Plot details are still under wraps for Matt Reeves' The Batman sequel, and there are several possibilities for who is the villain of The Batman - Part II. Robert Pattinson's Batman began his cinematic journey by encountering a handful of prominent DC villains from the comics. This included Penguin (Colin Farrell), Riddler (Paul Dano), and Carmine Falcone (John Turturro). The Batman's ending also included the surprise tease of a new Joker (Barry Keoghan) stationed at Arkham State Hospital. The confirmation that The Batman 2 is happening despite DC Studios' new leadership under James Gunn means the story will continue in some fashion.
It is known that Robert Pattinson's Batman and Andy Serkis' Alfred Pennyworth will be back for The Batman's sequel, but questions remain about who is The Batman 2's villain. Several of the antagonists featured in the first movie are still alive and could pose threats to Bruce Wayne's efforts to clean up Gotham. The death of Carmine Falcone could open the door for a new crime boss to emerge and fill his void. Meanwhile, Matt Reeves could also bring other characters from the comics into the franchise with this role. Here are some likely candidates for who is The Batman 2's villain.
7 Penguin Could Be The Batman 2's Villain After Spinoff Show
There is a chance that Penguin is The Batman 2's villain. He was a secondary antagonist in the first movie, but he was noticeably left alive in the conclusion. Matt Reeves has already signaled his affinity for the character by developing an HBO Max spinoff show focused on Oswald Cobblepot. It is confirmed that The Penguin will take place after the events of The Batman, meaning it should play a prominent role in setting up The Batman 2. The series can show Penguin's rise through Gotham's crime system and fill the void left by Falconi's death. After that, Penguin becoming The Batman 2's villain would be natural.
This would be an opportunity for The Batman's sequel villain to be someone that audiences already know and are interested in seeing more of. Colin Farrell's villain transformation was one of the best parts of the first film, and there is a good chance viewers will come to appreciate his portrayal even more after the HBO Max series. Penguin emerging as the main villain of The Batman 2 continues his ascension through the franchise, going from secondary villain to lead of a spinoff show to the main antagonist in the sequel. Colin Farrell's Penguin also fits perfectly with Matt Reeves' desire to focus on Gotham's crime syndicates.
6 The Batman 2 Could Continue Riddler's Villain Plot
Riddler could be the answer to who is The Batman 2's villain if Matt Reeves wants to continue his story. Although he was captured and imprisoned in Arkham State Hospital, The Batman's ending included a tease that this was not the last time Paul Dano's version of the villain would appear. Joker's line about Gotham City loving a comeback story could be a direct tease that Riddler will return in the future. The Batman 2 would be the best opportunity for this to happen, as Edward Nashton could escape from prison and look to unmask Batman after he thwarted Riddler's plans to assassinate Bella Reál.
The possibility that Riddler is The Batman 2's villain could open the door for Matt Reeves to adapt various storylines. This could include his take on Batman: The War of Jokes and Riddles, which was set during Bruce Wayne's earlier years as Batman as Joker and Riddler go to war as they try to kill the Dark Knight. Reeves could alter the story a bit to have Riddler and Joker combine forces to take on Pattinson's Batman. Riddler might be a co-lead villain or even a secondary villain in such a scenario. He can also retain his status as the main villain and unearth other big mysteries related to Gotham's history.
5 Joker Is Teased To Be The Batman 2's Villain
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Joker is potentially the most likely answer for who The Batman 2's villain will be. The first movie teased his presence, while The Batman's deleted scene provided a much better idea of his character and backstory. Matt Reeves has been hesitant to confirm that Barry Keoghan's Joker will return in The Batman 2, but it would be quite surprising if it did not happen based on the build-up for him. The Clown Prince of Crime could take his place as the main villain of the sequel after he escapes from Arkham State Hospital, possibly teaming up with Riddler to go after Batman.
Since Joker is the biggest Batman villain in the comics, it should only be a matter of time before Matt Reeves fully unleashes the character. This happening in The Batman 2 would create even more comparisons between the movie and The Dark Knight, as well as how Keoghan's portrayal stacks up to Heath Ledger's Joker. That creates a fascinating challenge for Reeves to make sure the sequel and his version of the villain stand out from what came before.
4 Mr. Freeze Would Be An Excellent Villain For The Batman 2
Another excellent choice for The Batman 2's villain would be Mr. Freeze. After Arnold Schwarzenegger's pun-filled take in Batman & Robin, it is time for him to get a redo that grounds the tragedy of his story within The Batman's universe. Matt Reeves is on record stating he thinks there is a great story that could be told with a grounded version of Mister Freeze. He is obsessed with finding a way to save his wife from cryogenic stasis and is bound to a sub-thermal suit after an accident. Using Mr. Freeze as The Batman 2's villain would be an opportunity to show general audiences the major potential he has.
3 Hush As The Batman 2's Villain Pays Off An Easter Egg
Matt Reeves might have already teased Hush is The Batman 2's villain. The first movie revealed that the Wayne family orchestrated the death of a reporter with the last name Elliot, and Riddler has the word "Hush" flash on the screen as part of the reveal. Considering Hush is a Batman villain whose real name is Thomas Elliot, The Batman's Hush Easter egg is not a coincidence. It could be a sign that the sequel's villain is a former childhood friend of Bruce Wayne's whose parents also died and grew to despise Bruce, setting up a clash of orphans with Hush in The Batman 2.
2 Clayface As The Batman 2's Villain Could Work
The Batman 2's villain could bring a fan-favorite character in Clayface to live-action at long last. Basil Karlo is a former actor turned criminal who becomes a giant clay monster after overexposure to the chemical Renu. His powers eventually grew to the point where he could change his appearance to resemble any human being. These powers mean Clayface is primed to inspire another detective-oriented story for The Batman 2 that requires Bruce to find someone who can look like anyone. The character could also help bring the horror and creature-feature genres into the sequel, while Clayface's form means pushing the franchise into more fantastical territory.
1 Court of Owls As The Batman 2's Villain Connects To Reeves' Plans
There is also the chance that the Court of Owls will be The Batman 2's villain. The ancient organization that secretly orchestrates what happens in Gotham has long been thought to be part of Matt Reeves' overall plan for the franchise. They connect to the idea of exploring a darker history behind Gotham's wealth disparity and the role that crime plays in keeping society's elite protected. Riddler's plot in The Batman revealed several secrets that a group like the Court of Owls may have been trying to hide. This could mean that The Batman 2 is where they emerge in some fashion.
The Court of Owls as The Batman 2's villain would give the sequel an opportunity to continue exploring the Wayne family legacy. In the comics, the Court of Owls is responsible for killing Bruce's ancestor Alan Wayne as he threatened to interfere with their work. The Batman 2 could reveal a twist where the Court of Owls had a hand in killing Bruce Wayne's parents. With the links to The Batman's existing story, a clear line for a detective story, and the chance to bring the Talons into the mix, they make for a good possible answer for who The Batman - Part II's villain will be.
