James Gunn’s DCU Officially Locks in Savage Title for New Batman Spin-Off Movie

James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU has rapidly expanded with an ambitious slate of blockbusters assembled under Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. While foundational projects like Superman and Supergirl have already debuted on the big screen, DC Studios is quietly developing several other movies to flesh out its cinematic lore. Among these expansions are villain-centric horrors like James Watkins’ R-rated Clayface and Gotham City deep dives like Andy Muschietti’s inaugural standalone Batman feature The Brave and the Bold. However, a mysterious spin-off is poised to inject a dangerous new energy into the superhero saga – with its newly unveiled title hinting at a brutal ride that may push the boundaries of the franchise even further.

DC Studios reportedly started developing a movie centered around Deathstroke and Bane in 2024, and the highly anticipated villain team-up has been steadily gaining momentum behind the scenes. Captain America: Brave New World scribe Matthew Orton is attached to pen the script, while Peacemaker director Greg Mottola is heavily rumored as the frontrunner to direct. While the project hasn’t issued any major updates for a while, a new report from Deadline has confirmed that the movie has locked in a definitive title – one that perfectly encapsulates the uncompromising nature of the two iconic heavyweights at the center of the feature.

The forthcoming Batman spin-off is confirmed to be in early development alongside a wave of other DCU entries, including The Brave and the Bold, Teen Titans, Swamp Thing, and Wonder Woman. It is reportedly being forged under the official title Savage Hunters – a title that leans into Deathstroke and Bane’s shared backgrounds as apex predators of the DC universe. The Savage Hunters moniker underscores the duo’s formidable status, as Deathstroke, the world’s most relentless and chemically enhanced mercenary assassin, collides with Bane, a master tactician who hunts his prey with brute force and psychological warfare.

While Savage Hunters is officially locked in as a key installment of the DCU, the details surrounding the project remain incredibly thin on the ground, prompting speculation about its story and placement in the burgeoning timeline. Industry insiders have suggested that the movie’s events will pick up directly after the aftermath of Peacemaker Season 2, embedding Deathstroke and Bane into the fallout of Christopher Smith’s misadventures. However, it is not confirmed that the storylines will intertwine, as the continuity of the franchise is famously complex. What is certain, however, is that DC Studios is building a diverse slate of both standalone and interconnected blockbusters that promise to explore new corners of the universe.