Warner Bros. announces 2021 release dates for The Batman and Suicide Squad 2

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Earlier today, Matt Reeves hinted that THE BATMAN was looking at a 2021 release date. "We haven’t been dated. I wouldn’t commit to this, but we’re thinking the movie would probably be for 2021, late spring or summer," Reeves said. "Warner Bros. has been incredibly supportive and given me a lot of time and shared the same passion that I do for this story." It didn't take long for this date to be confirmed as Warner Bros. have announced the release dates for not only THE BATMAN, but also for THE SUICIDE SQUAD and DC SUPER PETS. Here's the goods:

THE BATMAN will hit theaters on June 25, 2021, followed by THE SUICIDE SQUAD on August 6, 2021, but before we get to either of those much-anticipated films, DC SUPER PETS will be hitting theaters on May 21, 2021. According to Deadline, who first broke the news of THE BATMAN release date, it seems that Ben Affleck will not be returning to play the title role, something which has been expected for quite some time. In a Tweet, Affleck stated, "Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life." Variety added that Matt Reeves will soon begin meeting with actors for the Batman role, but no details have been revealed in regards to whether or not the character will be a younger or older incarnation. One thing that's certain however is that Reeves' take on the Dark Knight will finally do justice to the character's description as the World's Greatest Detective.

It’s very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale. It’s told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it’s going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional. It’s more Batman in his detective mode than we’ve seen in the films. The comics have a history of that. He’s supposed to be the world’s greatest detective, and that’s not necessarily been a part of what the movies have been. I’d love this to be one where when we go on that journey of tracking down the criminals and trying to solve a crime, it’s going to allow his character to have an arc so that he can go through a transformation.

As for THE SUICIDE SQUAD, the sequel to David Ayer's film will be penned by James Gunn, who Warner Bros. was quick to scoop up as soon as his exit from the Marvel Cinematic Universe was confirmed. There's no director slated for THE SUICIDE SQUAD at the moment, but when Gunn's hiring was first announced, it was mentioned that he may step into the director's chair as well. (Update: THR has now reported that James Gunn will officially direct THE SUICIDE SQUAD, so there you have it.) DC SUPER PETS will revolve around the various super-powered animals of DC heroes and was announced last August. Jared Stern and Sam Levine will direct the film.