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Fans of Batman’s cinematic adventures – which, historically speaking, includes millions worldwide – are baffled and increasingly frustrated by James Gunn’s creative team selection for the DCU’s upcoming Batman film. This new Batman will exist separately from Robert Pattinson’s version, instead sharing the universe with the recently introduced Superman character.
Andy Muschietti has been loosely attached to direct the DCU Batman project for several years. Many assumed his involvement would end following the critical and commercial disappointment of 2023’s The Flash, which he directed to widespread criticism.
Yet in a move that’s raised eyebrows across the industry, not only is Muschietti still potentially directing (scheduling permitting), but Christina Hodson has been tapped to write the screenplay. This decision has triggered more concern among fans, as Hodson’s blockbuster credits include the modestly received Bumblebee and Birds of Prey — along with the poorly received The Flash.
Batman Fans Voice Their Concerns
Following trade reports confirming Hodson and Muschietti’s involvement, Batman enthusiasts quickly took to social media with their reactions.
mind you sam raimi is practically begging to make a batman movie https://t.co/2RXakuwGME
— doctor idk (@bigmonkeong) January 21, 2026
matt reeves seeing his batman competition https://t.co/zAFeTnuz7G pic.twitter.com/G9rEMDHXNs
— Axel 🦇 (@AxelTalksFilm) January 21, 2026
“Batman has genuinely never looked worse on screen than when being directed by Andy Muschietti. This makes Batman & Robin and Josstice League look like Blade Runner,” wrote one fan, referencing Batman’s appearance in The Flash.
The frustration extends beyond just the director choice.
“I am not a big shot Hollywood executive, but to me, hiring the director and now the writer of one of the previous regime’s most calamitous flops to reboot Batman does not seem like a promising path forward,” another fan observed.
Some expressed concerns about the potential tone shift: “Goofier, quips every 15 seconds, annoying brats for sidekicks, monsters, superhero cameos and don’t forget a bad writer and bad director. Gotta make sure it’s the opposite of THE BATMAN.”
The contrast with Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed take on the character appears to be a sticking point for many. “Can you imagine if Matt Reeves wasn’t doing The Batman 2 and this was all fans had to look forward to? What a chilling thought,” one comment read.
Several pointed out that Batman’s cultural significance could attract top-tier talent. “DC knows this is Batman right? Could probably easily get Sam Raimi, Spielberg, hell maybe even James Cameron if they really tried. And we are settling for not even a b-tier writer, this is basically someone who has only written flops let’s be real.”
DCU fans forcing themselves to like the latest DCU Batman update pic.twitter.com/Ub8yWbhAtR
— Hernandy D. Morales (@hernandy_s) January 21, 2026
The DCU’s Upcoming Slate
The DCU will officially launch with James Gunn’s Superman in July 2025, followed by Supergirl starring Milly Alcock on June 26, 2026. You can check out the official Supergirl trailer below.
September 2026 will bring an unexpected addition to the franchise with Clayface — an eccentric creative choice focusing on the shape-shifting B-tier Batman villain rather than a more established character.
