If James Gunn Doesn’t Give us These 7 Wholesome Superman-Batman DCAU Moments in DCU, Is He Really a Fan?

While Zack Snyder showed us how menacing The Man of Steel and the Dark Knight could be in a fight against each other, the DCAU showed us that they could be a very wholesome pair of friends. James Gunn has allegedly said that he will be taking some inspiration from the DC Animated Universe, which could mean that the relationship that Batman and Superman will have could be colored by some key moments that the characters have shared.

Superman and Batman in the DCAU

Across the animated history of the characters, there have been a lot of moments where Batman and Superman have shown each other to be the best of friends. These six particular scenes are something that James Gunn can draw from for his universe. The franchise that Gunn is trying to build seems to draw a lot from traditional, hopeful superhero stories, which could be fertile ground for some of the greatest character moments for two of DC’s most iconic characters.

1. The Savage Time, Part III – Superman hugs Batman

The finale for the first season of Justice League saw a few members of the team stuck in a timeline ruled by Vandal Savage. The show depicted an alternate timeline that was styled like World War 2 era Germany, under a totalitarian regime led by Vandal Savage, the immortal enemy of the Justice League.

Towards the end of the three-part finale of the season, the Leaguers lost in time and ended up back in their universe, just when Batman was walking into the area. Superman, having witnessed that alternate version of Batman stay behind to fight the good fight, is delighted to see him, tackling him into a hug.

2. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies – Superman wants Batman to get a sense of humor

In Superman/ Batman: Public Enemies, Superman finds himself implicated in a murder plot by Lex Luthor, while the latter places a one billion dollar bounty on the Man of Steel’s head. Downed by Metallo, Batman comes to the hero’s aid, performing surgery on him to remove a kryptonite bullet while being wailed on by Metallo.

When Superman cracks a joke, Batman, every stoic, tells the character to lose his sense of humor. Superman, in pain, but smiling, returts that Batman should get one. Given that James Gunn’s universe will allegedly see heroes split between private vigilantes and government officials, the plot of the film could very well influence his DCU, along with the wholesome moment between Batman and Superman.

3. Hereafter, Part II – Batman was not fazed by Superman’s Death

In the two-part story, Hereafter, the Justice League has to deal with the possible death of The Man of Steel. After a slew of villains, led by Toy Man,, manage to supposedly kill Superman, villains, heroes, and well-wishers alike, gather to pay their respects to the fallen hero, except for Batman. The Caped Crusader, opens an investigation, given that he does not believe that Superman is dead.

In the following part, Superman returns, having just been thrown into the future, where only Vandal Savage has survived. Upon returning, League members appear to celebrate Superman’s return. When Wonder Woman says that Batman was just as badly hit by Clark’s death, the latter stoically engages in a ‘I told you so’ exchange, reaffirming that he never believed that Superman was dead.

4. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies– Batman does not like to be carried

In Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, the titular heroes have to break into Star Labs. While Superman simply floats down on the ground with his powers, Batman has to use his grappling hook. When Superman mentions that he could have simply carried the Bat of Gotham, the character talks about his disapproval of that practice.

A lot of times in the DC Animated properties, Batman and Superman find themselves with interesting dynamics. These stories have world-shattering events that fit neatly into a contributed timeline. Batman and Superman travel to numerous alternate timelines and dimensions, which always ends with them returning to the status quo. This is something that James Gunn can use in his DCU, which is bound to wow fans who believe that the MCU does not have enough consequences.

5. Batman: Death In The Family – Superman says that Batman is stronger than him

In the DCAU, there is an assumed familiarity between the Justice Leaguers, such that each member of the League is aware of the other’s secret identity. When Batman’s new protege Jason Todd goes missing, Clark Kent takes the time out to catch up with Bruce Wayne, telling him that he might as well be the strongest person he knows. This is attributed to indomitable will and the way Bruce handles his inner demons.

Superman has always been the heart of the Justice League, looking for the best in those around him and inspiring them to do better. Having the character have a heart-to-heart with Bruce is something that fans can see happening in James Gunn’s DCU, but only if he casts an appropriate Batman who can work with Corenswet’s Superman.

6. Dark Heart – Batman Cannot Fly

Batman might rub shoulders with some of the most unfathomably powerful characters in the DC Universe. The Caped Crusader has more than earned his place among their ranks. However, there is always the matter of the fact that Batman does not have any superpowers, and specifically cannot fly.

In the episode Dark Heart, Batman sees his plan destroyed and plummeting to the ground. However, what makes it hilarious is how calmly the characters send out the call for someone to smooth his landing, which happens at the hands of Superman, at the very last minute. This could be a tense, but hilarious scene for James Gunn‘s DCU.

7. Justice League: Doom -Batman’s contingency plan

Batman famously made contingency plans for each member of the team in Justice League: Doom. Vandal Savage was able to weaponize these plans to take down members of the League, designing a special one for Bruce Wayne all on his own. However, when the breach of trust causes Batman to quit the League, Superman comes asking as to why he never made a contingency for himself.

To this, the Dark Knight simply replied that there had been a plan for him all along. It’s called the Justice League. This is followed by Clark handing Bruce a kryptonite bullet, saying that he might not agree with Bruce, but can see the wisdom in having a failsafe, especially in the hands of Batman.

Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, Justice League: Doom, and Batman: Death In the Family can be streamed on Max

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies can be streamed on Apple TV+