DC Studios co-chairman Peter Safran has formally clarified Andy Muschietti's status on Batman: The Brave and the Bold: still attached conditionally on his reaction to Christina Hodson's developing screenplay.
For two years, Andy Muschietti's status on the DCU's flagship Batman project has been ambiguous. Officially he was announced as director at the same January 2023 slate event that launched Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Then The Flash (2023) underperformed, and trade reporters began questioning whether Muschietti would still helm the DCU's most important upcoming film. DC Studios has now clarified: Muschietti remains attached conditional on his reaction to Christina Hodson's developing screenplay.
Peter Safran's words: "We're developing the script right now, and we're going to show Andy when we have it in a place where we think it's ready." James Gunn added: "Then see if it's a great fit for him." Hodson — credited on Birds of Prey (2020) and The Flash (2023) — was confirmed as writer in January 2026. The decision-point on Muschietti's involvement lands between mid-2026 and early-2027.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold introduces both the new DCU Batman and his biological son Damian Wayne. The director choice shapes the film's tone and visual language for the next decade of DC Batman. The casting question — who plays the DCU's Bruce Wayne — remains unanswered. Gunn has said no actor will be cast until the script is locked. Our Who Could Play the Next Batman pillar continues tracking candidates.
If Muschietti passes, likely alternates include James Mangold (Logan), Joe Wright, and Matt Reeves himself (already running the parallel Elseworlds Batman with The Batman sequel due 2027). Earliest realistic theatrical release: late 2028 or early 2029. For broader context, see our DCEU/DCU hub.