Matt Reeves has officially finished the script for ‘The Batman II’! DC Studios’ James Gunn shares his reaction—find out what he said and what it means for the future of the franchise.
The Dark Knight is back–and the excitement is palpable. Matt Reeves has officially completed the screening for The Batman II. And DC Studios’ co-head James Gunn could not be more excited. For fans who have been waiting for a fresh update on the brooding Gotham vigilante, this is essentially the biggest news since Robert Pattinson first put on the cape.
The Script is Complete
After a few months of silence and speculation, Matt Reeves has finished the script for The Batman II. In a recent interview, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn confirmed the script is “totally done” and called the script “great.” This is a huge win for a franchise that has re-established Batman for a new era – gritty, grounded, and cinematic.
What We Know Thus Far About The Batman II
Director: Matt Reeves is back.
Lead Actor: Robert Pattinson returns as the Caped Crusader.
Universe: The Batman II exists within the “Elseworlds” of DC, separate from Gunn’s new DCU.
Release Date: October 2, 2026 (could change).
Tone: Dark, psychological, and a neo-noir, like the first film.
While not a part of the main DCU timeline, The Batman II is still one of the most anticipated titles on Warner Bros.’ slate. Its predecessor grossed over $770 million at the global box office and successfully redefined and revitalized the legacy of Batman, filtering it through a neo-noir detective film lens, as well as elements of psychological horror.
The Excitement for The Batman (2022) – A Look Back
Before we get to what’s coming next, let’s make sure we don’t forget what made The Batman so exciting:
Pattinson’s younger take on Bruce Wayne as a raw emotional man was well-received.
The film leaned into Gotham’s grittiness like never before.
The film also touched on iconic villains, including the Riddler (Paul Dano) and teased the Joker (Barry Keoghan).
The cinematography, score and world-building offered a more cerebral and more artistic vision of the Bat-universe than previous iterations.
James Gunn’s Reaction: Why it matters
James Gunn has been known for his bluntness regarding his work ethic and his choices. Between the Guardians of the Galaxy and Peacemaker, or now co-leading DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, Gunn’s voice has shaped fan expectations.
When he proclaims The Batman II script is “great,” it is more than just public relations. Here’s why that matters:
It Signals Creative Alignment: Gunn and Reeves may be working on separate branches of the DC tree but there’s a mutual respect. That’s a good sign for DC as a collective.
It Confirms That Progress is Being Made: Fans feared the film was trapped in development hell. Well, now? There’s a script. Progress has been made.
It Gives Excitement: Gunn’s word is always gold (for DC fans) and his testament gives regard.
Theories:What Could The Batman II Be About?
With the script complete and the internet buzzing, fan theories are now growing like bats in a cave. Here are some compelling theories:
1. The Joker is Back
Barry Keoghan’s laugh in that final scene of The Batman was no accident. Fans believe that Joker will play a large part in the sequel, either as the primary villain or simply as a puppet master behind the scenes.
Theory: Joker is manipulating another Arkham villain to wreak havoc in Gotham, maybe, Two-Face? Scarecrow?
2. The Court of Owls
This long-rumored and shadowy secret organization. It’s the kind of thing that would fall in line with the noir genre Reeves is building and it could add another layer to the mythology already existing in Gotham.
Theory: Bruce discovers the ancient and elite Court of Owls has been secretly ruling Gotham for years, challenging everything Bruce believes about his family.
3. A Political Gotham
Taking inspiration from real-world corruption, the sequel could dive into Gotham’s disintegrating political climate, with Bruce juggling public pressure with private grief.
What Does This Mean for the DC Universe?
The Batman II is not part of the core DCU reboot under Gunn, but its success influences the overall ecosystem. The Elseworlds titles like The Batman II and Joker: Folie à Deux will exist alongside DC’s new universe (with Superman: Legacy, The Brave and the Bold, etc.). Multiverse potential: If DC continues to explore multiverse crossover (including hints in The Flash), Pattinson’s Batman could meet other versions down the road. The bottom line? A strong horror-grounded, standalone Batman saga only adds to DC’s cred and fandom.
Will We See More Iconic Characters?
No cast additions have been revealed in solicitations yet, but if we could suppose
Harvey Dent / Two-Face
Mr. Freeze (in a gritty, tragic reimagining)
Hush (keys: Tommy Elliot, Bruce Wayne’s childhood friendship enemy)
Selina Kyle / Catwoman’s return (likely Zoë Kravitz’s character)
Matt Reeves has promised character-based storytelling, so any new villain will probably be psychologically interesting—not just a guy in a costume.
Why Reeves and Pattison are So Compatible
Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson are simply a match in Gotham creative heaven. Here are several reasons why their pairing works:
Reeves write’s for mood, tone, and texture – bringing Gotham to life as a character.
Pattinson is a master of brooding, internalized performances – and offers a sort of vulnerable, rage-filled, lonely Batman.
Both commit to longer formatted storytelling, giving plenty of time to emotional beats and the avoidance of asocial narrative arcs.
This isn’t about explosions and catchphrases – it’s about ramifications, trauma, and redemption.
Why The Batman II is Poised to Be a Game Changer
After years of superhero fatigue even before the DC / Marvel landscape of connected universes, there is now a tremendous appetite for grounded storytelling, The Batman II is coming and is prepared to seize the day:
A visionary director
A multi-faceted lead actor who is clearly committed
A tone that is different than little Marvel or even traditional DC
With a script now in hand with James Gunn’s blessing!
FAQs
1. Is The Batman II script done?
Yes, the script for The Batman II is done, and DC Studios co-head James Gunn did confirm and called it “great,” which is exciting for those awaiting the movie.
2. Who’s directing The Batman II?
Matt Reeves is back directing The Batman II. He also penned the script and was the director of the original film.
3. Will Robert Pattinson return as Batman?
Yes, Robert Pattinson will reprise his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman in the The Batman II. This movie continues Pattinson’s darker, more noir take on Gotham’s vigilante.
4. When is The Batman II coming out in theaters?
As of now, The Batman II is set to be released in theaters on October 2, 2026. But, as with any film, release dates are subject to change based on when production wraps.
5. Is The Batman II a part of James Gunn’s new DC Universe?
No. The Batman II is part of DC’s Elseworlds slate of stories, stories that are outside the continuity of the main DCU reboot that is being overseen by Gunn and Peter Safran.
6. Which villains are expected in The Batman II?
While nothing is confirmed, one trend fans noticed is that Joker, Court of Owls, Two-Face, or even Hush, could possibly appear based on clues left in the first film and Reeves as a director.