When James Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled the first chapter of the DC Universe with the “Gods and Monsters” slate, one of the biggest announcements was The Brave and the Bold. The film promised a fresh take on the Caped Crusader while introducing Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s son, to the DCU.
The project became one of the most anticipated movies on DC’s schedule, but the road to getting it made hasn’t exactly been smooth. Now, a new rumor suggests Gunn could be thinking about taking over directing duties himself.
When the movie was first announced, Gunn explained why he was so eager to tell Damian’s story. “This is a story of Damian Wayne, who’s Batman’s actual son that he didn’t know existed for the first eight to ten years of his life. He was raised as a little murderer and assassin. He’s my favorite Robin. We’re putting it all together right now.”
Not long after the reveal, The Flash director Andy Muschietti was officially tapped to direct the movie. At the time, Gunn and Safran couldn’t have been more enthusiastic about bringing him on board. Gunn said:
“We saw The Flash even before taking the reins at DC Studios, and knew we were in the hands of not only a visionary director but a massive DC fan. It’s a magnificent film – funny, emotional, thrilling – and Andy’s affinity and passion for these characters and this world just resonates through every frame.
“So, when it came time to find a director for The Brave and the Bold, there was really only one choice. Luckily, Andy said yes. Barbara signed on to produce with us and we were on our way.
“They’re an extraordinary team, and we couldn’t have better or more inspiring partners as we embark on this thrilling new adventure in the DCU.”
Of course, those comments came before The Flash struggled at the box office. After the film’s disappointing theatrical run, fans started wondering if Muschietti would remain attached to The Brave and the Bold.
While there hasn’t been any official announcement that he’s off the project, Gunn has since admitted that cracking the story has proven to be a challenge, and the movie seems to have slipped further down DC Studios’ priority list as work continues.
Now another rumor is making the rounds. According to World of Reel’s Jordan Ruimy, the latest screenplay was written by Christina Hodson, and Gunn may be considering stepping into the director’s chair himself.
“Christina Hodson wrote the latest draft of The Brave and the Bold, and I keep hearing that Gunn is actually considering replacing Muschietti… with himself.
“Yes, Gunn is apparently tempted to direct the DCU’s Batman movie after helming the first two Superman films. Might as well take this ship down while you’re fully at the wheel.”
It’s worth keeping expectations in check. Ruimy has broken legitimate stories before, but he’s also reported information that didn’t pan out. He’s also well known for being highly critical of Gunn, so this rumor should definitely be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism until something official comes from DC Studios.
At the same time, another rumor resurfaced claiming the DCU’s Bruce Wayne would be significantly older, possibly in his 50s. That speculation came from Jeff Sneider resurfacing one of his previous reports, but Gunn has already pushed back on that idea.
During a 2025 interview, Gunn was asked whether the new Batman would be in his mid-to-late 30s since Damian Wayne is traditionally around 10 years old. His response made it clear that the movie has gone through some changes.
“No, I think you have to wait to see the movie. Some things have changed. Plenty of things are in flux on what his situation is with his parentage and all that stuff, so I wouldn’t take any of it–Yeah, I mean, the actor who wants to…
“Listen, first of all, I can’t tell you the amount of big actors that have told me they want to be Batman. I think you’d have a harder time finding actors who don’t want to be Batman. He’s the one character everyone wants to play. That’s the truth.”
When Gunn was also asked if Damian Wayne was still part of the plan, he simply responded: “I think you have to wait to see exactly what’s happening.”
That doesn’t reveal much, but it does reinforce the idea that The Brave and the Bold is still evolving. Whether that’s because the script is being reworked, the direction of the story has shifted, or something else entirely remains a mystery.
As for Gunn directing the film himself, it’s certainly an interesting possibility. He’s already shaping the creative direction of the DCU, and if he ultimately feels he’s the right person to bring Batman’s introduction to life, it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise.
On the other hand, Muschietti has never officially left the project, so until DC Studios says otherwise, he remains the film’s director.
For now, fans will have to wait and see where The Brave and the Bold lands. One thing is certain: introducing Batman into the DCU is one of the biggest decisions Gunn and Safran will make, and they’re clearly taking their time to get it right.
Would you like to see James Gunn direct The Brave and the Bold, or would you rather see Andy Muschietti stay in the director’s chair?
