The Batman 2 Will Explore Gotham’s Deep Corruption
“The Batman Part 2” finally has a script. Director Matt Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin (“BRZRKR”) have recently handed in their draft. Now, the filmmaker is sharing some minor details about the project. As development moves forward, The Batman 2 is beginning to take clearer shape behind the scenes. Additionally, this update signals that production could ramp up sooner than expected. Casting and plot elements are already starting to fall into place.
Deeper Corruption in Gotham
SFX Magazine (via ComingSoon) recently spoke with Reeves about the sequel. During the interview, he briefly teased a greater exploration of “corruption” in Gotham City. Many fans believe this could point to a cinematic take on The Court of Owls. This secret society controls Gotham from the shadows and uses The Talons to eliminate threats. However, the filmmaker reiterated that the project will remain “grounded” and that they’ll “never go full fantastical.”
“It’s going to dig into the epic story about deeper corruption, and it goes into places he couldn’t even anticipate in the first one,”
Reeves said, of what direction the new movie is going and likely will continue seeing how the underworld of Gotham City operates.
A Grounded Vision for The Batman 2
Reeves stressed his vision will continue to stay grounded, even if mythic or supernatural characters are introduced.
“We’ll never go full fantastical,” he stated. “What was important to me was to find a way to take these pop icons, these mythic characters that everybody knows, and translate it so that Gotham feels like a place in our world… It’s meant to feel quite grounded.”
Could We See Mr. Freeze or The Court of Owls?
There has been a huge call to see Reeves tackle new versions of Mr. Freeze or Two-Face alongside The Court of Owls on the big screen. However, due to the more sci-fi or supernatural aspects of those characters, they would likely need to be altered. The filmmakers might have to tweak their backstories to make them believable villains in this grounded universe. After all, Reeves’ take on Gotham City isn’t as flamboyant or pulpy as what James Gunn is doing with the mainline DCU.
There’s growing speculation about whether The Batman 2 will introduce the Court of Owls. Their shadowy manipulation of Gotham fits Reeves’ narrative of systemic corruption. However, the studio has not officially confirmed anything yet.
The filmmakers might find The Talons—The Court’s deadly enforcers—too fantastical for this version of Gotham, unless they adapt them into something more plausible.
Returning Cast and Joker Mystery
Even so, we’ll have to wait to see what Reeves is ultimately going to do with The Batman Part II, especially since there are expectations that Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell, and Andy Serkis will return.
Although we’re unsure if Barry Keoghan‘s Joker will be part of the sequel or not, we have to guess that there is some pressure to include Arkham Asylum, especially after the series’ attempt fizzled out. Additionally, there’s the added intrigue of Keoghan’s existing working relationship with Farrell—the two previously collaborated on The Banshees of Inisherin and Killing of a Sacred Deer.
What’s Next for The Batman 2?
As casting ramps up, we’ll gradually learn more about what the aim is going to be and which new characters will appear. Meanwhile, with Reeves staying committed to a grounded tone and systemic corruption as the narrative core, it’ll be interesting to see which villains or storylines ultimately make the final cut. Overall, fans are eager to discover how The Batman 2 will expand Gotham’s gritty world while still staying true to its realistic foundation.
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