Matt Reeves’ Batman series, which debuted with the critical and commercial success of The Batman (2022), has become known for its gritty, realistic approach, staying away from the more fantastical elements of the DC universe. Reeves’ take, including his reinvention of characters like the Riddler, has found a dedicated audience for its darker, noir-inspired tone.
In contrast, Gunn’s DCU embraces the more colorful, comic-book origins of its heroes. Upcoming projects, such as Superman: Legacy (2025), will introduce more fantastical characters like Krypto the Superdog, Metamorpho, and Mister Terrific, reflecting a tone that contrasts sharply with Reeves’ grounded universe. This divergence presents a strategic dilemma: two distinct Batman universes could appeal to different audience segments, but they also risk confusing casual moviegoers who may struggle to understand why Robert Pattinson’s Batman and the DCU’s Batman co-exist in separate worlds.
Beyond audience confusion, this dual-Batman strategy poses significant business challenges. Warner Bros. Discovery would face the difficult task of managing two separate Batman merchandise lines, potentially diluting the brand or confusing younger consumers.
