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James Gunn has responded to fan frustration over the delayed development of 'The Batman' sequel, emphasising that quality filmmaking takes time, and entitlement won’t speed it up.
Robert Pattinson stepped into the shadows of Gotham in Matt Reeves’ 2022 neo-noir take on 'The Batman', delivering a brooding and intense performance that captivated audiences and critics alike. The movie reimagined Gotham in a darker, grittier light, with standout performances from Paul Dano as The Riddler and Colin Farrell as The Penguin. Its success immediately sparked anticipation for a sequel, but updates on the follow-up have been sparse since.
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Following the major restructuring at DC Studios in late 2022—where James Gunn and Peter Safran took over as co-CEOs—the future of many DC projects, including 'The Batman 2', became a hot topic. With the sequel now slated for a 2027 release, some fans have begun to speculate whether the film is even still happening.
James Gunn Backs The Slow Progress
However, James Gunn has addressed these concerns directly. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, he shared that he is expecting the script for the sequel this month and remains optimistic about the film’s progress. He pointed out that long gaps between films are not unusual, referencing the seven-year wait between 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Vol. 2 and Vol. 3.
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James Gunn made it clear that fans should give director Matt Reeves the time he needs to develop the story properly. He pushed back against online impatience, stating that Reeves is under no obligation to rush the script simply because the first movie was well-received. Gunn emphasised that the strength of the original came from Reeves’ unique vision, and it’s important to let that process unfold naturally.
He also acknowledged the irritation that can come from unrealistic fan expectations, pointing out that the creative team wants to deliver a story that lives up to the original—and that won’t happen with shortcuts.
Despite speculation that the 'The Batman' franchise might be sidelined in favour of the newly rebooted DC Universe, James Gunn reaffirmed its place within DC’s future. He clarified that while Pattinson’s Batman exists outside the main continuity, the character’s world remains crucial to DC’s broader storytelling strategy.
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Earlier this year, James Gunn confirmed that Pattinson’s 'Batman' will not merge into the mainline DC Universe, which will introduce a new actor in the iconic role. Instead, 'The Batman' franchise will continue in its universe, maintaining the tone and narrative style established in Reeves’ original.
Meanwhile, Robert Pattinson himself has expressed eagerness to return, joking in March that he hopes production starts soon because he’s "getting old." His excitement reflects the enthusiasm of fans who, despite the wait, are still looking forward to the next chapter in Gotham’s darkest saga.
As the 2027 release date remains on track, both James Gunn and Matt Reeves appear committed to making 'The Batman' sequel worth the wait.