The Batman - Part II’s main villain is still unknown, but I’m convinced two characters will not be in it following the latest spinoff series. Many theories exist regarding whom the next central antagonist will be inMatt Reeves' Batman universe. The first film teased Barry Keoghan’s Joker, and Penguin now holds the highest power over Gotham’s criminal underworld. However, many otherDCvillains in Batman’s catalog could emerge after The Riddler’s attack, challenging Batman and Gotham’s status quo.
The options aren’t limitless asThe Batmanexists in a more grounded reality. Reeves' universe is similar toChristopher Nolan’sDark Knighttrilogy, preferring the more realistic villains in the Caped Crusader’s catalog rather than the fantastical antagonists.The Penguinexpanded the criminal world of Gotham, while also showing how this universe is built on regular people resorting to despicable methods to achieve power and control. After watchingThe Penguin, I’m positive thatThe Batman - Part IIstorywill not validate two popular villain theories.
Mr. Freeze Or Clayface Would Be Out Of Place In Matt Reeves' Batman Universe
Two of the most popular theories forThe Batmansequel are Mr. Freeze and Clayface. However,The Penguinmakes these theories more unrealistic. Mr. Freeze and Clayface are two fantastical for this universe and would feel grossly out of place.While there is a way to humanize Mr. Freeze, a villain who uses a freeze ray and lives in an ice lair, wouldn’t fitThe Batman’s tone. The same can be said forClayface, a shapeshifting villainwho is almost impossible for Batman to fight due to his rubbery, elastic form.
All 8 Villains We Know Exist In Matt Reeves' The Batman Universe
Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe has already amassed a swathe of captivating Batman villains and Gotham gangsters with The Batman and The Penguin.
Additionally, these characters would have a significant advantage over other criminals in Gotham. Any of these characters could rise to the top quickly, with Penguin and Joker being their only rivals.A Clayface mystery story could be worthwhile, with Batman constantly being tricked by Basil Karlo’s changing form, but it would feel too goofyin Reeves' gritty and grounded universe. The same can be said for Mr. Freeze, who has a complex backstory, but he wouldn’t fit the tone thatThe BatmanandThe Penguinestablished.
I Still Want To See Batman’s More Fantastical Villains, But In James Gunn’s DCU
The beauty of the DCU is that Elseworlds projects exist separately from the main timeline. Reeves' Batman universe can coexist with the DCU’s Batman. Since the DCU is set in a fantasy world with characters like Superman, Supergirl, Green Lantern, and the Creature Commandos, Batman’s fantastical villains fit perfectly in this universe.Reeves' universe can be the more grounded side of Batman, while the DCU explores the supernatural and mystical characters within Batman’s catalog.
The PenguinandThe Batmanhave a unique tone and setting that doesn’t need to include characters that could be used in the DCU. Some characters, like Joker or Harvey Dent, can be used in both timelines, but others, like Poison Ivy or Mr. Freeze, would stick out like a sore thumb in Reeves' universe. Otherrumored villains like the Court of Owlswould fitThe Batman - Part IIbetter, especially with Reeves' focus on Batman’s skills as a detective. Mr. Freeze and Clayface are still excellent villains, and Gunn could use them brilliantly.
The Batman Part II
Cast
The Batman Part II is the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, released in 2022, and will continue where the original film left off. The film shares a universe with the HBO Max original Penguin series and sees the return of the Riddler and a different incarnation of the Joker.
