James Gunn on if Superman & Batman Have Already Met in DCU
During an interview with ExtraTV, DC Studios co-head and Superman director James Gunn teased the possibility that Superman and Batman may have already crossed paths in the DCU.
When asked how Superman would react to meeting Batman, Gunn responded, 'Well, first of all, we don't know if he's already seen a man dressed up as a bat.' He added, 'But I think that he'd probably see a kindred spirit in that [here's] another crazy person wearing a crazy costume [albeit] with a very different intent.'
Gunn previously confirmed that the Superman film begins with the character already three years into his hero career. This timeline suggests that Batman may have also been active during this period, raising the possibility of an off-screen meeting. Gunn suggested that their relationship in the new DC Universe will likely reflect mutual respect and camaraderie, similar to their 'World's Finest' dynamic in several comic arcs.
In the comics, Superman and Batman have shifted between uneasy allies and close friends. Their canonical first meeting occurred in Superman #76 (1952), where Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne uncovered each other's identities during a cruise ship crisis. Later retellings in Man of Steel #3 (1986) and Justice League (New 52, 2011) offered different versions of the encounter, often portraying Batman as the more experienced hero.
Earlier, Gunn also spoke with ComicBook.com about Superman's costume choices, confirming that the character will wear trunks. He revealed that lead actor David Corenswet influenced the decision, emphasizing Superman's desire to appear hopeful and non-threatening. Gunn explained, 'He dresses like a professional wrestler…in a way that makes people unafraid of him.'
Superman releases in theaters on July 11, 2025.
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