In a recent discussion on his upcoming podcast, "The Suicide Squad: Is It Canon?" (set to premiere on HBO Max and digital platforms on October 30, 2026), James Gunn addressed a long-standing question about the age of his iteration of Batman. As reported by SlashFilm, Gunn confirmed that the DCU's Batman and Superman will be roughly the same age, stating, "roughly, Batman and Superman are around the same age, I don't think that they're drastically different ages. They're future best pals [...] contemporaries."

This revelation indicates that the new Batman will likely be in his early to mid-thirties, aligning with David Corenswet, who is 33 years old. This choice notably diverges from a potentially older, more grizzled Dark Knight often depicted in stories like The Dark Knight Returns, and also sets this version apart from Robert Pattinson's younger take in Matt Reeves' standalone Bat-verse, where Pattinson is 40. Fans can anticipate a comparatively spry and developing Caped Crusader as part of the DCU's foundational heroes.

While the casting for Batman remains unconfirmed, Gunn assured listeners that the process is moving forward. "it won't be too long" before he starts casting the new Batman, he hinted, though he was quick to quash any premature speculation, adding, "All the people thinking he's gonna show up in this or that, it's all bulls***." This suggests that while Batman exists within the DCU – having been glimpsed in animated silhouette in Creature Commandos and confirmed to be active during the events of Clayface – his full live-action debut might still be some time away.

This age constraint also impacts potential casting choices. For instance, actor Alan Ritchson, who is 43 and had been rumored for the role, would likely be out of contention for Batman, though he has reportedly met with DC Studios co-chairman Peter Safran for other potential roles, possibly in the upcoming Savage Hunters film.

Gunn further elaborated on his casting philosophy, emphasizing the importance of finding the best fit for the character over star power. "One of the things that excites me about casting Batman is being able to pick a Batman who's actually the best actor for that role," he explained. He noted that while Superman actors have historically been chosen for their acting prowess, Batman roles have often leaned towards established movie stars. This suggests that the DCU's Batman might be a fresh face, prioritizing talent and suitability for the long-term vision of the character.