‘The Batman’ Sequel Confirmed – 5 Villains We Think Bats Should Battle Next
Rejoice – there will be a The Batman sequel with Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson. But who should the villain be?
According to Deadline, The Batman is getting a sequel. Warner Bros. announced that The Batman is getting a sequel during a panel at Cinemacon. It’s a no-brainer. The movie made $760 million at the global box office. 4.1 million households streamed it the first week it was on HBOMax. Matt Reeves will be leading the project and Robert Pattinson will be back under the cowl.
Reeves told the crowd:
“Thank you all for your tremendous support for The Batman. We couldn’t have gotten here without the faith and enthusiasm of all your teams around the world. I’m excited to jump back into this world for the next chapter.”
via Warner Bros.
Colin Farrell’s Penguin is getting his own HBOMax series, which may or may not tie in to the new movie. He’s fantastic in the role and I wouldn’t object to seeing more on the big screen. On the flip side, I am not a fan of the heavy makeup they put on Barry Keoghan. I’m hoping he doesn’t move into a more central role – also, the Joker is overdone. So, who from the Rogues Gallery would I like to see in The Batman sequel? I think Matt Reeve’s needs to think outside the Hollywood box. Here’s my top five.
5. Dr. Kirk Langstrom aka Man-Bat
Langstrom first shows up in in comics in 1970. He was researching a way to give humans the sonar power. Of course, he has to test it on himself first. It works, but it turns him into a grotesque humanoid bat. Man-Bat’s first clash with Batman happens when the doc tries to steal the chemicals needed for an antidote. Once that’s perfected he’s able to transform from human to bat. Eventually he loses out to his bat side and some really horrible things take place.
Detective Comics #23.4 via DC
4. Astrid Arkham aka Arkham Knight
Astrid is the most recent addition to the Rogues Gallery on this list. Her first appearance in comics was in 2019 after her inclusion in Batman: Arkham Knights. She’s the daughter of Jeremiah Arkham, the head of Arkham in the 1990s. Astrid was born in the midst of a riot in its corridors. The Joker, Poison Ivy, and Two Face kept her mother safe during delivery. She was more or less raised in the psychiatric hospital. Due to her exposure to its inmates, she hates Batman.
Why? Since The Batman brought up the founding families of Gotham, exploring the Arkhams and the hospital is something we’ve never seen in live action. And both a huge part of Gotham’s history. A female antagonist with her technical talents would be a nice change, as well.
Detective Comics No. 1004 via DC
3. Dr. Karl Hellfern aka Doctor Death
Doctor Death is the first supervillain Batman had to deal with. He was introduced in 1939 in Detective Comics #29 and has gotten several iterations over the years. His method always had to do with aerosol poisons. Initially, he creates a lethal poison that he uses to extort the richest residents of Gotham. In later versions he makes biological weapons for terrorists, the military, and Wayne Enterprises.
Why? Given the importance of Hellfern in Batman comics, he’s been ignored by big screen adaptations. His methods fits right into Reeves’ Batman universe.
via DC
2. Basil Karlo aka Clayface
The original Clayface is an old enemy of Bruce’s – first appearing in the comics in 1940. Actor Basil Karlo went mad after learning he was going to be replaced. His most iconic character was going to someone else. To retaliate, Karlo took on the persona of the villain of the movie (Clayface) and violently attacked the crew. In a later story he uses a chemical that turns his human body into malleable clay, like SFX makeup. Along with his acting ability, it allows him to imitate anyone.
Why? He’s one of Batman’s original foes and has never appeared in live action. The story possibilities with his abilities are interesting, especially with the more grounded universe Reeves has created. Karlo can be as human or as monstrous as needed. An actor that can be anyone is bound to be a challenge for detective Bruce.
Detective Comics Vol. 1 #604 via DC
1. Dr. Thomas “Tommy” Elliot aka Hush
Tommy Elliot grew up with Bruce. He was a sociopath that tried to kill his parents for their fortune. His plot failed thanks to the surgical talents of Thomas Wayne. Elliot decided that the best way to get his revenge was to go after Bruce. No one can get in his way, even the villains of Gotham.
Why? Jeph Loeb’s origin comic is one of the all time fan favorites and would make for an amazing movie. It’s also a natural extension of The Batman‘s story of Gotham’s ruling class.
via DC
Bonus: The Court of Owls
In the comics, The Court of Owls uses their money and power to control Gotham. A lot of fans thought they’d show up in the first movie given the hints some of the trailers and the fact that some of Bruce’s weapons look a lot like Talon’s.
Why? They’re interesting, have deadly assassins in their ranks, and they are Robert Pattinson’s pick for Bruce’s next antagonist.
“I’d love to do something like Court of Owls. There are elements of The Batman which are kind of horror. I think it really feels quite new for Batman.”
via DC
