Beware the rumor mill says James Gunn, as there are countless false reports about upcoming DC Universe projects floating around online, and Gunn is calling “bullsh*t” on the worst ones. Gunn and Peter Safran, co-Presidents of DC Studios, have been making headway the last few weeks, announcing various new projects and updating fans about the status of the DCU’s Phase 1 — titled “Gods & Monsters.” For every official announcement, there are twice as many rumors being created by over-excited fans and industry “insiders.” But Gunn is here to clarify things, and took to threads to dispel rumors about two of the most exciting DC projects.
While Superman has wrapped shooting, the DCU’s Batman movie (The Brave and the Bold) still remains very secretive. A rumor was recently spread online that DC Studios are looking to cast an older version of Batman. However, taking to Threads, James Gunn literally called “bullsh*t” on the rumor. Noting how crazy some of the DCU rumors were, Gunn shared a screenshot of the thread to his Instagram story, writing:
“Sometimes the rumor folks get information wrong – but other times they just seem to make up stuff for clicks out of a whole cloth. This is one of the latter.”
In a separate Threads chat, James Gunn was also asked about the casting for Booster Gold. A leaked set photo from Superman featuring someone who looks vaguely similar to Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani has left fans wondering if he has been cast as Booster Gold in the DCU. Getting straight to the point, James Gunn responded:
”
No
. I foolishly didn’t even know there was more than [leaked] one photo!”
What Version of Batman Should Appear in the DCU?
Unlike the comics, where different artists can scale Batman’s age according to their needs, the DC cinematic universe is hampered by the very real problem of actors aging, or having scheduling conflicts. As a result, casting the perfect Batman is an incredibly difficult task.
The rumor of an older version of Batman likely came after DC Studios announced two new projects involving Bruce Wayne’s adopted sons. With a Dick Grayson/Jason Todd movie and a Teen Titans film (which will likely feature Dick Grayson) both in the works, it makes sense for the DCU’s Batman to be slightly older, to make having two adopted kids believable. The DCU’s first Batman movie, The Brave and the Bold, only strengthens this idea as it will feature Bruce Wayne’s biological son, Damien Wayne, who is nearly a teenager in the comics.
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However, casting an older version of Batman will likely shorten the character’s potential longevity in the DCU. Providing he’s willing to return for more, David Corenswet only being 31 years old means he could return for many more Superman movies. Meanwhile, a Batman actor in their late 40s or 50s (as the rumors suggested) would mean the Caped Crusader would only be able to handle a few standalone and team-up movies, before venturing into Batman Beyond territory (or The Dark Knight Returns if James Gunn wanted to go that route).
