Fans of DC Comics have sparked conversations about potential villains for The Batman 2 after an old interview resurfaced, where Robert Pattinson revealed which adversaries he hopes to see his Batman face in upcoming films. The discussion largely revolves around fantastical villains like Mr. Freeze and Clayface, whom Pattinson expressed interest in confronting.
Robert Pattinson’s Favorites and the Challenge of Fantastical Villains
In the interview, Pattinson noted,
“I like all the really fantastical ones,”
referencing his preference for more extraordinary villains. However, director Matt Reeves’ interpretation of Gotham City aims for a grounded, realistic tone, which could limit the inclusion of such supernatural or highly stylized characters. Despite this, fans remain hopeful that these characters might appear in future storylines.
Clayface’s Place in DC’s Expanding Universe
One fan on Reddit remarked,
“It’s too bad clayface is being used in dcu and I doubt they use him in reevesverse as well,”
highlighting the complexity caused by separate universes. Currently, a Clayface movie is being developed as part of James Gunn‘s DC Universe (DCU), which operates independently from the Reeves-directed Batman films. Interestingly, new set photos hint at a possible connection between Clayface and The Batman’s universe, fueling speculation about a future crossover or merging of storylines.
Creative Nods and Fan Theories Within The Batman’s World
Another fan suggested a symbolic nod to Clayface in The Penguin series, stating,
“Yeah plus I kinda feel like Eve Karlo(!) in Penguin was their nod to Clayface in a very grounded, metaphorical way,”
referring to Eve Karlo, a character who shares a surname with one version of Clayface and who portrayed a shapeshifting element by impersonating Oz’s mother. This subtle connection hints at how Reeves’ universe might weave elements from classic villains more discreetly.
Fans’ Dream Villains: Mr. Freeze, Hugo Strange, and Court of Owls
Among various wish lists, fans expressed hopes to see Mr. Freeze portrayed authentically, with one user stating,
“I hope we get to see Mr. Freeze done right,”
while another added,
“Hugo Strange and Mr. Freeze please. Then if they make a 3rd one, capitalize on the momentum and do Court of Owls,”
envisioning a potential trilogy that builds toward the enigmatic Court of Owls as a climactic threat. Supporters of this idea emphasized the thematic fit, with one participant noting,
“Court of Owls really would be the best way to wrap up a trilogy in this version of Gotham,”
and,
“It’s clear that Reeves is telling a story about institutional corruption and deep secrecy.”
The Batman 2: Production Delays and Expected Release
The sequel to The Batman, originally released in March 2022, has experienced several production delays, pushing the start of filming to January 2026. Despite these setbacks, the film is slated for release on October 1, 2027, keeping anticipation high among fans eager to see how new villains and story arcs will be integrated.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Gotham and DC’s Future
With Robert Pattinson’s Batman continuing to attract attention, the choice of villains in The Batman 2 will significantly influence the tone and direction of the series. Whether grounded villains like Hugo Strange and Mr. Freeze or the mysterious Court of Owls, the unfolding storylines promise to deepen Gotham’s world and potentially bridge story elements within the wider DC landscape, especially amid growing speculation of crossovers with James Gunn’s DC Universe.
