Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Jul 6, 2025
Table of Contents
The Hollywood Insider – ‘The Batman Part II’ – Matt Reeves Confirms Script Is Ready
During a July 2, 2025 interview with ExtraTV, DC Studios co-head James Gunn confirmed that the script for the highly anticipated sequel to ‘The Batman‘—expected to be titled ‘The Batman Part II’—has officially been completed by director Matt Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin.
While it hasn’t been officially titled or given a plot synopsis just yet, this confirmation signals a huge step forward for the next chapter in Robert Pattinson’s Batman saga.
In Gunn’s own words, he had just received the script at the time of the interview: “I haven’t even read it yet—I literally just got it,” he said, visibly excited. This confirms that the second installment is moving into the next phase of development.
So, what can we expect from the DCU’s darkest knight?
Even with the script complete, many details are still being kept tightly under wraps.
One thing is clear: if all goes according to plan, production will begin at the end of 2025, with a tentative release date of October 1, 2027—which, let’s be honest, will be here before we know it.
The project remains part of Matt Reeves’ corner of the DC Universe, separate from Gunn’s own reimagined DCU continuity.
This means Pattinson’s Batman is not the same one that will appear in the upcoming ‘Batman: The Brave and the Bold’, but rather exists in a darker, more grounded world similar to films like ‘Se7en’ and ‘Zodiac‘.
Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz are both set to return as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Selina Kyle/Catwoman.
On the red carpet for the premiere of Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi film ‘Mickey 17‘, Pattinson teased the plot, saying, “I know what it’s about, but I can’t tell anyone. It’s very cool. It’s very exciting.”
Funny enough, Pattinson carried a bit of that Edward Cullen mystique—vague, mysterious, and just cryptic enough to keep fans guessing.
While vague, it was enough to get fans buzzing online and sparking a ton of speculation.
Reeves has also previously shared that the sequel will be set during winter, which opens the door for a snow-covered Gotham and a possible noir-style Christmas backdrop.
Imagine the moody streets of Gotham drenched in neon light and snowfall—it’s everything fans like me love about Reeves’ Gotham.
Cold, eerie, but somehow beautiful. It just sort of feels like a place where he really belongs.
Honestly, what made ‘The Batman’ hit so differently back in 2022 was how far it strayed from the usual superhero blueprint.
It kept that comic book feel, but allowed you to fall more into a crime thriller movie.
One of the most widely rumored villains for the upcoming film is the Court of Owls, a secret society of Gotham’s elite that manipulates the city from the shadows.
First appearing fully in ‘Batman’ (Vol. 2) #6 in 2012, the Court has since become one of Batman’s most chilling and cerebral enemies.
They’re known for using undead assassins called Talons, and their lore-heavy backstory would be a perfect match for Reeves’ slow-burn style.
Robert Pattinson himself first expressed interest in the Court of Owls storyline back in a 2022 interview with Den of Geek, saying, “I’d love to do something like Court of Owls.”
He pointed out how the horror-like tone of ‘The Batman’ could lend itself to even darker, more psychological storytelling.
Given how Reeves previously explored the corruption of Gotham’s political and police institutions in ‘The Batman’, it’s easy to see how a shadowy cabal pulling strings behind the scenes would elevate those themes even further.
Of course, all eyes are on Barry Keoghan, whose Joker made a brief appearance at the end of ‘The Batman’.
Though his moment was short, it naturally sparked questions about whether he’ll return as the main villain.
In 2023, Keoghan told the Happy Sad Confused podcast, “If the opportunity came about, yes, I’d love to explore [the Joker] and really dive into it. But I have not been contacted, I’ve not heard anything.” That statement has yet to be updated, meaning as of July 6, 2025, there is still no official confirmation of his involvement.
Another strong contender is Colin Farrell’s Penguin, whose 2024 HBO spinoff series ‘The Penguin’ was both a critical and commercial success.
Farrell’s transformation into Oswald Cobblepot earned him the Golden Globe for Best Actor, and fans are eager to see his character evolve into a full-fledged Gotham crime boss.
Given the success of the series, his return in ‘The Batman Part II’ seems almost inevitable.
When Robert Pattinson was first announced as the next Batman, taking over the role from Ben Affleck, fans were divided.
Affleck’s version had its loyal defenders—especially for his presence—but he never got the solo film that might have defined his take.
