Imagine a world where Batman is reimagined yet again, but this time with a fresh face in James Gunn’s DC Universe. Exciting, right? Well, that’s exactly what fans are buzzing about, especially after Jonathan Bailey’s recent comments on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The Bridgerton heartthrob finally addressed the fancasting rumors linking him to the iconic role, and his response was both humble and intriguing. When asked if he’d take on the mantle of the Dark Knight, Bailey nostalgically reflected, ‘Would I do Batman? I grew up with Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, and Robert Pattinson.’ He then paused, adding, ‘It’s a legacy.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: while Bailey didn’t confirm anything, he did praise James Gunn, leaving the door wide open for speculation. ‘I think James Gunn is amazing. Who knows,’ he teased.
And this is the part most people miss: The DCU’s Batman won’t be tied to Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, which will continue as an Elseworlds story. Instead, Gunn’s vision for The Brave and The Bold promises a completely new take on the Caped Crusader, with Damian Wayne as Robin—though even that aspect has seen some behind-the-scenes tweaks. In a September 2025 interview with IGN, Gunn hinted that Robin’s backstory is still ‘in flux,’ sparking debates among fans about what this could mean for the dynamic duo’s relationship.
The fancasting frenzy began in December 2024 when Gunn liked a BlueSky post suggesting Bailey for the role, with one fan boldly stating, ‘I’m actually surprised he’s not a more popular fan cast for Batman.’ But let’s not forget: DC Studios hasn’t even begun casting yet, as the screenplay is still a work in progress. Director Andy Muschietti, who joined the project in June 2023, recently hinted that updates are coming—but we’ll have to wait a few more months for details.
Here’s the bold question: Is Jonathan Bailey the right choice to carry Batman’s legacy into the DCU, or should the role go to someone entirely unexpected? And what does Robin’s altered backstory mean for the film’s tone and direction? Share your thoughts below—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
