Director Matt Reeves has completed the script for the eagerly awaited sequel to The Batman, putting an end to rumors about the project’s uncertain status. Speculation about its cancellation had arisen due to the simultaneous development of a new Batman iteration within the DC Universe, led by DC Studios co-head James Gunn. Nevertheless, with Reeves confirming the script’s finalization, production for The Batman Part II is now scheduled to start between October and December 2025, adjusting the original timeline from March 2026.
The forthcoming film will pick up the story introduced in The Batman (2022), which received critical praise and achieved strong box office success. Unlike other DC properties being integrated into the broader DC Universe, Reeves’ version exists as a separate continuity, often described as an Elseworlds narrative. This creative freedom enables the director to develop his distinctive vision of Gotham without intersecting with the rebooted DCU storyline, where a new Batman will eventually appear.
The sequel will coincide with spin-off projects, the first being The Penguin series starring Colin Farrell. This show expands Reeves’ universe by exploring Gotham’s criminal underworld more deeply, serving as a narrative link between the first and second films. While The Batman Part II was originally set to release on October 2, 2026, updated plans now schedule its theatrical debut for October 1, 2027.
Robert Pattinson will return as Bruce Wayne, reprising his role as the caped crusader. The initial film depicted Batman during his second year of crime-fighting while investigating a murder spree orchestrated by The Riddler, played by Paul Dano. Along with Pattinson, several key characters are expected to return.
Zoë Kravitz, who played Selina Kyle (Catwoman) and played a significant part in Batman’s early journey, is likely to appear in the sequel. Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner James Gordon, Andy Serkis as the devoted butler Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin) are also anticipated to reprise their roles. Their return reinforces character continuity, a cornerstone of Reeves’ grounded storytelling style.
Speculation around the film’s main villain has grown following Barry Keoghan’s brief cameo as an unnamed inmate—widely believed to be the Joker—in Arkham Asylum at the end of The Batman. Keoghan also appeared in a deleted scene that offered a more in-depth look at his unsettling portrayal of the iconic villain. While no official confirmation has been provided, his involvement in the sequel seems probable based on early character hints.
However, director Matt Reeves has expressed interest in featuring lesser-known characters from Batman’s extensive rogue gallery rather than relying solely on well-known foes. This approach opens possibilities for unique story directions and the inclusion of characters with limited previous cinematic exposure. It would also allow the sequel to maintain the psychological complexity and detective-focused storytelling that defined the first film.
