Director Matt Reeves' often praised film, The Batman, introduced new takes on a number of classic villains from the Dark Knight's rogues gallery. The goal with the sequel, according to Reeves, is to ensure that the focus remains on Bruce Wayne as a character, rather than his foes.
Speaking to Collider, Reeves explained, "To me, the thing that I really feel is that I also believe that Rob [Pattinson] is so special in the role. My goal has always been to do these point-of-view stories that allow the character to always be the emotional center of the story. Because a lot of times what happens is, after you do the first one, then suddenly other Rogues Gallery characters come in, and they kind of take over, and then Batman takes a backseat sort of character-wise, or emotionally."
Reeves has assured audiences that, despite the shake-up taking place at Warner Bros. Discovery and the recently-rebranded DC Studios, The Batman 2 is well into development. He said, "We're deep in it and my partner and I are writing, Mattson and I are writing, and it's really exciting, and I'm really excited about what we're doing." He did not divulge when the film would enter production.
While The Batman 2 may be some time away from hitting screens, the film's universe will continue to expand. On top of writing the next film, Reeves is also producing a spinoff series for HBO Max centered on The Penguin, played by Colin Farrel. The show will be integral to the Bat-verse the filmmaker is trying to build, as Reeves previously confirmed that the Penguin series will lead into the events of The Batman 2.
The Batman Is Not in the DCU
All of this will remain outside of DC Studios' DC Universe. Reeves explained he has discussed the separation of the two franchises with co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. "We've talked a few times, I'm supposed to get together with him and Peter sometimes this month. They've been working feverishly on what they're doing, and I've been working hard with my partners on what we're doing," Reeves explained.
This followed Gunn's recent comments, which debunked rumors Reeves' universe would be integrated into the rebooted DCU. Following reports that plans were being made, Gunn turned to social media to confirm that this was "completely untrue."
The Batman 2 does not currently have a release date.
Source: Collider