Spider-Man director Sam Raimi reveals he tried to make a Batman film but "couldn’t get the rights"

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Spider-Man director Sam Raimi reveals he tried to make a Batman film but "couldn’t get the rights" News By Megan Garside published 26 January 2026

It sounds like Sam Raimi is still interested in making a DC movie

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Director of the beloved 00s Spider-Man trilogy Sam Raimi has admitted that he once thought about switching sides from Marvel to DC to direct a Batman movie.

“I love Batman. I tried to make a Batman film. I couldn't get the rights," said the Evil Dead helmer to Movie Web. "I love The Shadow. I also couldn't get the rights to that one. Superman's always been one of my favorites. Yeah, there's a tremendous amount of DC characters that I love." It is not clear what type of Batman film Raimi wanted to make, or why he couldn't get the rights to direct a DC adaptation.

However, it sounds as though the director is still interested in the DC universe. "It would just take the writers to come up with an original story based on their character, that's true to the character and part of their real universe," said Raimi, "not something that disappoints the fans, but something that's based on the fans love of the character and brings out the best moment of those characters and their proper conflicts, or the right challenges for the right hero. If it was a story that had a real journey for that particular individual. Then I'd love to make the movie."

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Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we know it and made waves for superhero movies as a whole. Then, 15 years after Spider-Man 3 was released, Raimi notably returned to Marvel to direct Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Despite him saying he would never return to direct a possible Spider-Man 4, the filmmaker isn't ruling out superhero movies forever.

Now that James Gunn and Peter Safran are leading DC Studios, it seems as though the company is exploring DC Comics' wide and illustrious collection of characters more than ever before, with projects based on Batman hero Robin and villain Clayface on the way. Who knows, perhaps now is as good a time as ever for Raimi to finally join DC.

Next up for the caped crusader, we'll see Robert Pattinson's Bat return in The Batman 2, followed by Gunn's The Brave and the Bold. For more on Marvel Phase 6 and DCU: Chapter One, check out our guide to the best upcoming superhero movies.

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Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. CATEGORIES DC Movies Action Movies Megan GarsideSocial Links NavigationJunior Social Media Editor, GamesRadar+

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.

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Logout Read more Spider-Man director Sam Raimi gives thoughts on returning to the franchise    Chris Pratt thinks it's "safe to say" he won't be the DCU's new Batman after trolling James Gunn with a pic of himself in the cowl    Guillermo del Toro's scrapped DC movie would have been led by John Constantine and included a Batman cameo    James Gunn says he "originally said no" to being DC Studios CEO because he "didn't want to do what Kevin Feige does"    James Gunn gives disappointing update on the DCU Batman movie: "Screenplay isn't finished"    Evil Dead director Sam Raimi reveals his favorite horror movies include Jaws and The Grudge    Latest in Superhero Movies Jason Momoa's Lobo makes his full debut in a fiery new Supergirl clip    Chris Pratt has pitched Marvel a "really strong vision" for Star-Lord's MCU future: "I think it's f***ing great"    The Marvel movies you've got to watch before tuning into Disney Plus show Wonder Man    Chris Pratt thinks it's "safe to say" he won't be the DCU's new Batman after trolling James Gunn with a pic of himself in the cowl    Spider-Man: Brand New Day director teases big "tonal shift" for the new movie    DC's new Batman movie The Brave and the Bold hires the writer of box office bomb The Flash    Latest in News Spider-Man director Sam Raimi reveals he tried to make a Batman film but "couldn’t get the rights"    Taika Waititi says his upcoming Star Wars film will "harness a little more of the fun" of the original trilogy    Arc Raiders' Headwinds update lands tomorrow, and theories we're getting 4-player squads aren't going well with everyone    Xbox Game Studios boss has played a "bunch" of the Fable reboot, and his "brain pops" thinking about its 1,000 NPCS    After Chris Pratt promised more characters, The Super Mario Galaxy movie delivers with an incredible game deep-cut    We Bury the Dead director says Star Wars' Daisy Ridley was "pushed to her limit" shooting the new zombie horror    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

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