The Batman 2: Release date, plot, cast, and other rumors

It has been two years since the release of the latest Caped Crusader reboot, and The Batman was always intended to be the first movie in a new trilogy. As anticipation for the next installment builds, fans are eager to know exactly when Robert Pattinson’s Batman will next be seen in the dark and gritty take on Gotham City. The Batman 2 now has a tentative release date, and we also know that it will officially be titled The Batman – Part II. You’ll find everything you need to know about the DC superhero’s next outing below.

The Batman 2 release date

Initially slated for an October 2025 release, the premiere of The Batman 2 has been pushed back to October 2, 2026.

This delay, partly due to the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, extends the wait to four and a half years since the first film’s debut. Despite the prolonged timeline, this adjustment ensures that the production team can deliver a sequel that meets the high expectations set by the original.

The Batman 2 cast

Robert Pattinson is confirmed to return as Bruce Wayne/Batman, continuing his portrayal of the troubled hero. Colin Farrell will reprise his role as Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin, with his character expected to develop significantly following his spinoff series — more on that below.

Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis, and Zoe Kravitz are also anticipated to return as Jim Gordon, Alfred Pennyworth, and Selina Kyle/Catwoman, respectively. The roles of other characters, including potential new villains, remain speculative, with no official announcements yet.

The Batman 2 plot

Plot details for The Batman – Part II are largely under wraps, but the film is expected to pick up where the first movie left off, with Gotham City in a state of disarray following the Riddler’s reign of terror. The Penguin’s rise to power will likely be a central storyline as he fills the vacuum left by Carmine Falcone’s demise.

There is also speculation that the Joker, introduced briefly in the first film, will play a larger role in the sequel and potentially form an alliance with the Riddler. Themes of corruption and the ongoing battle for Gotham’s soul will likely continue to be explored.

What else do we know?

Here are a few other interesting nuggets we’ve learned:

The Penguin spinoff

The Penguin spinoff series is set to bridge the narrative between The Batman and its sequel. This show will explore the power vacuum in Gotham following Carmine Falcone’s death, focusing on Oswald Cobblepot’s rise in the criminal underworld.

Although the original Gotham PD and Arkham Asylum spinoffs have faced setbacks, The Batman director Matt Reeves, who’s also heavily involved in the sequel, has shown interest in further expanding this universe. With the Penguin series setting a precedent, other spinoffs exploring different facets of Gotham or other characters could be greenlit in the future.

DC Elseworlds

The Batman – Part II and its related projects will be part of the DC Elseworlds banner, separating them from the main continuity of the DC Universe. This allows Matt Reeves creative freedom to explore darker, more grounded narratives without needing to align with the broader DCU’s tone or storyline.

Standalone movies

Reeves has emphasized that while the series and films are interconnected, each movie and show can stand alone. Viewers won’t need to watch all related content to understand the sequel, but those who do will find a richer narrative experience.

Are there other rumors?

One of the few benefits of The Batman 2 release date being so far off is that it gives us plenty of time to speculate, and there’s no shortage of output from the rumor mill regarding this movie.

Potential villains

One of the most speculated villains is Hush, a character with deep personal ties to Bruce Wayne. Known for his psychological warfare and knowledge of Batman’s true identity, Hush could bring a more personal and emotionally charged conflict to the sequel. There is a possible connection to the first film that adds weight to these rumors. Bruce’s father inadvertently caused the death of a journalist named Edward Elliot, who is potentially Hush’s father.

Other rumored villains include Clayface, a shape-shifting antagonist; Professor Pyg, known for his gruesome experiments; and Scarecrow, who uses fear toxins to terrorize Gotham. DC Studios co-head James Gunn has debunked the inclusion of Pyg and Scarecrow, as well as the rumor that Boyd Holbrook was speculated to portray Harvey Dent/Two-Face. However, the speculation around Clayface remains intriguing, especially for a film series that leans into the psychological and gritty aspects of Gotham.

The Joker

The brief appearance of Barry Keoghan’s Joker in the first film has sparked significant speculation about his role in the sequel. Whether he will join forces with other villains like the Riddler or emerge as a central antagonist remains to be seen. Reeves has kept details about the Joker’s involvement tightly under wraps.

Robin

There are whispers that Robin, Batman’s iconic sidekick, might be introduced in The Batman – Part II. This could mark the first costumed appearance of Dick Grayson since the 1997 film Batman & Robin, though the Boy Wonder did technically make an appearance in The Dark Knight Rises.