When thinking of superheroes, action movies are usually the first thing that comes to mind. But not all of them stick to just that — especially when it comes to Batman. In the DC universe, he often leans into a more fantastical side, bringing in real fights and stepping away from the super-realistic style that many adaptations have gotten used to.
The general public has gotten used to a more serious, even somewhat monotonous image of Batman, making it rare to see him like he is in the comics or animated universe. But could that change anytime soon? With DC’s new direction, there’s hope that James Gunn will bring adaptations that feel more true to what fans are eager to see.
Fans Want A More Fantastical And Less Realistic Batman
When superhero comics started making their way to the big screen, a lot shifted in the scene. Over the years, fans have witnessed numerous changes with many characters, often influenced by the direction of the films or the decisions made by producers and screenwriters. A prime example of this is Watchmen, which took a different approach than many expected.
However, discussing the classic Batman is a bit more complicated. In films that have become iconic, like Christian Bale‘s The Dark Knight trilogy and Robert Pattinson‘s The Batman, audiences have seen a version of the hero that feels super real. While these takes have been interesting, fans are now craving something a little different.
It feels like people are starting to get tired of watching the same version of Batman, one that has remained largely unchanged since the 2000s. With a new generation of fans emerging, maybe it’s time for a fresh take.
This conversation is already buzzing on social media, especially following James Gunn‘s announcement about the new phase of the DCU:
NEED the DCU Batman to fight like this please pic.twitter.com/ddwuCzDYqD
— Peezy🦇❄️ (@DCUDarkKnight) November 2, 2024
And we also NEED DCU Batman to be fully fantastical
No more realistic grounded Batman ❌
— DoomBlazer 🍥 (@DoomBlazer23) November 2, 2024
Riiight. Seriously. Let Matt Reeves do the realistic, grounded, Batman thing. The DCU Batman should absolutely be fantastical.
— Justin (@TheGame21x) November 3, 2024
I agree bro I’m not so much as tired of the realistic side but I do want to see a switch up & do something a little bit different for Batman. I think James Gunn might give us the fantastical Batman.
— Dezzy D (@DezzyDofficial) November 2, 2024
When Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice directed by Zack Snyder hit theaters, fans could get a taste of something different, especially with the intense fight scene in the warehouse. However, many viewers are eager to see the superhero taken to an even greater level, similar to his portrayal in the DCAU.
When thinking about it, this aesthetic and more realistic tone that has become so familiar, might have been a strategy to attract a broader audience — those who enjoy blockbuster hero films but aren’t necessarily fans of the genre itself. It’s almost like trying to fit Batman into a box to ensure commercial success.
Whether it’s in superhero movies or any adapted film, people want authenticity and loyalty to the source material. Gunn appears to be aware of this demand and has already hinted at what’s in store for the new phase of the DCU. Maybe the audience’s wishes will finally come true.
What To Expect From Batman In The New DCU?
In 2022, the CEO of DC Studios answered a fan’s question online about the iconic character. Following Snyder’s film, Batman made a return with Pattinson, but that production was separate from the main universe, similar to Joaquin Phoenix‘s Joker.
However, according to Gunn, Batman will play a significant role moving forward:
He’s a big part of the DCU.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022
Narratively, Gunn appears to be heading in the right direction. To attain the consistency and success that the MCU has achieved, for example, he’ll need to take on a supervisory role like Kevin Feige‘s, closely overseeing each project to ensure a cohesive vision. This approach would allow for a deeper exploration of Batman’s dynamics with other heroes, particularly within the Justice League context.
Gunn has also promised to create a universe with connections between films, series, animations, and even video games. With these developments, it’s safe to say that there are real hopes for a superhero portrayed in a more fantastical setting.
It’s important to note that Matt Reeves‘ The Batman: Part II is in the works, and the director has hinted that the sequel will also have fantastical elements, though not completely detached from reality. However, this could offer a fresh opportunity for those who are open to exploring a different take on the hero’s story.
