The Bat Signal Is Out, But Chris Pratt Won't Be Answering: James Gunn Shuts Down Fan Casting

The internet is a wild and wonderful place, especially when it comes to fan theories and casting speculation for beloved superhero franchises. Recently, one particular piece of fan casting began to gather significant momentum, much to the amusement and, at times, consternation of the wider DC fanbase: Chris Pratt as the new Batman for James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe.

Known for his charismatic portrayal of Star-Lord in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, and more recently, lending his voice to beloved characters like Mario and Garfield, Pratt certainly has the star power and a growing portfolio of iconic roles.

It wasn't long before concept art depicting Pratt in the cowl started circulating, fueling a passionate, albeit niche, campaign among some fans who saw him as a potential fit for the Dark Knight. The idea sparked lively debates across social media platforms, with supporters citing his range and ability to balance humor with intensity, while skeptics questioned if he truly embodied the gravitas required for the Caped Crusader.

However, the speculation carousel came to a screeching halt when DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn himself stepped in to offer a definitive statement.

Known for his candid interactions with fans on social media, Gunn took to Threads to address the persistent rumors head-on. "I keep seeing this fake fan art of Chris Pratt as Batman," Gunn wrote, cutting straight to the chase. His follow-up left no room for ambiguity: "For the record, I have better ideas than this."

Gunn’s directness, while perhaps deflating for Pratt's proponents, served as a clear signal of the creative direction he and Peter Safran are steering the DCU.

It's not the first time Gunn has used social media to manage expectations or debunk inaccurate reports, a strategy that often provides clarity amidst the constant churn of rumors surrounding major franchises. His response effectively closes the chapter on Chris Pratt’s potential candidacy for the Gotham vigilante, affirming that the studio's vision for Batman is already well underway and does not involve the Guardians of the Galaxy star.

The new DCU Batman is slated to be introduced in "The Brave and the Bold," a highly anticipated film that will not only feature a fresh take on Bruce Wayne but will also bring his estranged, assassin-trained son, Damian Wayne, into the fold as Robin.

This particular iteration promises a more grounded, family-centric approach to the Bat-mythos, drawing inspiration from Grant Morrison's acclaimed comic book run. With such a specific and detailed direction already planned, it's understandable why Gunn would want to quash any misinterpretations or distracting fan campaigns.

While Chris Pratt’s time as a potential Batman has now officially ended before it even truly began, the excitement for who will ultimately don the cowl in Gunn's DCU remains at an all-time high.

With "The Brave and the Bold" shaping up to be a pivotal piece of the new DC Universe, fans eagerly await further announcements, confident that Gunn and his team are dedicated to delivering a Caped Crusader worthy of the legacy, with ideas that, according to the man himself, are indeed "better."