The Brave and the Bold is set to introduce a new version of Batman into the DCU, but it is just as exciting to think about what villains will be featured. James Gunn announced The Brave and the Bold as one of the first DCU projects, focusing on Bruce Wayne's discovery of his son, Damien Wayne, who becomes Robin. While the movie is still a long way out, there is plenty to speculate about already.
Just as with the upcoming The Batman Part II, much of the buzz around The Brave and the Bold centers on who Batman will face off against. He has one of the greatest rogues' galleries of villains among any superhero, and some notable bad guys would be perfect for this particular story.
Ra's al Ghul/Talia al Ghul
While Ra's al Ghul is not one of the most iconic Batman villains, it is hard to deny how obvious he would be for this story. In the comics, Damien Wayne is the son of Bruce and Talia al Ghul, making him Ra's al Ghul's grandson. As the leader of the League of Shadows, Ra's al Ghul wants Damien to join him and become his heir.
Having Ra's al Ghul as the villain could hammer home the themes of fatherhood in the story. As Bruce learns to be a father, Talia could be struggling with her loyalty to her own father and her new family. Meanwhile, Damien is stuck in the middle. Likewise, if Talia was the main villain, Damien could be torn between the very different paths taken by his two parents.
Bane
Bane is one of the most formidable foes that Batman has ever faced off with, famously breaking the Caped Crusader's back when they first faced off. However, he is also another villain who could connect to the theme of fatherhood. One of his backstories in the comics reveals that his father was a revolutionary, and when he died, the government decided his son would serve his prison sentence.
Bane's backstory could either have him resenting his father for making him pay for his crimes, or it could inspire him to follow in his footsteps in a more extreme way. Either way, it could reflect Bruce's own fears about being a father and how his life as a vigilante is being forced upon Damien.
Doctor Phosphorus
While it is fun to see what new villains are established in the DCU, the cinematic universe has already introduced some Batman villains who could be used in this movie. Doctor Phosphorus was featured in the animated series Creature Commandos as one of the new members of Amanda Waller's team of misfits.
However, Phosphorus proved that, when it came to anti-heroes, he was harder to root for. He is a cold-blooded murderer, even killing his enemy's entire family. However, he is also a villain who lost his own family. The show makes it canon that Batman arrested Phosphorus in the DCU, so The Brave and the Bold could see him out for revenge.
Hush
Many fans are speculating that Hush may be involved in the Matt Reeves Batman movie. However, despite the fact that he is a darker antagonist, his story may actually be better suited for Brave and the Bold, as he is yet another villain who connects to the theme of family.
Thomas Elliot was a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne, and while also wealthy, he despised his parents and even tried to kill them in order to free himself. While Bruce becomes Batman, Thomas's hatred and bitterness lead him to become the brutal killer Hush. As Hush is obsessed with destroying Bruce's life, his new son would be a perfect target.
Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze is perhaps the most beloved Batman villain who has yet to get a solid live-action adaptation. Arnold Schwarzenegger played the villain in Batman & Robin, but that version was far from what audiences loved about the character. It feels like the right time for Mr. Freeze to get the movie he deserves.
One of the most popular backstories for Freeze depicts him as a tragic villain. He seeks to find a cure for his wife, gradually becoming cynical about the world the longer he fights. The DCU has established an elevated enough tone that a man with a freeze gun can fit in this universe and still be taken seriously.