James Gunn confirms Chris Pratt will not play Batman in the DCU but says the Guardians of the Galaxy star could still take on another role.
James Gunn is shutting down one of the biggest fan theories about the future of the DC Universe. During an appearance on the PelucheEn ElEstuche YouTube channel, the DC Studios co-CEO was asked directly if longtime collaborator Chris Pratt could suit up as Batman. James Gunn’s response was clear: “As Batman? No. As something else? Yes.”
The confirmation puts an end to ongoing speculation that Chris Pratt, best known as Peter Quill/Star-Lord in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, might be in the running to play Bruce Wayne in the new DCU. While James Gunn ruled out the Dark Knight role, his comments leave the door wide open for Chris Pratt to potentially step into another character within the expanding franchise.
James Gunn and Chris Pratt have a long history of working together, with James Gunn directing all three Guardians of the Galaxy films released between 2014 and 2023. Since 2022, James Gunn has shifted from Marvel to DC, taking over as co-CEO of DC Studios and spearheading a bold reboot of the superhero universe under the banner of Chapter One.
One of the most anticipated titles from that slate is The Brave and the Bold, a new Batman film separate from Matt Reeves’ The Batman series starring Robert Pattinson. Despite being announced more than two years ago, the DCU’s Bruce Wayne has yet to be cast, and progress on the project appears to be slow.
James Gunn has also teased that Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman will eventually cross paths in the DCU. For now, only Superman has made his debut in the new continuity, with David Corenswet taking on the role of the Man of Steel in Superman, which premiered earlier this summer as the franchise’s first theatrical release.
Meanwhile, the small-screen side of the DCU is active with Peacemaker season 2, which is currently dropping new episodes weekly on HBO Max.
With James Gunn confirming Chris Pratt won’t be Gotham’s protector, fans are left to wonder which role—if any—the actor might eventually take in the DCU’s future.
