Matt Reeves, the director behind the recent Batman projects, is expanding the universe with new DC spin-offs following the success of The Batman (2023) starring Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader. After Colin Farrell’s acclaimed performance as the Penguin in the 2024 HBO series, The Penguin, Reeves sees potential for more stories centered around Gotham’s complex characters.
Reeves revealed at the 2025 Emmys red carpet how Farrell’s approach helped shape the character further during the audition process.
[Farrell] started sending me when I was in London in prep these little videos he was making of himself, and I was like, who is that? There was such a burning life coming into being, and he’s an incredible actor.
Colin Farrell’s portrayal has been widely praised, raising expectations about expanding other characters from this darker Gotham world. When asked about future spin-offs, Reeves responded optimistically.
I totally do, we’ve talked about it,
emphasizing that while the focus currently remains on completing The Penguin and preparing The Batman 2 for its upcoming shoot, the idea of extending the franchise is alive.
Reeves also addressed the complexities of working within the larger DC universe.
“That’s where the priorities have been. These conversations may or may not… look I’m not in control of DC, and I can only tell you what I’d love to do, and there are things they know we would love to do, and those conversations may begin again when it’s appropriate.”
This indicates that while plans exist, final decisions rely on DC’s broader strategies and timing.
Potential Character Crossovers Between The Batman 2 and The Penguin Series
The Penguin series included standout performances, notably from Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, a role which earned Milioti her first Emmy, winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series. With The Batman sequel entering production, speculation has grown about whether Sofia Falcone will reappear. However, Reeves clarified her absence from the new film.
Cristin is not in this one,
he confirmed.
But that’s because we were so deep into the script by the time we were in the show. But we’ll see. I mean, I think she’s incredible. What she did in the show is just astonishing.
This confirmation may come as a disappointment for fans hoping for a direct continuation of Sofia’s villain arc, especially since her Emmy win marked the sole major award for The Penguin at the 2025 Emmys. Though Farrell and Deirdre O’Connell received nominations for acting, they did not take home wins. Sofia Falcone’s possible return now seems uncertain, hinging on how The Penguin series and any potential future seasons evolve in relation to The Batman universe.
Currently, all episodes of The Penguin are available for streaming on HBO Max, allowing audiences to revisit the storyline before The Batman 2 premieres on October 1, 2027. With production slated to begin this spring, fans eagerly await further developments from Reeves and the broader Gotham narrative.
Development Progress on The Batman 2 and Its Principal Cast
The Batman 2 will see Robert Pattinson continuing as Bruce Wayne, a role that has garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the Dark Knight. Alongside him, Zoë Kravitz returns as Selina Kyle, enriching the story’s central dynamics. Reeves’ team is deeply involved in refining the script and character arcs while balancing the expansion of Gotham through new projects like The Penguin.
The growing slate of spin-offs underlines Reeves’ determination to deepen the DC universe’s storytelling opportunities, focusing on characters who initially appeared in supporting roles. This strategy not only provides richer context for established heroes and villains but also opens new pathways for intricate, serialized narratives in the DC world.
As production moves forward, these projects could redefine audience expectations, engaging viewers with fresh perspectives on Gotham’s criminal underworld and its complex inhabitants. Reeves’ evolving vision suggests that fans should anticipate a broad, interconnected world where spin-offs will complement main storyline installments, ultimately reshaping the DC franchise’s direction.
