HOLLYWOOD: The internet has been buzzing with speculation about who will don the cape and cowl for the DC Universe’s new Batman, but DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has finally put one persistent rumor to rest. In a recent interview, Gunn confirmed that his longtime Marvel collaborator, actor Chris Pratt, will not be playing the Dark Knight in the upcoming film, The Brave and the Bold.
The announcement comes as Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran work to establish a new era for the DC Universe, beginning with David Corenswet’s debut as Superman. With the next major reboot centering on Batman, speculation has run wild, with many fans wondering if Gunn would bring in one of his favorite actors from his Guardians of the Galaxy days.
“As Batman? No. As Something Else? Yes.”
When asked directly if Chris Pratt would be his Batman, Gunn gave a succinct but telling answer: “As Batman? No. As something else? Yes.”
This short statement has ignited a new wave of fan theories about what other role Pratt might play. Given Gunn’s history of working with actors he trusts, such as bringing in Michael Rooker, Bradley Cooper, and Pom Klementieff for his Superman film, it is widely believed that Pratt will eventually find a place in the DCU. Popular fan castings now include roles like a wise-cracking Booster Gold or a different hero or villain.
While the role of Bruce Wayne remains a mystery, we do know that Andy Muschietti, the director of the films It and It: Chapter Two, will be helming The Brave and the Bold. The script is currently in development, and no release date has been set.
Gunn has also confirmed that the new DCU Batman will not be played by Robert Pattinson, whose iteration of the character will remain in Matt Reeves’ separate “Elseworlds” universe.