Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed that production for The Batman Part II will commence in spring 2026, aiming for an October 1, 2027 theatrical release. Director Matt Reeves recently completed the screenplay, which promises to explore the deeper corruption within Gotham City, maintaining a grounded tone rather than veering into highly fantastical territory. This direction leaves potential villain choices and returning characters uncertain, including whether Barry Keoghan’s Joker will appear again.
Returning Cast and Robert Pattinson’s Schedule
Robert Pattinson is set to reprise his role as Bruce Wayne/The Dark Knight, though he faces a busy schedule ahead with major projects such as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 3 before filming the sequel. While it is likely that Jeffrey Wright will return as Commissioner Gordon, Colin Farrell as The Penguin, and Andy Serkis as Alfred, the involvement of Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman remains unclear at this point.
James Gunn to Write the Next DC Superhero Movie
Beyond updates on The Batman Part II, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav revealed that James Gunn will be writing the next installment in the DC “Super family.” This untitled project is scheduled to follow upcoming releases like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Clayface, and the new Wonder Woman. Although details are limited, Zaslav’s announcement signals the studio’s intention to build on the box office momentum created by Gunn’s recent Superman film.
“write the next installment in the Super family.” —David Zaslav, CEO, Warner Bros. Discovery
“DC Studio’s universe of characters represents not only one of Warner Bros. Discovery’s most valuable pieces of intellectual property, but one of the most valuable assets in entertainment,” —David Zaslav, CEO, Warner Bros. Discovery
Production Timelines and Delays
The question remains whether Reeves’ The Batman Part II or Gunn’s next DC superhero film will release first. Currently, Reeves’ film is on track for fall 2027, but its history of delays leaves the date uncertain. Gunn defended Reeves on social media against criticism for the five-year gap between the two Pattinson-led Batman films, noting that similar or longer intervals are normal in sequel production. He cited examples such as:
- 7 years between Alien and Aliens
- 14 years between the two Incredibles films
- 7 years between the first two Terminator movies
- 13 years between Avatar films
- 36 years between Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick
- 6 years between Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Vol. 3
“People should get off Matt’s nuts because it’s like, let the guy write the screenplay in the amount of time he needs to write it,” —James Gunn, Director and DC Studios Co-Head
“That’s just the way it is. He doesn’t owe you something because you like his movie. I mean, you like his movie because of Matt. So let Matt do things the way he does.” —James Gunn, Director and DC Studios Co-Head
Other Projects in DC Studios’ Pipeline
In addition to The Batman Part II and Gunn’s upcoming superhero film, Warner Bros. Discovery is developing other DC Universe projects, including Swamp Thing and a new Batman movie titled The Brave and the Bold, directed by Andy Muschietti. However, these projects’ release dates remain highly uncertain compared to Reeves’ sequel. Overall, Gunn’s extensive ten-year plan for DC Studios is gradually taking shape, with his next Super film playing a crucial role in the franchise’s future.
“Swamp Thing“ and another new Batman flick, Andy Muschietti‘s The Brave And The Bold.” —David Zaslav, CEO, Warner Bros. Discovery
