I was so tempted to NOT write this piece and I can already tell the title will have certain people adamantly disagree. I should tell because up until a few weeks ago, I was one of those people. It's funny how things can change, huh?
Below are a list of reasons behind my new stance. Agree, disagree. Just be civil about it either way.
Less Complications: The biggest reason behind my new stance might not be a selfless one but here it is. The less complications DC has moving forward as a cinematic franchise, the better. Whether certain people are willing to admit it or not, having two live action versions of Batman at the same time will both overstretch the general audience and have more infighting among DC fans. Both of these things should be avoided moving with this franchise.
Comic Book Movie Fatigue: Which, according to some fans on social media doesn't exist. Hate to burst your bubble but it flipping does exist and if the way the comic book movies have performed internationally hasn't proved that, then what will? Iconic as Batman is, do you really think international audiences who are showing less interest in the genre want to see two versions of the same character? Not anymore they don't. Robert Pattinson has already proved himself in the role. Another actor, talented as they are might could struggle to win over everyone else.
The Gunn/Reeves Dynamic: I think we can all agree that with James Gunn, regardless of how you feel about him, he's been pretty respectful of Matt Reeves and has even defended the latter when fans accused Reeves of being too slow with the script for
The Batman - Part II. Are you seriously telling me that Gunn/Reeves couldn't work something out that benefits both of them as filmmakers and doesn't confuse fans/general audiences?
The Brave And The Bold: Let's be honest, does anyone genuinely believe this movie will see the light of day? Or that Andy Muschietti will still direct it? Think very long and very hard before answering that question. It's been over two and a half years since this movie has been announced and not a single bit of tangible progress seems to have been made. The idea has always felt like a backup plan and the longer we don't get any progress with it, the less likely it'll happen.
Matt Reeves Other Involvement: Doesn't anyone else find it rather odd that Matt Reeves has become involved in other Batman related projects that are not a part of his Epic Crime Universe? There's his role on Amazon Prime animated show, Batman: Caped Crusader and he's going to be a producer on the upcoming Clayface movie, starring Tom Rhys Harries. Does Reeves really need to be involved in Batman related projects if they're not in the same continuity as his universe with Robert Pattinson? Think about it for a moment.
Not Shutting The Rumour Down: Another thing that's hard not to think about is James Gunn doing very little to properly shut down the idea of a merge. Things like officially casting an actor for the DCU Batman, confirming the writer and director for The Brave And The Bold and giving that movie a potential release date would help put this whole merger idea to bed. The longer that James Gunn avoids doing any of that, the more likely a merging feels. Prove me wrong, James. Prove me wrong.
Moving Forward: Looking at DC for the next while, we've got the second season of Peacemaker, which will be having some Multiverse hijinks, then there's the detective themed HBO show Lanterns as well as a space revenge story with Supergirl. That's before we get to a Superman (2025) follow up that's been confirmed and of course The Batman - Part II, both likely to be released in 2027. Superman and Batman movies in the same year feels right. Sequels too I might add.
David Zaslav: I think people are also forgetting there's a pecking order at play too. Matt Reeves is answerable to James Gunn and Peter Safran but Gunn/Safran are also answerable to David Zaslav. The latter has made it clear that he doesn't want multiple versions of Batman at once and has cancelled multiple DC projects over the years. It's also no coincidence that Wonder Woman has been sped up while things like The Authority are looking less likely to happen. Zaslav wants instant results and very likely could make Gunn/Reeves merge. I certainly wouldn't put it past him to do such a thing.
They Just Look Good Together: Seriously, they do. You put images of Robert Pattinson and David Corenswet together and it feels right. I could genuinely see their versions of Batman and Superman playing off each other so well. Robert Pattinson wouldn't need to appear in multiple DCU projects outside a potential third movie in his own universe and a World's Finest team up and maybe one Justice League event to see out the DCU. That would be it at most.
The DCU Batman Fancasts Suck: Seriously, they really do. No matter how much comic book movie social media tries to convince me of the likes of Jensen Ackles, Alan Ritchson or Brandon Sklenar to name the three most overused fancasts choices, the more I'm reminded those men and other mentioned names are either too old for the part, don't look/give Batman vibes, aren't strong enough actors compared to Robert Pattinson or are even compelling to watch. Why take the risk when you already have a well received live action Batman who could go easily toe to toe with David Corenswet's Superman? And if Deadpool can get around originating in it's own space before being brought into the MCU, why can't the same happen with The Batman and the DCU without compromising Matt Reeves vision or Robert Pattinson's availability? It can be done.
Those are my thoughts on the matter. Should a merge happen? In my opinion, yes and for the stated reasons above. Will it happen? Right now, I'd say it's odds are 50/50. Time will tell though. Thoughts anyone?
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