James Gunn Is Now Working On 3 Batman Spin-off Movies

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DC Studios has four projects in the works that expand on the Batman universe, even though Batman himself won’t appear in them. James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, is in charge of all DC films and TV shows. These projects fall into two categories: some are part of the main, connected DC Universe (DCU), while others are standalone stories labeled as DC Elseworlds.

James Gunn is involved with two different Batman projects, both at various stages of development. One is the sequel to the 2022 film The Batman, officially titled The Batman Part II, and starring Robert Pattinson. This sequel is part of DC’s Elseworlds line and is currently scheduled for release on October 1, 2027.

Another exciting project in the new DC Universe is titled The Brave and the Bold. This will be the first film in the franchise to really focus on Batman and Bruce Wayne, but it’s still a ways off. According to Gunn, they’re currently refining the script to make sure it’s perfect.

Besides those two films, I’m really excited because there are a bunch of other Batman projects – both TV series and movies – being developed! And thankfully, we won’t have to wait too long to start seeing them.

All Batman Spin-Off Movies and TV Shows in Active Development at DC Studios

Clayface

Out of all the projects DC Studios is developing based on Batman characters, the Clayface movie is the most advanced in its development. Filming finished months ago, and it’s currently scheduled to be released in October 2026. While James Gunn isn’t directing – that’s James Watkins – Gunn did review and approve the script written by Mike Flanagan and kept an eye on the entire production process.

The upcoming movie Clayface, intended for mature audiences, will be a terrifying body horror story within the DC Universe. It will tell the origin story of Matt Hagen, an actor whose life is changed forever when a terrible accident leaves him disfigured and transforms him into Clayface. Originally planned for a September release, the movie has been delayed and will now premiere in time for Halloween.

I’m so excited about this new DC movie! James Gunn recently shared that the script, written by Mike Flanagan, was amazing – so good, in fact, that it wasn’t even on the original plan for the DCU’s first chapter. He said the team just had to make it happen and bring Clayface into the universe as quickly as possible. It’s awesome to see them being so responsive to great material!

Bane & Deathstroke

The DC Studios project, Bane & Deathstroke, is currently under development and progressing at a steady rate. This spin-off from The Batman will team up two of Batman’s most famous enemies, and is potentially aiming for a similar dynamic to Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine, but with a focus on villains.

Matthew Orton finished writing the script for Bane & Deathstroke around October 2025. The next step was for James Gunn and Peter Safran to review and approve it.

It’s currently unknown when production will begin or what the story will be about, but a Batman spin-off featuring Bane and Deathstroke is planned for the future.

Dynamic Duo

Although the animated film Dynamic Duo isn’t scheduled to come out until June 30, 2028—over two years from now—production is already underway. Swaybox Studios, the animation studio behind the film, has even given fans a first look at the project.

The movie will center on two different characters who have been Robin – Dick Grayson and Jason Todd – teaming up to defeat a villain in Gotham City. It’s currently unknown whether the film will be a standalone story outside the main DC Universe, or part of the larger DCU, but it’s definitely connected to the Batman world.

TV – The Penguin Season 2

When The Penguin premiered on HBO Max in 2024, it was a huge hit. Both viewers and critics loved the show, calling it outstanding, and there’s strong demand for a second season.

I’m really hoping we get a second season of The Penguin! HBO and DC haven’t officially said ‘yes’ yet, but people who worked on the show have hinted it’s possible. They’ve even talked about what would need to happen to make it happen, which gives me some hope that it’s still on the table.

Okay, so the latest news about Season 2 was a little disheartening. It felt like Peter Safran, one of the heads of DC Studios, was subtly hinting that we might not get a Season 2, honestly. But I’m holding onto hope – I suspect both Gunn and Safran haven’t completely dismissed the idea and are probably still brainstorming ways to make it happen down the line. They seem to be keeping their options open, which is good enough for me for now.

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2026-03-16 10:05