Summary

• The Batman 2 is confirmed and will be directed by Matt Reeves. It is set for release on October 2, 2026, and will be part of a trilogy.
• The sequel's cast is not yet fully confirmed, but Robert Pattinson will return as Batman, along with potential returns for Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, and Andy Serkis. Barry Keoghan's Joker may have a larger role.
• The ending of The Batman sets up potential alliances with the Joker and the introduction of the Court of Owls as villains in The Batman.
• Spin-off shows focusing on the Gotham Police Department, Arkham Asylum, and the Penguin are also being developed.

The Batman was released in March 2022, ushering in a new era for The Dark Knight — here’s everything to know about The Batman - Part II, including updates on The Joker’s possible inclusion and the spin-off shows. Directed by Matt Reeves from a screenplay by him and Peter Craig, The Batman joins Robert Pattinson's DC hero in his second year as Gotham City’s vigilante. The ending of The Batman definitely left scope for a sequel, and the overwhelmingly positive reception to this latest iteration of the Caped Crusader made The Batman 2 feel almost guaranteed.

While initially conceived to stand alone, the ending of The Batman set it up as the perfect movie to usher in a Batman-centered cinematic universe — including The Batman 2 as well as several possible spinoff shows. While The Batman 2 isn't on DC's immediate release slate, Matt Reeves is reportedly hard at work on a sequel. Here is everything to know about The Batman: Part II, including who in the cast might return, the sequel’s release date, and if the Barry Keoghan iteration of the Joker will finally get more screen time.

The Batman 2: Latest News & Updates

In September 2023, the most recent update for The Batman - Part II script was revealed, as it was reported that concluding the work on the movie's script was made a priority by Warner Bros. Discovery after the conclusion of the Writer's Guild Association strikes. While the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes mean the creation process for the film could see further delays, this does support the idea that the sequel can still release on its current October 3, 2025 release date, despite unforeseen delays.

There is still plenty left unknown about The Batman 2, including who the central villain (or villains) will be, and what supporting cast will join Robert Pattinson in the upcoming sequel. With filming not yet begun, it's unlikely audiences will see any kind of trailer until late 2024 at the earliest. However, there is likely to be a steady stream of casting news and teasers in the intervening time to help build anticipation for The Batman - Part II.

The Batman 2 Is Confirmed

Following the commercial and critical success of The Batman, Warner Bros. announced a sequel and streaming series spinning out of The Batman — one (now-canceled) series about the Gotham City Police Department, a potential Arkham Asylum-based show, a series based on The Penguin, and possibly even one for Zoë Kravtiz' Catwoman. While the status of these ambitious TV projects is currently a little murky, The Batman - Part II very much isn't, as The Batman 2 has been confirmed.

The recent shake-ups at the newly-merged Warner Bros Discovery, including the appointment of James Gunn and Peter Safran as heads of a new on-screen DC Universe, have put some future projects in doubt, but Gunn has confirmed that Reeves will be writing and directing two more The Batman movies, resulting in a trilogy. This news was met incredibly well by most — especially since it comes at a time when many popular DC screen-based ventures like the Arrowverse have concluded, leaving audiences more hungry than ever for new installments.

The Batman 2 Release Date

The Batman faced several delays because of the global pandemic, especially as it began filming shortly before lockdown, and was stalled for several months, before picking back up with production later in 2020. The Batman was initially scheduled for a summer 2021 release. During James Gunn's announcement on the DC Universe's future, he provided an initial release date of October 3, 2025.

However, The Batman - Part II will now be releasing on October 2, 2026, following a March 2024 movie update that revealed the film would be delayed by a year. While those desperately hoping for the 2025 release window are sure to be disappointed, this news comes after the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes delayed a number of other superhero projects, meaning it makes sense that The Batman sequel is also being pushed back so as to ensure the final release's quality, especially with the impending franchise spinoffs set to tide fans over.

The Batman - Part II releasing in October 2026 would place it after Avengers 5, seemingly providing a clear window for it to rule the multiplex. However, it's worth noting that the DCU's next Batman offering, The Brave and the Bold, is believed to be arriving in 2026 at the earliest, meaning the two iterations of the Dark Knight may now appear in closer succession.

The Batman 2 Cast: Who Could Return & Who Might Debut?

So far, the only confirmed returning cast member for The Batman - Part II is Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne. Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, and Andy Serkis will more than likely return as Catwoman, Jim Gordon, and Alfred, respectively. Barry Keoghan as Joker could also play a larger role in The Batman 2. Besides Colin Farrell's Penguin and Keoghan's Joker coming to the forefront, The Batman 2 could also feature more of Paul Dano's Riddler, who was still alive at the end of The Batman and (thanks to his interaction with the Joker) definitely in a prime position to be a trilogy-spanning threat.

The Batman 2 Story: How The Batman's Ending Sets Up A Sequel

The Batman ends with a scene that sees The Riddler befriending the Joker in Arkham Asylum, teasing a potential alliance between the villainous pair in The Batman 2 (or the Arkham Asylum show). Joker's riddle possibly hints at the arrival of the Court of Owls, a criminal group made up of many of Gotham's wealthiest citizens. A voiceover from Pattinson’s Caped Crusader suggests Gotham will rebuild, but the chaos and corruption will be at an all-time high following the death of Carmine Falcone.

