Batman’s ‘The Brave and the Bold’ hires Christina Hodson
Andy Muschietti will continue directing, while the studio carefully advances development, ensuring the Batman project unfolds thoughtfully.
DC Studios is moving forward with its next Batman film, The Brave and the Bold, by tapping acclaimed screenwriter Christina Hodson to pen the script, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Hodson, known for her strong work in big intellectual property and action-heavy franchises, is taking on the task of bringing to life a story centered on both Batman and Robin, this time featuring Damian Wayne—the violent, assassin-trained son Batman never knew he had.
While the project has been in development for some time, details about Hodson’s progress on the script remain limited. DC Studios has not publicly commented on her involvement, and insiders indicate that a definitive draft is still months away. Sources familiar with the project say Hodson has been engaged since at least last fall, but the studio is intentionally taking a measured approach to the film’s development to ensure it meets creative expectations.
Andy Muschietti, who previously directed The Flash and several projects for the prior DC film division, remains attached as director. However, his role could evolve depending on factors like scheduling and other commitments. Muschietti’s current acclaim, driven largely by the critical and popular success of HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry, has made him a sought-after director, and a second season of the series is reportedly in development, even without official confirmation.
DC Studios faces a delicate balancing act with its Batman slate. Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson are already preparing a separate Batman film, which the studio is allowing to develop on its own timeline without interference. This approach reflects a broader strategy to make The Brave and the Bold distinct in tone, story, and visual identity, ensuring it doesn’t compete with Reeves’ Batman or dilute audience interest in the franchise. The studio appears keen on maintaining space for both projects to flourish independently while expanding the cinematic world of Gotham.
Christina Hodson is well-suited to this task, with a portfolio that blends superhero action with compelling character work. She previously wrote a script for a Batman Beyond feature that impressed executives, even though the project never came to fruition. Her other credits in the DC universe include Birds of Prey, starring Margot Robbie, as well as The Flash, which she collaborated on with Muschietti. Beyond DC, Hodson has proven herself in high-profile action properties, having penned the 2018 blockbuster Bumblebee for the Transformers franchise.
Hodson’s experience brings a strong track record of blending emotionally resonant character arcs with blockbuster action sequences—an essential quality for a story exploring Damian Wayne, a young hero raised as a killer in the shadows. The narrative promises to explore the complicated father-son dynamic between Batman and Damian, as well as the high-stakes moral and physical challenges Damian faces while stepping into the role of Robin. By choosing Hodson, DC appears committed to balancing the gritty, darker elements of Gotham with the family and mentorship themes inherent in this storyline.
The development of The Brave and the Bold has not been without its challenges. Since James Gunn and Peter Safran took the helm of DC Studios in 2023, the project has been a priority, but finding the right writer and approach to Damian Wayne’s story proved elusive. Muschietti’s involvement as director was confirmed early on, yet identifying a writer who could marry the darker elements of Damian’s upbringing with the broader DC cinematic universe required time and careful consideration. Hodson’s involvement signals that the studio has found a voice it trusts to navigate this complex narrative.
Timing remains an important factor for the film’s production. DC Studios wants to ensure the release of The Brave and the Bold complements, rather than competes with, Reeves’ Batman film. This measured strategy is designed to give both projects space to shine, maintain audience anticipation, and preserve the distinctiveness of each interpretation of Gotham’s iconic hero. The studio is also reportedly considering how to integrate other characters in the wider DC universe in a way that feels natural and enhances the story, rather than creating forced tie-ins.
In addition to her skills in action-heavy storytelling, Hodson has earned respect within Hollywood for her collaborative approach and her ability to develop scripts that appeal to both fans and broader audiences. Industry insiders say her previous work demonstrates a keen understanding of pacing, stakes, and the emotional weight of superhero narratives, all of which are critical for a project centered on a young, morally complex Robin alongside the world-weary Batman.
With Muschietti directing and Hodson writing, The Brave and the Bold is shaping up to be a high-profile addition to DC Studios’ slate, exploring new corners of Gotham while maintaining the emotional and thematic resonance fans expect. While the film is still in early stages, the combination of Hodson’s narrative sensibilities and Muschietti’s directorial vision promises a Batman story that is both thrilling and deeply human, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between father and son, hero and apprentice, and the shadows and light of Gotham itself.
As DC Studios continues to develop the film carefully, fans can anticipate a unique take on Batman and Robin that stands apart from previous iterations, balancing blockbuster spectacle with character-driven storytelling. Hodson’s involvement underscores the studio’s commitment to bringing thoughtful, exciting narratives to the DC universe, ensuring that The Brave and the Bold will be a story worth waiting for.