James Gunn Shuts Down Middle-Aged Batman Rumor In A Very Succinct Way

As DC Studios co-head James Gunn reshapes the DC Universe, scuttlebutt continues to swirl about superhero castings. One such rumor about the next Batman was apparently so far out there that Gunn decided to stomp it out with a very clear word: “Bullshit.”

That was Gunn’s response on Threads, after a deleted post stated that DC Studios “wants a middle-aged Batman.” Logically, the debunked rumor doesn’t seem far-fetched, since Bruce Wayne will team up with his son, Damien, in The Brave and the Bold. Gunn previously stated that “Damien Wayne is my favorite Robin.” The project will be inspired by Grant Morrison’s comic-book run and will serve as an introduction to the Bat-family in the new DC Universe.

This isn’t the first time Gunn has decided to debunk a Dark Knight rumor, by the way. In August, Gunn squashed rumors that there was a video game in the works based on The Batman. That franchise is separate from Gunn’s new DC Universe and set within its own world, with Robert Pattinson portraying the Caped Crusader. Currently, HBO’s The Penguin is in the middle of its limited-series run. The TV show will serve as a lead-in to The Batman 2, which is slated to release in October 2026.

Meanwhile, a couple of Batman villains are getting their own movie in the DC Universe. Bane and Deathstroke will team up for a film, with Captain America: Brave New World writer Matthew Orton reportedly penning the screenplay. It’s unknown what would bring these supervillains together at this time.

Most recently in DC casting, Rebel Ridge star Aaron Pierre was cast as John Stewart for HBO’s Green Lantern series. The DC Universe will start in earnest with Superman: Legacy in July 2025.