Barry Keoghan’s Joker could also come back in The Batman 2. While he only appears in the final scene of The Batman, a deleted scene was released that reveals a 5-minute interaction between him and Batman. The scene was not included in the film as studios thought it might detract from Paul Dano's Riddler. Given Keoghan's astounding performance in the clip, they weren't wrong.

Keoghan's Joker resembles none of his predecessors, and he sports a largely disfigured face, along with the signature Joker laugh. Either way, the studios are starting to reveal more of The Batman's iteration of the supervillain, meaning it could be leading up to his big debut in The Batman 2. The Penguin, who was Falcone’s right-hand man, could also emerge as a major villain in The Batman sequel. Penguin's spinoff show could very well lead into his story in the sequel, whereas Arkham Asylum would prep viewers for an all-new Joker.

The Batman 2 Does Not Yet Have A Trailer

While The Batman - Part II is confirmed, a trailer for The Batman 2 won't be arriving in the immediate future. The sequel to The Batman is still in the very early stages of development, so there's not yet footage to use for promotion, nor even seemingly a finalized story to promote. However, other DC movies like Joker: Folie à Deux received teaser visuals across social media within a few months of being formally announced. It's possible The Batman Part II will receive similar treatment as time rolls on and more concrete details, such as the villain and wider cast, are established.

Is The Joker In The Batman 2? Likely The Batman - Part II Villains Explained

Since the iconic villain made an appearance in The Batman, it's likely that the Joker will show up in The Batman 2. In a deleted scene since released on YouTube by Reeves, Batman goes to Arkham Asylum to question the Joker about the Riddler.

Since Wayne is taking visits with the Joker, there's almost no doubt he'll have a larger role in The Batman sequel. His unveiling has been a long process, due to the character's infamy in the Batman universe. It seems like Reeves is holding information on the character for as long as possible, and a battle with the Joker could be more suited for the finale of the franchise.

Another option for The Batman 2 villain is the Court of Owls. The ending of The Batman definitely opens up the possibility. The focus on organized crime and corruption is at the forefront of the gritty rendition, and the Court of Owls comprises the most corrupt of Gotham's elite.

Since Gotham is only going to get worse after the Riddler, the Court of Owls could likely be the next centerpiece of The Batman 2, or may at least be involved. Anything at this point is entirely speculative though, and it's likely that the villain in The Batman - Part II will be just refreshing a take as Paul Dano's reinvention of The Riddler.

Everything We Know About The Batman Spin-Off Shows

Warner has also announced plans for a number of spinoff shows set in The Batman's universe. It was announced in 2020 that a series focused on the Gotham Police Department (Gotham P.D.) would be released on HBO Max.

However, the show has been put on indefinite hold, as disagreements surrounding the series prompted an entirely different spinoff. Replacing Gotham P.D. on Reeves' production calendar is none other than an untitled Arkham Asylum series, which could be a perfect place to properly introduce the Joker, though his appearance hasn't been confirmed. Reeves has teased that the series will be more in the vein of the horror genre, and Barry Keoghan's horrific Joker would certainly fit in.

The most recently announced The Batman spinoff is a Penguin-focused show. The program is currently in active development with HBO Max, and Colin Farrell has signed on. The series will chronicle the meteoric rise of Oswald Cobblepot into his current iteration as a high-flying gangster. A Catwoman spinoff hasn't been confirmed, but Reeves has expressed interest to HBO Max that he'd really like to make one. Given the success of The Batman and Zoë Kravitz's outstanding performance in the role, his wishes could come true.

It's also reported (via The Hollywood Reporter) that Reeves is meeting with writers and directors for more series and movies in The Batman's universe, with rogue's gallery members Scarecrow, Clayface, and Professor Pyg mentioned. However, given the general uncertainty around the DC Universe and Warner-Discovery, plans could very well change for all of these series. One thing that is confirmed is that, whatever form these shows take, they'll definitely feed into (or out of) the upcoming The Batman - Part II.

Will The Batman 2 Be Part of the New DC Universe?

With Warner Bros phasing out the old, Zack Snyder-created version of its DC heroes, some fans have speculated that The Batman could be used as a launching point for a new universe. However, in his January 2023 presentation DC Studios co-head James Gunn confirmed that The Batman Part II and related projects will remain separate. The Batman 2, alongside already-existing DC properties like Teen Titans Go and the CW's Superman and Lois, will be released under the DC Elseworlds banner, a term long used in DC Comics to mark alternate universes not connected to the main continuity.

The new DC Universe will instead have its own Batman, who will debut in Batman: The Brave and the Bold. The Brave and the Bold is set to feature the return of Robin to the big screen and will likely have a lighter tone than Reeves' The Batman universe. Whether audiences will be understanding of two different Batman series existing simultaneously remains to be seen, but for now it appears The Batman Part II will have creative freedom to take its dark story wherever it wants.

Key Release Dates

• 

  Joker: Folie a Deux

  Release Date:

  2024-10-04

• 

  Superman (2025)

  Release Date:

  2025-07-11

• 

  The Batman Part II

  Release Date:

  2026-10-02