Warner Bros. Reveals Major Update for DC’s Future as James Gunn’s DCU Faces Major Setback

The DC Universe may be in the middle of building a new interconnected franchise under James Gunn and Peter Safran, but DC Studios’ biggest strength could end up being the projects that exist outside of that shared universe.

While the DCU continues to expand with the newly released Supergirl (2026) and the upcoming films, Clayface (2026) and Man of Tomorrow (2027), Warner Bros. and DC Studios are also continuing to invest heavily in standalone stories, many of which fall under DC’s “Elseworlds” branding.

Warner Bros. and DC Confirm Major Delay

That strategy is about to continue with The Batman Part II, the long-awaited sequel to Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed The Batman (2022). However, fans hoping to return to Gotham City will now have to wait even longer.

Following several previous delays, The Batman Part II has been pushed back once again, with the sequel now expected to arrive in February 2028 rather than its previously announced October 1, 2027 release date.

The movie was originally scheduled for October 3, 2025, before being delayed to 2026 and then pushed back another year to allow additional time for the script to be completed.

Related: First Part of New R-Rated ‘Batman’ Film Trilogy Shares Official Teaser

The DCU Struggles at the Box Office

The delay comes as DC Studios faces challenges with the performance of its theatrical releases. Superman (2025), written and directed by Gunn and starring David Corenswet, earned $618.7 million worldwide during its theatrical run. However, the film carried a reported production budget of $225 million, along with a reported $125 million global marketing campaign.

Meanwhile, Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Milly Alcock, has struggled at the box office, earning only $121 million worldwide against a reported production budget of $170–186 million. The film has also received negative reviews from critics and audiences.

Despite those challenges, the DCU slate remains in place, with Clayface scheduled for October 23, 2026, followed by Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow on July 9, 2027.

The Batman Part II, however, exists separately from Gunn and Safran’s franchise. The movie is part of Reeves’ The Batman Epic Crime Saga rather than the DCU, meaning Robert Pattinson’s version of the Dark Knight will not be connected to the upcoming DCU Batman movie, The Brave and the Bold (TBA).

Directed by Andi Muschietti (The Flash, 2023), The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman for the shared universe. However, no release date has been announced.

More Standalone Batman Projects in the Works

In the meantime, DC’s standalone Batman projects continue to grow. Animated titles including Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall, the Absolute Batman adaptation, and the second season of Batman: Caped Crusader (2024) are also in development.

The Batman Part II stars Robert Pattinson, with returning cast members including Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb, Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon, and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth. New additions include Scarlett Johansson, Charles Dance, Sebastian Stan, Brian Tyree Henry, and Sebastian Koch.

How do you feel about The Batman Part II being delayed yet again? Do you think DC and Warner Bros. are trying to keep it as far away from the DCU as possible? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!