New DCU Batman revealed in James Gunn’s Creature Commandos

Whenever Batman isn’t in a DC movie or series, all other characters should ask, “Where’s Batman?” This classic scene from “The Simpsons” proved prophetic for many fans when they saw The Penguin, the spin-off series set in the standalone sequel to Matt Reeves’ The Batman… mostly because it was never an actual appearance by Robert Pattinson’s Batman (for good reason).as it turns out). Still, fans were looking forward to a very different debut from Gotham’s Dark Knight. As James Gunn launches his new, interconnected DC Universe, it’s only a matter of time before everyone’s favorite masked vigilante returns to the big screen.

However, that moment came a little quicker — and in a completely different medium — than most viewers would have expected. Those who have kept up with HBO’s “Creature Commandos,” the 2021 animated sequel to “The Suicide Squad,” received a most welcome surprise in the latest episode. While the story primarily deals with the dregs of the DC rogues gallery, led by the terribly lovable Weasel and his ragtag band of renegades, the series’ writing team found an opportunity to point to the larger franchise surrounding these characters. They gave us our first official look at the new Batman from the DC Universe. In Episode 6, titled “Priyatel Skelet,” a series of flashbacks show how scientist Alexander Sartorius transformed into the radioactive Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk). The tragic story ends with the villain being captured by none other than Batman.

According to Gunn, he didn’t take this cameo lightly.

Okay, let’s show our hand: Of all the places where James Gunn’s new version of Batman appeared for the very first time, who had “Creature Commandos” at the top of the list? While natural landing spots could have included a cameo appearance the upcoming “Superman” film or, most obviously, his starring role in Director Andy Muschietti’s planned “The Brave and the Bold” filmThe Caped Crusader jumped the gun by appearing in the HBO animated series. In a video posted by Rotten tomatoesBoth Gunn and Dean Lorey, showrunner and executive producer of Creature Commandos, explained the thought process behind this decision.

Confirming that this is indeed our first look at the DCU Batman, Gunn further explained why this scene was significantly shortened compared to its original concept:

“When they first gave me (the episode), we saw a lot more Batman. And I said, ‘I’m not ready to commit to this, I’m not ready to commit to this, I’m not ready to do this.’ commit to it.’ So I just thought, “More silhouette, more silhouette, more silhouette.” I think it’s a great way to show that Batman already exists in this universe. Just like we see in the movie Superman that Superman already exists and that the people of Metropolis already know him, I don’t need to listen to the (Batman) origin story again. That’s just a way of making it clear that Batman is a part of this universe, he’s an important part of this universe and he has an impact on it.

We assume that many people will be upset about the fact that we have already been robbed another After the grim alley scene ends with the traumatic murder of Bruce Wayne’s beloved parents for the millionth time in live-action, we just have to trust that Gunn knows what he’s doing here. While we wait for updates on The Brave and the Bold, Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025.