Matt Reeves Teases ‘The Batman 2’ Plot and DCU Separation

With the recent debut of the Superman trailer, fans have been speculating whether Robert Pattinson’s Batman could ever cross paths with David Corenswet’s Clark Kent. Despite the excitement, it seems those hopes won’t be realized anytime soon. Although initial reports hinted at potential crossovers between these two iconic characters, the official stance remains that Pattinson’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne will remain separate from the new DC Universe (DCU).

James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, recently addressed the rumors about the new Clayface movie, which has been slated to become the third DCU film. Speaking to Gizmodo, Gunn clarified, “Well, I mean, Clayface is in the DCU so it doesn’t matter,” reinforcing that the character exists within the larger shared universe of the DCU. However, the key takeaway here is that The Batman franchise, along with its spin-off series The Penguin, will continue to exist as an “Elseworld” project—remaining distinct and separate from the DCU.

Gunn has been transparent about the possibility of incorporating these projects into the broader DCU, admitting that it was something that had been considered. Ultimately, though, the decision was made by Matt Reeves, the director of The Batman, who desired the creative freedom to explore his own universe. This desire for creative independence was crucial, as Reeves wanted to avoid the limitations that might come from the larger narrative of the DCU.

As a result, Reeves continues to shape his world of Gotham City, building upon the foundation laid in the first film. Though it’s been reported that the script for The Batman 2 is still in development, Reeves recently shared some insights into what fans can expect in the sequel. During an interview with Digital Spy, Reeves spoke about the thematic direction for the next chapter in the saga, giving a glimpse of the darker, more complex world Batman will have to navigate.

Reeves explained, “As we enter into the next movie, there’s a lot more grey.” This shift reflects not only the evolving nature of Gotham City but also the turbulent times Batman must confront. “There’s a lot more people at odds. There’s a lot more division in the city. It’s a lot more like our world is now, there’s a lot of turmoil because people are in their camps and they’re not communicating,” he continued. The theme of societal division will play a pivotal role in shaping the film’s narrative, making Gotham’s problems feel more relatable to real-world issues.

The portrayal of Batman himself is also set to evolve. “How does Batman fit into that? Where do you fit?” Reeves pondered. “It’s not as clear as going, ‘Oh yeah, bad guy, I go after bad guys.’” As the lines between right and wrong blur, Batman will be faced with new challenges. In a world filled with moral ambiguity, the task of being Gotham’s protector becomes even more complex. As Reeves puts it, “When things are in grey, it makes it very hard to be Batman, so this is part of the challenge as we enter it.” This complexity will add a layer of depth to Batman’s character, showing the struggles he faces when the distinctions between good and evil are no longer easily defined.

One of the key aspects of The Batman 2 will be the continuity with the first film, particularly in terms of timing. The movie is expected to pick up right where The Penguin series leaves off, as winter sets in over Gotham. While details on the villains for the sequel remain scarce, a few things are certain. Barry Keoghan’s Joker, introduced in the first film, will likely return. While the character’s future is still uncertain, Keoghan has been intentionally secretive about whether or not he will play a significant role in the upcoming film.

The world Reeves has created for The Batman seems intent on avoiding any supernatural elements or outlandish villains. This suggests that characters like Clayface, who would have been a stretch in this grounded universe, will not make an appearance—at least not in their traditional forms. Instead, Reeves’ interpretation of Gotham is one that leans into realism and the darker, more psychologically complex aspects of its characters. This grounded approach has already allowed for interesting takes on iconic villains like the Riddler, reimagined as a Zodiac-type killer, and the Penguin, portrayed as a ruthless mob boss rather than a campy crime lord.

While the inclusion of the Joker in the sequel is almost a given, the direction of other potential villains remains speculative. Some fans have suggested that the winter setting could point to the arrival of Mr. Freeze. If so, it would likely be a reimagined version of the character, one that aligns more with the realistic tone of Reeves’ Gotham, as opposed to the classic portrayal of Freeze with his bubble helmet and freeze ray. Others have thrown out names like Black Mask, a mob boss with a distinctive mask, who could fit seamlessly into the universe Reeves is building. However, at this point, it’s all speculation, and only time will tell which villains will make their way into The Batman 2.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the specifics of the film, what is clear is that The Batman 2 will dive deeper into the turmoil and division that defines Gotham and its citizens. With Reeves at the helm, the sequel will likely continue to challenge Batman’s role as a symbol of justice in a world where the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurred. As fans eagerly await more details, one thing remains certain: the journey of Batman in this universe will continue to be dark, complex, and filled with moral grey areas.

In the meantime, Reeves remains committed to crafting a story that stays true to the vision he set forth in the first film, all while leaving the door open for further exploration of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Whether or not The Batman 2 will introduce new faces or delve deeper into existing characters, it’s evident that this version of the Dark Knight is about to face some of his greatest challenges yet.