James Gunn Isn’t “Anti-Batman” | Geeks and Gamers Just Missed the Point
Every few months, the same cycle repeats itself.
James Gunn says something thoughtful, nuanced, and clearly rooted in creative reality…
And a certain corner of YouTube or fandom immediately translates it into “GUNN BAD.”
This time, the target is Batman.
Following a Rolling Stone interview from June 2025, yeah, six months ago! Gunn’s comments about the Dark Knight have been deliberately stripped of context, flattened, and spun into a narrative that suggests Gunn finds Batman “boring” or doesn’t understand why the character works.
That interpretation isn’t just wrong. It’s intellectually lazy.
And honestly? A little disappointing… especially coming from outlets like Geeks and Gamers, who should know better by now.
Jeremy
One of the head honchos of Geeks and Gamers.
What James Gunn Actually Said (And Meant)
First let’s make sure there is complete context to what was being discussed and what James Gunn Said.
Excerpt from the Interview with Rolling Stone June 2025
Here’s the core of Gunn’s remarks, paraphrased plainly:
Batman is the biggest character Warner Bros. has, arguably the most famous superhero on the planet.
Batman must exist in the DCU, but he cannot simply be a copy of Matt Reeves’ version.
Gunn is not interested in a campy or joke-driven Batman.
The real challenge is finding a fresh “way in” for a character who has already been explored from every imaginable angle.
That’s not disrespect. That’s creative honesty that all artists look for when approaching things like this.
Gunn even contrasts Batman with Wonder Woman, pointing out something that is objectively true.
Batman has been portrayed constantly for decades. Wonder Woman has not.
This doesn’t mean Batman is lesser. It means Batman is harder.
The Part Geeks and Gamers Conveniently Ignored
This is where the narrative manipulation happens.
Geeks and Gamers frame Gunn’s comments as if he’s dismissing Batman or claiming the character no longer works while ironically citing The Batman as proof audiences still want grounded, serious takes.
But Gunn never argued otherwise. He In fact, in his comments supports that reality.
Batman has already been
Campy (Adam West, 1966)
Gothic and operatic (Tim Burton)
Neon and absurd (Schumacher)
Hyper-grounded realism (Christopher Nolan)
Noir detective (Matt Reeves)
Animated perfection across multiple eras
And see, that’s the point of his remarks.
So many Batman stories have been told over the years some even multiple times. So the question Gunn is asking isn’t
“Does Batman still work?”
It’s actually
“How do we make him feel essential, fresh, and exciting again—without repeating ourselves?”
That’s not a red flag. That’s exactly the type of questions a creative lead should be asking.
“Boring” Does Not Mean “Bad”
Sadly for G&G this is where their bad faith argument really fall apart. Gunn is not saying Batman is boring.
He’s saying Batman can become boring if we continue to retread familiar arcs or if they repeat the same emotional beats or continue to lean on iconography instead of storytelling.
And you know what? He’s right.
Batman’s popularity is a double-edged sword.
He’s reliable
He’s marketable
He’s beloved
But overexposure without innovation leads to stagnation. That’s not controversial that’s franchise reality.
Pretending otherwise doesn’t protect Batman. It turns him into a museum piece.
The False “Contradiction” Argument
Finally, with G&G. One of the more baffling claims they made is this idea that Gunn contradicts himself by calling Batman indispensable and difficult.
Crazy thing about that, it’s not actually a contradiction. That’s a creative showing responsibility.
You see, Batman isn’t optional for DC. So getting him right is all that more important, not less. If Gunn were casually rushing a Batman film without questioning its purpose or tone, that would be worth criticizing. Instead, he’s slowing down, working with the writer, and openly acknowledging the challenge.
That’s leadership… not avoidance.
Honestly, one thing has become really clear over these last couple years when it comes to DC. Batman isn’t the problem. James Gunn isn’t the problem.
The real problem is a segment of fandom that confuses critical thinking with constant outrage, and nuance with weakness.
If DC is going to succeed long term, Batman can’t just exist. He has to matter.
And James Gunn is clearly understands this and is trying to make sure he does.