With Matt Reeves stepping in to reboot the franchise entirely, Pattinson’s casting felt like a deliberate shift. He wanted to make sure the role was very character-driven.
Known for his work in films like ‘Twilight‘ and indie standouts like ‘Good Time‘ and ‘The Lighthouse‘, Pattinson wasn’t the obvious choice for the Caped Crusader.
But with ‘The Batman’ (2022), he quickly silenced the critics, turning them onto favoring his version as Bruce Wayne.
Rather than lean into the billionaire playboy persona, Pattinson’s Batman was withdrawn, damaged, and still early in his crime-fighting career.
More heart and more authenticity.
This version of Bruce Wayne struggles with purpose, identity, and trauma—making him one of the most psychologically layered Batmen we’ve seen on screen.
His commitment to the role is clear. Pattinson has taken Batman seriously not just as a symbol of justice, but as a character study in grief and isolation.
As the face of Matt Reeves’ Gotham universe, Pattinson is anchoring a franchise that aims to be darker, more grounded, and character-driven.
James Gunn’s Role and Industry Reflections
Since being appointed co-head of DC Studios in 2022, James Gunn has overseen the rebooted DCU, working alongside Peter Safran.
Although he isn’t writing or directing ‘The Batman Part II’, Gunn plays a key role in guiding the overall strategy of DC films—including how Matt Reeves’ Gotham universe fits within the larger DC landscape.
Gunn has openly addressed the complexities of managing two Batman timelines at once. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, he admitted that having two different Batman movies is “the biggest issue in all of DC right now.”
Still, he emphasized that Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ saga will remain independent under the “Elseworlds” label, while the DCU will introduce its own version of Batman in ‘Batman: The Brave and the Bold’—a separate narrative featuring Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian.
Importantly, Gunn confirmed that Robert Pattinson will not be the DCU’s Batman.
That role will go to a new actor, ensuring that the tone, cast, and universe of ‘The Batman Part II’ remain distinct and uninterrupted.
Gunn’s approach has been clear: prioritize quality over deadlines.
He’s praised Reeves’ careful development and said scripts should only move forward when they’re ready—not rushed to meet arbitrary studio dates.
He’s also cited the importance of learning from mistakes seen in recent franchise fatigue, particularly referencing recent delays and resets across both Marvel (including ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’) and DC.
Meanwhile, Reeves himself shared a behind-the-scenes snap of the completed script co-written with Mattson Tomlin.
The photo, captioned “Partners in Crime (Fighters),” served as a visual confirmation that the script is not only done—but fully locked and ready for production.
Where This Leaves the DC Universe
With ‘The Batman Part II’ continuing separately from the main DCU, Gunn and Reeves are walking on a pretty tight rope.
Gunn’s rebooted universe (kicking off in 2025 with ‘Superman‘) will introduce new versions of core characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
Meanwhile, Reeves’ Batman exists as an “Elseworlds” tale, free from the constraints of shared-universe storytelling.
This gives Reeves and Pattinson the creative freedom to build their own Gotham Verse without needing to tie in superheroes, alien invasions, or multiverse chaos.
That’s part of what made the first film so strong—and why anticipation is high for this grounded continuation.
It’s also worth noting that while James Gunn is best known for his work with Marvel Studios—most notably directing the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy‘ trilogy—he officially joined DC Studios in 2022.
Warner Bros. Discovery appointed Gunn, alongside producer Peter Safran, as co-head of DC Studios, tasking them with revitalizing the DCU.
His creative vision is now steering DC’s future, from ‘Superman’ (2025) to long-term plans involving characters like Swamp Thing, Booster Gold, and the Authority.
Final Thoughts
As of July 2025, the script is done. The pieces are in motion.
Robert Pattinson is returning. Winter is coming to Gotham. And whether it’s the Court of Owls or the Joker who steps out of the shadows, ‘The Batman Part II’ seems to be shaping up pretty solid.
Now two years away, let’s hope the wait is worth it.
Keep an Eye Out
Zoë Kravitz has been focused on her film ‘Blink Twice’, which she also co-wrote. She’s also rumored to return if a new season of the Emmy-winning series ‘Big Little Lies’ moves forward.
Meanwhile, James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ hits theaters this weekend on July 11.
By Emma Gladstone
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
