On the eve of the release of the new DC comic book superhero film, “The Flash,” director Andy Muschietti (“Mama,” “It”) has now boarded his next DC Studios project for Warner Bros. Discovery. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the directed has signed on for the next live-action “Batman” film, “The Brave and the Bold.”
The new feature is part of the DC Studios’ “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” phase of the new DC Universe; a new media franchise of film and television shows based on DC Comics properties.
‘The Flash’ Filmmaker Andy Muschietti Boards ‘The Brave and the Bold’ For DC Studios
DC Studios is gearing up the new DC Universe under the oversight of studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. “The Brave and the Bold” is a new feature that will introduce the DC film franchise’s new versions of Batman, aka Bruce Wayne, and Robin.
This version of Robin will be Damian Wayne, who is Bruce Wayne’s biological son in the comics’ continuity. When Bruce Wayne meets his son, Damian, he’s been raised as an assassin by the League of Shadows, headed by his mother Talia al Ghul, and grandfather Ra’s al Ghul.
On the eve of “The Flash” hitting theaters this week, Muschietti reportedly finalized a deal to helm “The Brave and the Bold.” There had been rumors of Muschietti’s involvement around town for weeks, and he was coy about the potential gig during the recent press tour for “The Flash.” THR notes that the deal was closed in time to coincide with the opening of “The Flash.”
Coincidentally, “The Flash” also features two different big-screen versions of Batman. The film features Ben Affleck reprising his role as The Dark Knight one last time. Also, the original big-screen actor for Batman, Michael Keaton, appears as Batman/Bruce Wayne once again in the film. It’s Keaton’s first time portraying Batman since “Batman Returns” was released in theaters 31 years ago in June 1992.
Gunn and Safran also confirmed in a statement to THR that Andy’s sister and producing partner, Barbara Muschietti, has signed on to produce the new “Batman” project. She has served as a producer on all of her brother’s previous films, including “It,” “It: Chapter Two,” and “The Flash.”
The upcoming “Batman” feature is described as “a very strange father-and-son story” by Gunn, as Batman now has to deal with his biological child who happens to be a cold-blooded killer and assassin. Damian Wayne was created by writer Grant Morrison and artist Andy Kubert.
In terms of writing talent, THR notes that “The Flash” movie writer Christina Hodson was circling “The Brave and the Bold” at one point, but later departed the project to work on a “Fast and Furious” film. Additionally, with the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), it’s up in the air when a new writer can be hired to pen the upcoming feature. Many major productions have been halted due to the ongoing WGA strike, which is currently in its second month.
As previously reported by The Blast, “Logan” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” filmmaker James Mangold was in negotiations to direct a new big-screen iteration of “Swamp Thing” for the new DC Universe roster. Meanwhile, “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad” director Gunn is attached to write and direct the new “Superman” film project, “Superman: Legacy.”
Other planned films in the DC Universe’s “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” initiative are “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” and “The Authority.” The initiative will also feature television shows, “The Lanterns,” “Waller,” and “Paradise Lost.”
DC Studios’ “The Brave and the Bold” and the new DC Universe features will operate independently from Matt Reeves Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman” film series. Reeves is attached to write and direct a sequel to the 2022 hit film, with Pattinson also signed to portray Batman, aka Bruce Wayne, once more. The sequel is expected to drop in 2025. However, strike issues might cause changes in that release date.
A spinoff television series for “The Batman,” “The Penguin,” is in the works as well. Colin Farrell reprises his role as the gangster and villain, Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin,” from “The Batman” for the upcoming series. The show will stream exclusively on Max in 2024.
DC Universe’s “The Brave and the Bold” does not yet have a release date. Muschietti’s newest film, “The Flash,” is now playing in theaters. The film stars controversial actor Ezra Miller, reprising their longtime role as Barry Allen, aka The Flash.
It also stars both Affleck and Keaton portraying Batman/Bruce Wayne, Sasha Calle as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, and Michael Shannon as General Zod.