Ben Affleck's version of the character, it's now revealed that the much-anticipated blockbuster will exist outside of the established DCEU canon.
Not much is known regarding plot specifics for The Batman which is currently slated to release next year. Principal photography was underway when it had to be shut down for health purposes due to the coronavirus pandemic. That said, the cast and crew are reportedly gearing up to restart filming next month. Aside from the official character look for Pattinson's Batman, not to mention a couple other reveals including The Batman's logo, it's also revealed that the narrative will feature the character in his second year as the Bat of Gotham. For a time, fans have tried to theorize how this new take on the DC hero will fit in the already established DCEU continuity, but not it's been officially confirmed that it will exist in its own separate universe.
During the Multiverse 101 at the ongoing DC FanDome, DC Films president Walter Hamada reveals that The Batman won't have any connections with the DCEU, which means that Pattinson's version of the character doesn't technically replace Affleck's older iteration of the same DC hero. He also pointed out that the separate universe will be more grounded compared to what fans have seen thus far in the DCEU.
Aside from The Batman and the DCEU, Hamada adds that Todd Phillips and Joaquin's Joker also exists in an entirely different universe. This means that Pattinson's Bruce Wayne can have an entirely different Clown Prince of Crime and it's not beholden to the Jared Leto or Phoenix's version of the character. In conjunction with that, if a Joker sequel is ever greenlit, they can move forward with their own Batman set-up in the original movie. Overall this is a great way to give filmmakers the creative freedom when it comes to their respective takes on these iconic characters.
That being said, it doesn't mean that characters from different universes will never interact. As the revealed, Warner Bros. is slowly establishing their DC multiverse, and just like what happened in Crisis on Infinite Earths special, they can crossover. This way, the films, and perhaps even the TV pockets of DC can build towards a big event similar to what The CW and Arrowverse executed. For now, with a clear separation between these movie universes, fans can stop theorizing about their supposed connection to each other and just enjoy them as they are.
Source: DC FanDome
