Recent rumors have suggested that George Clooney’s Batman will cameo inThe Flashbefore going on to be the main Batman in the new DCU. However, DC Films co-CEO James Gunn has shot down these rumors, saying they’re false.The Flashwill center on alternate timelines and the multiverse. It’s long been known that the film would feature various cameos and introduce new characters into the DCEU. When Gunn and Peter Safran came on board, the film underwent some changes, and it was uncertain who would make the final cut. Fans already knew Michael Keaton’s Batman was in the film, and they saw their first glimpse of him inThe FlashSuper Bowl trailer.RELATED:James Gunn Reveals The Comics That Inspire DCU’s Batman, Superman, And MoreOn Twitter (where Gunn frequently interacts with fans), Gunn was asked about the rumor that he intended to bring Clooney on for a cameo inThe Flashbefore making him the main Batman in the DCU. Gunn responded with a matter-of-fact, “Absolutely not.” Gunn was then asked if the Batman in the DCU would be a new or returning actor, to which Gunn responded, “New actor.”
Gunn had previously announced a newBatmanmovieas part of his Chapter One DCU slate. That film will be titledThe Brave and the Boldand centers on Batman and Robin (a first for the character since 1997’sBatman and Robin, in which Clooney starred). The film will also reportedly be inspired by Grant Morrison’sBatmanrun, which introduced Bruce Wayne’s son, Damian Wayne (and his new Robin).
However, fans ofThe Batmandon’t have to worry.Matt Reeves’Batmantrilogy will continue to existoutside of Gunn’s DC slate. Now labeled under the “Elseworlds” tag, Robert Pattinson’s Batman will stay in a separate universe all on his own. That means there will probably be two Batmen in the DC multiverse, but Pattinson’s Batman won’t interact with any other Batman outside of any multiversal team-ups.
Keaton’s return as Batman isn’t unique toThe Flash.Keaton was set to return as the character in DC’sBatgirl.However, according to Safran,Batgirlwas cancelled after being deemed hurtfulto the brand. Keaton’s return makes Clooney’s comeback superfluous. Not only is Clooney’sBatman and Robininfamous for its quality, but Clooney also seems to regret the role. Having Keaton back is enough nostalgia, which the DCU should try not to lean too heavily into. It would also be more than a little ironic for the new DCU to be set in the same universe asBatman and Robin- it would be joke fodder for years to come.
The Flashis scheduled to be released in theaters on June 28, 2025.
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