DC Studios Head James Gunn Denies Robin Rumors for ‘The Batman 2‘ Amidst Ultraman Reveal – James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has directly refuted online speculation regarding the appearance of a Robin character in the upcoming film ‘The Batman 2,’ currently slated for an October 1, 2027 release. The denial came in response to fan theories circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and reddit.
Gunn addressed the rumors, stating he was responding to reports concerning a Robin alongside Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, adding, “I don’t know where all the stuff is coming from that it’s something other than this.” This statement follows the recent reveal in ‘Superman’ that Lex Luthor (Hoult) has created Ultraman,a Superman clone,adding a important twist to the DC Universe (DCU) narrative.
While a Robin appearance in ‘The Batman 2’ remains unconfirmed,the introduction of Ultraman suggests a focus on Lex Luthor’s machinations and the emergence of powerful adversaries. Ultraman’s debut in ‘Superman’ was directed by James Gunn and written by Gunn and Peter Safran,marking a key moment in establishing the new DCU continuity. the character’s design, inspired by classic Superman villains, was a collaborative effort between DC Studios and visual effects company Weta FX, based in Wellington, New Zealand.
‘The Batman 2,’ directed by Matt Reeves, has faced multiple scheduling adjustments, most recently settling on an October 1, 2027 theatrical release. The film is being produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios.Alongside ‘The Batman 2,’ DC Studios is also developing ‘Batman: The Brave and the Bold,’ a separate DCU film centered around Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s son and a prominent Robin incarnation. This project,announced in January 2023,is intended to explore a different corner of the Batman mythos.
Gunn has openly acknowledged the challenges of managing multiple Batman portrayals within the DCU, describing the character as his “biggest issue in all of DC.” He has emphasized a desire to avoid a campy or overly comedic interpretation of Batman, aiming for a grounded and complex portrayal. The multiple Batman projects are part of a broader 10-year plan for the DCU, unveiled in January 2023, outlining a cohesive narrative across films and television series.
Recent comments from Colin Farrell, who portrays Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin, hinted at potential involvement in ‘The Batman 2’ and even a possible ‘The batman 3,’ though he later clarified that no concrete plans are currently in place for a second season of ‘The Penguin’ series on Max. Currently in progress are numerous other DC projects, including ‘Wonder woman 3,’ ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tommorow,’ and a new ‘Green Lantern’ series.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
