DC Studios co-chief James Gunn mentioned in a current Leisure Weekly interview that Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson‘s “The Batman Half II” stays an “essential” tentpole for the corporate, opposite to reviews that Gunn cares extra about launching the brand new DC Universe with movies like this July’s “Superman.” Reeves’ Caped Crusader films exist within the “Batman Epic Crime Saga,” which exists outdoors of Gunn’s DCU and contains properties just like the hit sequence “The Penguin”

“What Matt’s doing remains to be actually essential, regardless of all tales on the contrary,” Gunn mentioned. “We’re imagined to see that script shortly, and I can’t wait.”

It’s been a protracted growth street for “The Batman” sequel, which Warner Bros. delayed late yr from Oct. 2, 2026 to Oct. 1, 2027. The primary film, which launched Pattinson as the brand new Darkish Knight, opened in theaters in 2022 and grossed  $772 million on the worldwide field workplace. Pattinson mentioned on his “Mickey 17” press tour earlier this yr that he was greater than able to get again in costume.

“I fucking hope so,” Pattinson answered when co-star Naomi Ackie requested if he can be taking part in Batman once more quickly. “I began out as younger Batman and I’m going to be fucking previous Batman by the sequel.. I’m 38, I’m previous.”

Pattinson spoke to Selection on the “Mickey 17” premiere in London and mentioned he anticipated to be filming “The Batman Half II” by the top of 2025. “And I do know what it’s about however I can’t inform anybody,” he added, “however it’s like, it’s very cool. It’s very thrilling.”

Whereas “The Batman” sequel will now open greater than 5 years after the unique, Gunn has defended the delay on social media by writing: “To be honest, a 5-year hole or extra is pretty frequent in sequels. 7 years between ‘Alien’ and ‘Aliens.’ 14 years between ‘Incredibles.’ 7 years between the primary two ‘Terminators.’ 13 years between ‘Avatars.’ 36 years between ‘High Weapons.’ And, after all, 6 years between ‘Guardians Vol 2’ and ‘Vol 3.’”

“Matt [Reeves] is dedicated to creating one of the best movie he presumably can, and nobody can precisely guess precisely how lengthy a script will take to put in writing,” Gunn added in a separate put up. “As soon as there’s a completed script, there’s round two years for pre-production, taking pictures and post-production on massive movies.”

Gunn has harassed repeatedly that no film will go into manufacturing underneath the DC Studios banner and not using a accomplished script. His DC Universe kicks off this summer time with “Superman,” in theaters July 11.