The upcoming DC Studios project centered on iconic Batman villains Bane and Deathstroke has reportedly received a working title. According to internal documents from the newly merged Warner Bros.-Paramount-Skydance entity, the team-up film is currently titled Savage Hunters.
The title surfaced via a report detailing an internal “to-do” list for the studio. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the moniker suggests a tactical and potentially aggressive direction for the two characters, who are traditionally known as some of the most formidable physical and strategic threats in the DC Universe. The “Hunters” designation raises questions about whether the two mercenaries will be working in tandem or if their interests will eventually collide.
Creative Development and Production Timeline
The project is being penned by screenwriter Matthew Orton, whose previous credits include Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. Reports also indicate that Greg Mottola, known for Superbad and Confess, Fletch, is currently considered the frontrunner to direct the feature.
DC Studios is reportedly fast-tracking Savage Hunters with the goal of beginning production as early as 2027. This accelerated timeline follows the completion of the script and reflects the studio’s broader strategy to flesh out the villain-centric corners of the DC Universe under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
The DCU’s Focus on Villains
Savage Hunters is part of the initial wave of projects in “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters,” the first phase of the rebooted DC Universe. The film follows a growing trend of “villain-as-protagonist” stories within the franchise, suggesting a shift toward grittier, high-stakes narratives that don’t necessarily rely on a traditional superhero lead.
This slate also includes the R-rated horror-influenced Clayface, which is currently scheduled for release on October 23, 2026. By positioning characters like Bane, Deathstroke, and Clayface at the center of their own narratives, DC Studios appears to be leaning into genre-specific storytelling. It remains unconfirmed if Batman or other members of the Bat-family will make an appearance in Savage Hunters, as the project is still in the early stages of development.
