The new DC Universe (DCU) is gearing up for an exciting chapter centered around Batman, with James Gunn unveiling ten villains poised to appear in Gotham City’s evolving storyline. This announcement highlights the fresh slate of Batman foes that will be featured long before the Dark Knight himself makes his live-action DCU debut.
While Robert Pattinson’s Batman from previous films will remain outside the DCU continuity, this paves the way for new casting and unique interpretations of Batman’s classic adversaries within James Gunn’s vision for the franchise. The lineup of villains promises to reshape Gotham’s criminal underworld with both iconic and obscure characters, setting a bold tone for the franchise moving forward.
Introducing Kite Man’s Role in Gotham
Kite Man, a lesser-known opponent of Batman, is confirmed to be part of the DCU’s Gotham landscape. His presence gains significance given that Tom King, the comic writer who revitalized Kite Man in the comics, is also deeply involved in steering the DCU’s creative direction. Although Kite Man has not yet appeared on screen, his inclusion connects the old and new versions of Gotham.
This character was previously referenced in the original DCEU through the Peacemaker series, where it was shown that John Cena’s Peacemaker had defeated Kite Man. James Gunn’s latest DCU iteration continues to acknowledge Kite Man’s existence as confirmed during the Peacemaker season 2 premiere, reinforcing his ongoing role within the expanded universe.
Talia Al Ghul Expected to Play a Key Part
Talia Al Ghul has not yet been seen in the DCU, yet she holds a critical role within the Batman mythos that is destined to affect James Gunn’s DCU narrative. She is anticipated to appear prominently in the upcoming movie Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
The gripping storyline centers on Bruce Wayne discovering he has a son, Damian Wayne. Since Damian is canonically the child of Bruce and Talia, her character’s involvement is essential to maintaining the comic-accurate relationship dynamics. This revelation ensures Talia’s significance as more than merely a background figure, deeply influencing Batman’s personal and familial conflicts.
Ra’s Al Ghul’s Expected DCU Presence
Alongside Talia, Ra’s al Ghul is likely to appear or at least be referenced in the Batman franchise within the DCU, given his role as Damian Wayne’s grandfather. The familial ties between Bruce Wayne and one of his greatest foes create rich storytelling possibilities.
James Gunn’s choice to explore Damian’s place in Batman’s world inherently suggests Ra’s al Ghul’s existence within the DCU, even if he does not feature directly in Batman: The Brave and the Bold. This layered family connection adds depth to the villainy surrounding Gotham’s underbelly and the personal stakes for Batman.
The Ambiguous Role of White Rabbit
White Rabbit is a peculiar inclusion of the DCU Batman rogue gallery. Though she has appeared in Peacemaker season 2, she seems to diverge from her traditional villainous role, instead auditioning to join the Justice Gang. Her live-action portrayal suggests potential ambiguity, making her a possible ally or a character whose darker tendencies could develop later.
In the comic canon, White Rabbit is a minor villain who, interestingly, comes from a wealthy background like Bruce Wayne. Her initial flirtations with Bruce and eventual turn to villainy add an intriguing layer of complexity that the DCU may explore in unexpected ways.
Doctor Phosphorus’s Unique Position in the DCU
Doctor Phosphorus stands out as the only Batman villain confirmed to have actively appeared in the DCU thus far. Seen in the animated series Creature Commandos, he has fought alongside Rick Flag Sr.’s team of monsters while previously having a dark past marked by a stint as a mob boss.
Batman briefly made a non-speaking cameo during Doctor Phosphorus’s arrest, linking the characters’ stories early on. This animates the potential for future confrontations or alliances and strengthens Doctor Phosphorus’s role within the wider DC universe. His return in Creature Commandos season 2 further cements his importance in the franchise’s unfolding narrative.
Ghost Dragons Gang Hinted at in Gotham
The Ghost Dragons, an obscure but notable gang from DC Comics with roots in Hong Kong, have been subtly foreshadowed in the DCU’s Gotham setting. The gang once battled for control over Gotham’s drug trade, positioning themselves as a significant criminal faction.
Though they have yet to appear on screen, evidence from Clayface’s set photos shows graffiti referencing the Ghost Dragons, indicating the gang’s imminent introduction. This hints at the expanding tapestry of Gotham’s organized crime and adds a global dimension to its criminal conflicts.
Clayface to Lead with His Own Origin Story
Clayface is set to become one of the most prominent villains in the new Batman corner of the DCU, with a solo film scheduled for release on September 11, 2026. The character, portrayed by Tom Rhys Harries, will follow the storyline of Matt Hagen, mirroring the iconic version from Batman: The Animated Series that inspired this adaptation.
Unlike other villains who will support Batman’s upcoming story, Clayface has already played a substantial role in earlier DCU projects, having battled alongside and against key characters like Rick Flag and Frankenstein in Creature Commandos. His film will delve into his origins, expanding the scope of James Gunn’s DC Universe.
A Fresh Take on The Penguin
Colin Farrell’s Penguin became a standout figure in Matt Reeves’ interpretation of The Batman and further established himself with his own HBO series. While there is no confirmed DCU project featuring the Penguin yet, set photos from Clayface’s production suggest that a new, comics-accurate version of the Penguin is in the works.
This version of Gotham’s notorious crime lord is teased with promotional posters spotted in Gotham City’s Amusement Mile, hinting the character will eventually play a significant part in James Gunn’s DCU portrayal of Gotham’s criminal hierarchy.
Black Mask’s Presence Suggested through Set Clues
Black Mask, a prominent Batman adversary, is also subtly included in the DCU via on-set details connected to the Clayface film. Photographs reveal signage for Sionis Industries, a company closely tied to Roman Sionis, Black Mask’s real identity.
Previously portrayed by Ewan McGregor in Birds of Prey during the DCEU era, Black Mask’s potential return to James Gunn’s DCU remains possible. This could align with broader franchise plans, especially amid Margot Robbie’s likely reappearance as Harley Quinn and the return of other actors reprising their roles.
The Joker’s Emerging Role in the DCU
The Joker, Batman’s most notorious archenemy, is hinted at through various set photos from Clayface’s production. Graffiti references to “The Jokers” and posters encouraging people to “Join The Joker” in protests against the Gotham City Police Department suggest the villain’s significant influence within Gotham’s social and criminal landscape.
These visual cues imply that the Joker may lead a movement or represent a faction in the DCU’s Gotham, positioning him as a central figure once he debuts. Given his status as Batman’s foremost foe, this early setup signals a major role for the Clown Prince of Crime in the DCU’s Batman saga.
James Gunn’s unveiling of these ten Batman villains showcases a diverse and layered antagonist cast that will deepen Gotham’s narrative complexity. With characters ranging from the obscure Kite Man to iconic figures like the Joker and Talia Al Ghul, the DCU is building a textured world of conflict that both honors the comics and introduces bold new directions. As Batman’s live-action debut draws nearer with The Brave and the Bold, the groundwork laid by these villainous characters ensures a richly charged atmosphere for the Dark Knight’s next chapter.
