Ranking the Anticipated Batman Movie Appearances of the Future

Batman is set to join the new DC Universe soon, with five Batman movie appearances already planned by DC. It's surprising to see the Dark Knight featured in so many simultaneous live-action adaptations, considering his popularity as DC's most beloved hero. In a span of two years, Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, George Clooney, and Robert Pattinson have all portrayed their versions of Batman in theatrical films. Affleck, Keaton, and Clooney appeared in The Flash, while Pattinson took the lead in The Batman.

With the DCEU coming to an end, Batman will be recast for James Gunn's DCU. Exciting new adventures await the live-action movie Batman, but DC also has bold plans for the character in the animated realm. Bruce Wayne has been a prominent figure in animated series, starting with the iconic Batman: The Animated Series. The character has been featured in various animated shows and movies, showcasing DC's creativity at its finest. Batman's upcoming movie appearances will include a mix of live-action and animation.

Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths - Part 2 Helps End The Tomorrowverse

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Batman, Robins and Batgirl Gathering To Fight Army Of Shadows In Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths Part 2 - Release Date: April 23, 2024 - Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths - Part 2 Helps End The Tomorrowverse

Batman has been a familiar face in DC's animated movies, appearing in various shared universes. The latest shared animated movie universe from DC is known as the Tomorrowverse, where popular DCU Batman fancast actor Jensen Ackles (known for Supernatural) voices Bruce Wayne. Ackles initially voiced Jason Todd, the second Robin, in the highly acclaimed animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood, before eventually taking on the role of the Dark Knight himself in later years. Ackles, who also plays Soldier Boy in The Boys, has starred in two solo animated films as Bruce Wayne — Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One and Part Two.

Ackles has not only starred in two Batman movies but has also lent his voice to the character in team-up films. Currently, the Tomorrowverse is in the midst of its three-part finale, with the trailer for Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part 2 giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from Ackles' Batman and the rest of the Bat-Family in the movie.

The second installment of the Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths trilogy will feature Will Friedle reprising his role as Terry McGinnis/Batman Beyond. This exciting announcement has generated anticipation for the movie, as Friedle will portray the DC hero for the first time since a 2014 short film, where he will interact with various members of the Bat-Family.

Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios Is A Fresh Elseworlds Story

Release Date: TBD

Batman Azteca in first official Image - Release Date: TBD - Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios Is A Fresh Elseworlds Story

The first official image of Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios has recently been unveiled. This new movie will center around the Dark Knight, but with a twist - Bruce Wayne will not be the main character. Instead, the film will explore a fresh direction for the franchise. Batman Azteca will capture the essence of the character and incorporate some of his iconic villains in a unique storyline focused on themes of loss and justice. Unlike the typical Gotham City backdrop, this animated film will transport viewers to ancient Mexico during the time of the Aztec Empire.

Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths - Part 3 Sees A Final Reunion Between Two DC Legends

In the third installment of Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths, fans can expect a final reunion between two iconic DC legends.

Release Date: Late 2024

Batman and the Joker in Batman The Animated Series - Release Date: Late 2024 - Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths - Part 3 Sees A Final Reunion Between Two DC Legends

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part 3 is set to be one of DC's most thrilling upcoming movies. It will serve as the final installment of the Tomorrowverse, bringing the shared DC animated movie universe to a close just before Gunn's new DC Universe debuts. This new universe will feature actors portraying their roles in both live-action and animation. Moreover, the movie will be a significant multiverse event, incorporating characters from past animated movies and series alongside Ackles' Batman and other beloved heroes.

In a surprising turn of events, Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker are confirmed to make an appearance in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part 3. This marks the last collaboration between the legendary duo, particularly as Conroy sadly passed away in 2022. Given that the Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game, previously believed to be Conroy's final Batman performance, did not meet expectations, having Conroy's final portrayal as Batman opposite Hamill's Joker from their Batman: The Animated Series days is truly fitting. Hamill has also stated that he will no longer voice the Joker following Conroy's passing, making this joint performance their ultimate farewell as these iconic characters.

Check out all of Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part 3's Tomorrowverse actor debuts below:

The Brave and the Bold Reboots Batman For James Gunn's DC Universe

Release Date: TBD

Bruce and Damian Wayne in The Brave and the Bold promo comic book art - Release Date: TBD - The Brave and the Bold Reboots Batman For James Gunn's DC Universe

Exciting news for Batman fans! Gunn has just announced The Brave and the Bold as part of the upcoming DC Universe Chapter One. This new Batman reboot will introduce a version of Robin to the big screen, something that hasn't been done since the 1997 movie Batman & Robin. The focus of The Brave and the Bold will be on Bruce Wayne discovering that he has a biological son named Damian Wayne. The movie will explore their relationship as they get to know each other and build a bond.

While Damian will play the main Robin in the movie, it doesn't mean that previous superheroes who have taken on the sidekick role won't make an appearance. Director Gunn has shared that other members of the Bat-Family will be featured in The Brave and the Bold, although he hasn't disclosed their identities yet.

The Batman reboot will be directed by DC veteran Andy Muschietti, known for his work on The Flash. Despite some flaws in The Flash, the movie was still a captivating and emotional experience, especially the scenes with Batman played by Keaton and Affleck.

The Batman - Part II Continues A Successful Franchise

There is still uncertainty about who will portray Batman in The Brave and the Bold. Director Gunn has clarified that there is no script for the movie yet, so casting decisions will only be made after the script is finalized. Fans are hoping to see Jensen Ackles, who currently voices the character in the animated Tomorrowverse, or Alan Ritchson from Reacher, take on the role of Bruce Wayne in the DCU.

Release Date: October 3, 2025

Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne Hanging From A Wire in The Batman - Release Date: October 3, 2025 - The Batman - Part II Continues A Successful Franchise

Director Matt Reeves' The Batman is being hailed as one of the best Batman movies, alongside The Dark Knight. The film creates a dark and gothic Gotham City that feels like a character itself, providing the perfect backdrop for Robert Pattinson's portrayal of Bruce Wayne. Pattinson delivers a powerful performance, showcasing a Batman in the early stages of his crime-fighting career. This decision allows for moments of failure, humanizing the hero in a way that his more seasoned self would not.

Despite the DCU reboot, Pattinson's Batman will continue to exist in his own separate universe. The upcoming sequel, The Batman - Part II, is set to be a part of DC's Elseworlds movies. While details of the plot are still under wraps, it has been revealed that the film will tie in with The Penguin series, starring Colin Farrell. The sequel may reintroduce characters like Jim Gordon, Catwoman, the Joker, and the Riddler, while also introducing new iconic villains from the comics to Pattinson's Rogues Gallery. This continuation of the Batman story is definitely something to look forward to.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming slate of Batman movies and animated films promises to be a thrilling and diverse exploration of the iconic character. The live-action adaptations, including "The Flash," "The Brave and the Bold," and "The Batman - Part II," will showcase different interpretations of Bruce Wayne and his allies, each with its own unique storyline and cinematic vision. The animated films, such as "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part 2" and "Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios," will delve into imaginative and alternate realities, expanding the Batman mythos in captivating ways.

The simultaneous presence of multiple Batmen on screen is a testament to the enduring popularity of the character and the creative possibilities he offers. From the brooding intensity of Pattinson's portrayal to the animated adventures of Ackles and Conroy, each Batman will bring a distinct flavor to the cinematic landscape. The upcoming films and animated projects promise to deliver a wide range of Batman experiences, catering to the diverse preferences of fans worldwide.