Fans shouldn’t expectThe Batman Part IIin theaters anytime soon, as the film’s release has been projected for sometime in 2027. Thankfully, though, recent updates from writer and director Matt Reeves as well as starRobert Pattinsonindicate that this already-distant date isn’t going to be pushed back for a third time. Pattinson revealed that he finally knows what to expect for his role in the upcomingBatmansequel.
During an interview withExtraTVat the London premiere of his latest film, Bong Joon-ho’sMickey 17, Pattinson spoke briefly about the status ofThe Batman Part II, saying that although productionhasn’t yet begun, he now knows what the film is going to be about. “Matt is a very careful writer,” Pattinson added, implying that some of the juicier details could still be hidden from him until the filming process officially commences, “but it’s very cool, and I’m very excited.” Based on this brief interview, it seems likely that many plot details ofThe Batman Part IIwill surprise even hardened DC fans, especially given how eager Reeves seems to keep the script locked down even from his leading man.
But I finally now know what it’s about.
Although it’s not the most detailed update, Pattinson’s increased familiarity with the plot ofThe Batman Part IIstill marks an important milestone. Just a couple of months ago, Pattinsonexpressed knowing very little about the filmexcept the fact that he would be starring in it. However, Reeves probably wouldn’t have shared details ofThe Batman Part IIwith Pattinsonunless the script was close to or at completion. This means that productionis on track to begin later this year, as was initially reported by Pattinson and several media outlets.
What Can We Expect From ‘The Batman Part II’?
With the confirmation thatThe Batman Part IIwill begin rolling cameras sometime this year, fans' attention has turned to the details of the film itself. Rumors about the identity of Robert Pattinson’s next opponent have been flying ever since the cliffhanger conclusion of the original movie back in 2022, but Reeves recently stated in an interviewthat nearly every guess so far has missed the mark.This claim would rule out classic antagonists like Hush, Clayface, and Mr. Freeze, who have rarely, if ever, appeared on-screen, and also shoot down my personal favorite theory involving the Court of Owls.Of course, it’s unlikely that Reeves has seeneveryspeculation regarding the villain of the nextBatmaninstallment, but his insistence that the eventual reveal will be both surprising and completely different doesn’t bode well for Internet sleuths.
James Gunn Reveals Why ‘The Batman 2’ Has Been Delayed (& It’s Exactly What We Thought)
‘The Batman Part II’ might have a new title, too.
However, there are still a few well-informed guesses we can make about what to expect inThe Batman Part II. In an interview last fall, Reeves stated thathe would be sticking to a much more grounded version of Gotham, in which more fantastical characters won’t make an appearance. The down-to-earth mafioso vibes ofThe Penguinalso indicate that Reeves is particularly interested in fleshing out the flesh-and-blood gangsters and cunning crime families of Gotham, so it’s likely that the villain ofPart IIwill have at least some ties to this criminal underworld. But it’s also important to consider the tone and theme of Reeves' originalBatman, which emphasized political corruption and negligence, and included conflicts with class, status, and wealth.Whatever villain Reeves has chosen for the sequel will probably embody similar struggles, and may also reflect the most prevalent issues of our modern socio-political climate.
This is why, despite what Reeves said in his interview, I continue to support the Court of Owls theory,since they’re an organization composed only of Gotham’s wealthiest and most influential citizens. By using their economic and social power to commit grisly acts of violence, the Court of Owls symbolically opposes almost everything Pattinson’s Batman represents. A villain like that would certainly speak to modern issues as well as continue the themes established in the firstBatman— but unfortunately, only time will tell if this is the path Reeves has chosen.
The Batman Part II
