James Gunn confirms we’re not getting Zaddy Batman anytime soon

Let’s talk about “zaddy”—a term I admittedly had to look up before diving into this discussion. For those as clueless as I was, a zaddy refers to a stylish, older gentleman who’s easy on the eyes. So, with that knowledge in hand, my life feels a bit more colorful, if not noisy.

But speaking of noise, no one knows that better than James Gunn. As he embarks on the ambitious task of rebuilding DC’s cinematic universe, he faces a whirlwind of rumors that seem to swirl around him like confetti at a party gone wrong. Recently, there was chatter about DC Studios searching for an older actor to portray Batman, a rumor that Gunn promptly quashed with a refreshing denial.

We’re left wondering: will we get a youthful, twink Batman, or is geriatric Batman on the horizon? Honestly, the speculation is exhausting. The fervor from some corners of the fanbase, particularly those enamored with Zack Snyder’s vision, can be overwhelming. It’s frustrating to see these unfounded rumors take flight, especially when they detract from the real creative work at hand.

So, let’s focus on what we do know about the upcoming Brave and the Bold, which Gunn has described as a unique story about Batman and Robin, rooted in Grant Morrison’s seven-year comic run that started in 2006. This run introduced us to Damian Wayne, Batman’s son with Talia al Ghul, who becomes Robin. Given this lineage, we can expect some intriguing dynamics as the Bat-Family comes into play.

Directed by Andy Muschietti—who, despite The Flash‘s shortcomings, showcased a knack for superhero choreography—Brave and the Bold has potential. The film might explore a range of characters from the Bat-Family, including Tim Drake, who is significant in Morrison’s stories and often viewed as a rival to Damian. While the inclusion of characters like Dick Grayson or Cassandra Cain could be exciting, it risks complicating the narrative. As for Jason Todd? He might be better suited for a standalone film, considering his complex backstory.

Our speculation suggests that Brave and the Bold could feature at least two Robins, potentially paving the way for the Teen Titans, who are also getting their own solo film written by Ana Nogueira. Nogueira is also working on Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, set to hit theaters in 2026. So, while the absence of a “zaddy” Batman might sting for some, there’s plenty of exciting content to look forward to in the DC cinematic landscape.