(Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)
The DC Universe has been rocked by turmoil in recent days. Since parent company Skydance removed former DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, rumors have spread that the company is planning a sweeping overhaul—or even a complete reboot. One report also involves Robert Pattinson's "The Batman" universe. According to Nexus Point News, Skydance is considering bringing Pattinson's Batman into the main DC Universe.
(Image courtesy of the Los Angeles Times)
Nexus Point News reported that Skydance not only wants Pattinson to continue playing Batman, but also hopes to bring him into the DCU. That plan would come with several major complications. The most obvious is that Pattinson's "The Batman" exists in a standalone universe with a grounded tone, making it difficult to merge with the more fantastical DCU. Gunn and Safran had previously abandoned the idea, while Matt Reeves, the filmmaker behind "The Batman" universe, had reached an understanding with Gunn that the two franchises would remain separate.
(Image courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Another obstacle is that Pattinson recently entered the race to become the next James Bond, and he reportedly stands a strong chance of landing the role. If he is ultimately cast, the Bond contract and production schedule could limit his ability to continue playing Batman.
Puck, meanwhile, suggested that "The Batman Part II" took far too long to begin production because of Reeves, and Skydance is unlikely to want the same situation repeated with a third movie. The company needs its films to turn a profit as it works to pay down its debt, and making audiences wait too long between installments could damage the box office momentum of a franchise that needs to stay in the spotlight. Skydance could therefore decide to part ways with Reeves. If Reeves leaves, however, Pattinson may no longer be interested in returning as Batman. His loyalty to the director's creative vision has been a major reason he has remained with the franchise, and without Reeves, Pattinson may see little reason to stay.