Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2026) – What we know about James Gunn's new film
The Dark Knight is about to make his big screen comeback under the direction of the new DC Universe boss, James Gunn . Titled “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” this film will mark a major turning point for the DC cinematic universe. Gone are the days of the DCEU and in comes a bold reboot , centered on a new relationship: that of Batman and his son Damian Wayne .
Scheduled for release in 2026 , the feature film will be directly inspired by Grant Morrison's comics, in which Bruce Wayne discovers he is the father of a young assassin raised by the League of Assassins . An intense family intrigue, mixing heritage, moral conflicts and fatherhood in a world where justice is passed down from generation to generation.
James Gunn has already confirmed that this project will not be related to Matt Reeves' The Batman , but that it will be the first official Batman in the new DCU. The film promises to bridge the lone vigilante tradition and create a new Bat-Family on screen—a concept never before explored in film adaptations.
👉 To understand the legacy behind this project, discover our pillar page Batman Movies: Order, Versions and Universes , as well as our article on the history of Batman in cinema to follow the hero's evolution until this new era.
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A new cast for a new start
While Robert Pattinson will continue to portray the Dark Knight in the separate Batman universe, James Gunn has confirmed that “The Brave and the Bold” will introduce a **new actor to the role of Bruce Wayne**. This strategic choice aims to lay the groundwork for DCU Chapter One , titled “Gods and Monsters,” where heroes and anti-heroes coexist in a larger, connected world.
While the official cast has yet to be revealed, several rumors mention names like Jake Gyllenhaal and Jensen Ackles , both of whom have often been linked to the role in the past. The challenge for Gunn will be to find an older Batman, already seasoned, but still able to convey a certain humanity in the face of his son, Damian Wayne . The latter will also be at the heart of the film, presented as a young assassin with an explosive temperament - a father-son dynamic never before seen on the big screen.
👉 To better understand who Damian Wayne is, discover our article on The Robins through the ages , tracing the evolution of the Dark Knight's apprentices, from Dick Grayson to Damian, including Jason Todd and Tim Drake.
An aesthetic announced as a hybrid between realism and mythology
Visually, The Brave and the Bold is expected to stand out from the dark and realistic tone of Matt Reeves' The Batman . James Gunn has indicated that he wants a "more heroic and fantastical" style, blending the codes of Gotham mythology with those of comics. The film thus promises to be a more colorful work, but still anchored in a dramatic and emotional atmosphere.
The presence of other members of the Bat-Family is also expected: Nightwing, Batgirl or even Alfred could play a crucial role. This would be the first time that this family of vigilantes appears consistently in a Batman film, reinforcing the idea that the saga will extend far beyond the simple duel between the hero and his enemies.
👉 To discover the characters who could join this new universe, explore our articles dedicated to Batgirl and Nightwing .
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A plot centered on family… and blood
Unlike previous Batman films that focused on revenge or justice, The Brave and the Bold will explore a new theme: fatherhood . Inspired by Grant Morrison 's comics, the story is expected to confront Bruce Wayne with a truth he didn't know—that he has a son, Damian Wayne , raised in darkness by Talia al Ghul and trained to kill by the League of Assassins .
This revelation upsets the hero's moral equilibrium. How can a man founded on discipline and justice face his own heir who has become an assassin? This moral dilemma, at the heart of the story, promises a psychological depth rarely seen in a superhero film. Gunn thus seeks to contrast two symbols: the rigor of the Dark Knight against the impulsiveness of his son, creating a familial tension worthy of a modern tragedy.
The villains anticipated: between tradition and novelty
Early rumors suggest a significant return of Ra's al Ghul , patriarch of the League of Assassins and Damian's grandfather. His presence would give an almost mythological dimension to the story, recalling the themes of immortality and destiny. Talia al Ghul is also expected to play a central role, torn between her love for Bruce and her loyalty to her father.
Other speculation points to the possible appearance of Deathstroke , one of Batman's greatest enemies, often linked to Damian in the comics. If this rumor is confirmed, it could offer the film a spectacular duality: the father facing off against a perfect assassin, while the son struggles with his murderous instincts.
👉 To learn more about these characters, check out our articles on Ra's al Ghul , Talia al Ghul , and Deathstroke .
A key film for the new DC universe
According to James Gunn, this feature film will serve as a **cornerstone of the new DC Universe**. It is expected to introduce several supporting heroes who will reappear in other projects, like the Justice League of the future DCU. *The Brave and the Bold* would therefore be at once a film about inheritance, a family drama, and a gateway to an interconnected universe, where emotions will be as strong as the battles.
👉 To follow this new era of DC cinema, discover our complete articleon the creation of DC Comics , and relive the evolution of the hero through our Batman collector figurines and masks inspired by the films .
A new vision of the Dark Knight: between heritage and renewal
With Batman: The Brave and the Bold , James Gunn isn't just looking to revive an iconic character—he's looking to redefine what it means to be Batman in a shared universe. Following Christian Bale and Ben Affleck 's tortured versions, this new Bruce Wayne could be a mentor, a father, and a symbol of moral balance in a world in chaos.
The relationship with Damian Wayne promises an unprecedented emotional introspection : a Batman who must confront not only Gotham's criminals, but also his own choices and his inability to reconcile justice and family. This contrast between shadow and parentage could offer one of the most human portrayals of the Dark Knight ever seen on film.
Visually, the film could blend the urban settings of Gotham City with a more mystical dimension inherited from the League of Assassins—a duality that perfectly symbolizes the soul of Batman: a man torn between science, discipline, and belief in something greater than himself.
Between continuity and rebirth of the Batman myth
This project marks a true renaissance of the Batman myth in cinema. James Gunn has made it clear that the film will be connected to other DCU projects, such as Superman: Legacy , while preserving Gotham's unique identity. This could finally offer coherence to the DC Universe, long criticized for its lack of narrative unity.
But beyond the connections, The Brave and the Bold seems to want to pay homage to **all previous incarnations of Batman**: the detective from the original comics, the strategist of the DCEU, and the melancholic hero of Nolan's films. A blend of intelligence, symbolism, and action, faithful to what the Dark Knight truly represents.
Fan Expectations and Gotham's Legacy
The anticipation for this film is immense. Fans are hoping for a Batman who is human, fearsome, and visionary . The introduction of Damian Wayne paves the way for a whole new generation of vigilantes : Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood… so many characters who could have their place in this new cinematic universe.
This evolution exemplifies Gunn's philosophy: to make the DCU a living world, where each hero evolves, fails, and is reborn. If this vision comes to fruition, Batman: The Brave and the Bold could become a major pillar of superhero cinema for years to come.
Extend your immersion in the world of the Dark Knight
To further your journey into the myth, read our articles dedicated to the Batcave or The Dark Knight trilogy , true pillars of the Dark Knight universe.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold won't just be a movie: it'll be a passing of the torch. A story about inheritance, forgiveness, and the eternal duality between light and shadow. And in Gotham, no light shines without darkness.