Reacher's Alan Ritchson is a fan-favorite to play the DCU's Batman, but there are many other actors who'd also be perfect for the role.

James Gunn has once again confirmed that the DCU Batman won't be Robert Pattinson – and I'm still disappointed. "We've talked about it before, but it's not what's happening right now," Gunn told Entertainment Tonight. "Everything's in flux, so we'll figure out what we're doing next."

But James Gunn, as of now, has remained adamant that Pattinson won't be The Dark Knight in the DCU. He reaffirmed it again in an Entertainment Tonight interview from July 28, 2025. When the reporter asked Gunn about the possibility of Robert Pattinson playing the Caped Crusader in the DCU, the filmmaker responded:

James Gunn has finally shed some light on whether Robert Pattinson’s Batman is going to be integrated into the DC Universe. Or, has he?

CEO James Gunn comments on the fancasting of Alan Ritchson as Batman and comments on the need for the DCU's Caped Crusader to differ from Matt Reeves' Crime Saga.

James Gunn recently addressed the growing fan speculation surrounding Alan Ritchson as a potential candidate for the DCU ’s Batman. In a new interview, he commented on the casting rumors, shared his personal view of Ritchson, and offered a measured response that sparked further interest in the Reacher star’s connection to the role.