Is The Batman 2 Happening? James Gunn Confirms Production Amid Rumors

Is The Batman 2 Happening? DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has recently put an end to swirling rumors, confirming that The Batman Part II, directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson, is indeed moving forward.

Despite delays and speculation about its status, Gunn’s latest statements have reassured fans that the highly anticipated sequel is still a priority. This article dives into Gunn’s clarifications, the current state of production, and what fans can expect from the next chapter in Reeves’ gritty Batman universe.

What Did James Gunn Say About The Batman 2’s Status?

On June 10, 2025, James Gunn addressed concerns about The Batman Part II in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. He stated, “What Matt’s doing is still really important, despite all stories to the contrary,” confirming that the film remains in development. Gunn noted that he has not yet seen a completed script but expects to receive it soon, expressing excitement with, “We’re supposed to see that script shortly, and I can’t wait.”

This clarification came in response to rumors questioning whether the sequel was still happening, especially given its delayed release from October 2, 2026, to October 1, 2027. Gunn’s comments reaffirm DC Studios’ commitment to Reeves’ vision, dispelling doubts about the project’s future.

Why Was The Batman 2 Delayed?

The delay of The Batman Part II has been a point of contention among fans. Gunn previously explained on Threads that the postponement was due to an incomplete script, emphasizing that DC Studios requires a finalized script before production begins.

“Matt is committed to making the best film he possibly can, and no one can accurately guess exactly how long a script will take to write,” Gunn said. He noted that large-scale films typically require about two years for pre-production, shooting, and post-production.

The new release date of October 1, 2027, reflects this timeline, with production expected to start in the third quarter of 2025. This delay aligns with industry norms for major sequels, as Gunn cited examples like the seven-year gap between Alien and Aliens or the 14-year gap between The Incredibles films.

Is The Batman 2 Part of the DC Universe?

A key question for fans is whether The Batman Part II will integrate into the new DC Universe (DCU) overseen by Gunn and Peter Safran. Gunn has clarified that Reeves’ Batman films exist in the Elseworlds continuity, separate from the main DCU, which includes projects like Superman and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. This separation allows Reeves to maintain his distinct, grounded take on Gotham.

However, Gunn has not entirely ruled out crossovers. In January 2025, he mentioned contemplating bringing Robert Pattinson’s Batman into the DCU but emphasized that any such move would need to make narrative sense. For now, The Batman Part II remains a standalone story within Reeves’ universe.

What Can Fans Expect from The Batman 2?

While details about The Batman Part II are scarce, Gunn and Safran have expressed confidence in Reeves’ progress. In February 2025, Safran noted that the partial script they had read was “incredibly encouraging,” suggesting a strong foundation for the sequel.

The first film, released in 2022, was praised for its noir-inspired storytelling and Pattinson’s portrayal of a young, brooding Bruce Wayne. The sequel is expected to continue exploring Gotham’s underbelly, potentially diving deeper into characters like the Penguin, played by Colin Farrell, whose spinoff series has garnered critical acclaim.

Gunn has also debunked rumors about villains like Clayface and Scarecrow appearing in the film, clarifying that no first draft of the script exists yet, making such speculation premature.

Are There Other Batman Projects in the Works?

In addition to The Batman Part II, DC Studios is developing Batman: The Brave and the Bold, a DCU film directed by Andy Muschietti. This project will feature a different Batman, focusing on Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian Wayne, as Robin.

Gunn has emphasized his personal investment in this film, stating, “Everybody knows I love Batman, and it’s important to me, so I’m working very closely with the writer on Brave and the Bold.”

This dual approach—Reeves’ Elseworlds saga and the DCU’s Batman—highlights DC Studios’ strategy to offer diverse interpretations of the Dark Knight, ensuring fans have multiple Gotham stories to look forward to.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The question “Is The Batman 2 Happening?” has been definitively answered by James Gunn: yes, it’s happening, and it’s a priority for DC Studios. Despite production delays and an evolving DCU, Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II remains on track to deliver another gripping chapter in Gotham’s saga.

With Gunn’s reassurance and Reeves’ meticulous approach, fans can anticipate a sequel that builds on the success of the 2022 film.

Stay tuned for more updates as the script nears completion and production ramps up in 2025.