker, more militarized palette kept the character grounded in a grittier visual world.
Now, the rebooted DCU established by Gunn’s Superman leaves more room for heightened color — and some fans think this could be the perfect moment for that classic look to return. Others fear it could look “too comic booky” compared to darker takes of the past. But Gunn isn’t ruling it out; he just isn’t obsessing over it yet.
While fans sketch mockups and debate suit details online, Gunn is more focused on storytelling. His Batman debut arrives in The Brave and the Bold, adapted from Grant Morrison’s acclaimed comic run centered on Damian Wayne — Bruce’s biological son and Gunn’s self-proclaimed favorite Robin.
“This is the introduction of the DCU’s Batman,” Gunn said when announcing his Gods and Monsters slate. “This is the story of Damian Wayne, who is Batman’s actual son who we didn’t know existed for the first eight to 10 years of his life. He was raised as a little murderer and assassin. He’s a little son of a bitch. He’s my favorite Robin. It’s based on the Grant Morrison comic book’s run, which is one of my favorite Batman runs, and we are putting that all together right now.”
Rumors have circulated that the Dark Knight might appear earlier than expected — possibly in 2027’s Man of Tomorrow— but that remains unlikely. Reports around Andy Muschietti’s involvement as director have also shifted, with Gunn noting the film has “changed” significantly behind the scenes since its announcement.
For now, we’ll have to make do with Robert Pattinson‘s Bruce Wayne in The Batman Part II, due in 2027.
via Collider