Top 10 Potential Villains For The Batman Sequel | Screen Rant
Since its theatrical debut on the 4th March, The Batman has already earned over 300 million dollars at the US domestic box office while also remaining in the number one spot for three weeks in a row. It's no surprise then that fans of Matt Reeves' latest movie already want to see a sequel that follows Robert Pattinson's caped crusader.
But among the gigantic catalog of villains to choose from, just who could become the next antagonist that Batman might face? From crime lords to manipulative geniuses, there are many that could make an appearance for the potential sequel.
During the climactic fight against The Riddler's followers as they attempt to kill the people sheltering from the flood they caused, an injured Batman uses a green liquid to quickly revive himself and have the strength to finish them off. Despite the brief scene, it already raised a question and could lead to a big villain's comeback.
The green liquid could have been Venom, the serum that Bane uses in the comics to give himself super-strength in order to take down Batman. But whether the scene will open up to a new version of Bane remains to be seen.
Despite his plans eventually being thwarted by Batman at the end of the movie, the Riddler could make a grand comeback, especially with the support of his newfound friend in Arkham Asylum. And Paul Dano's portrayal was enough to make audiences want more of the most sinister version of the character yet.
With multiple comic book story arcs to choose from, the Riddler's return could top his previous efforts. From performing prison breaks to going to war with the Joker himself, the mastermind isn't done with Gotham yet, and viewers could see him in these or similar scenarios.
One of the many highlights of The Batman was Colin Farrell's unrecognizable transformation as Oswald Cobblepot that some have already argued is the best version of The Penguin yet. And fans won't have to wait long to see the actor reprise his role, as he will lead a spin-off television series for HBO Max.
But will Farrell return in a potential sequel? The end of the movie could suggest it happening, as it sets up The Penguin to take over Falcone's criminal operations after his death and the flooding of Gotham.
Starting out with murder on Halloween, the movie borrowed some light elements of The Long Halloween storyline from the Batman comics. And the sequel could continue to use the source material, especially with its potential use of Calendar Man.
Seen by some as a joke character, this comic book arc portrayed him as an intelligent criminal who aided Jim Gordon and Batman to solve holiday-related murders. Furthermore, he is even able to figure out who the murderer is.
One of the newest villains introduced in the Batman comic books, The Court of Owls is a mysterious organization that has secretly controlled Gotham for centuries. Disguised only with owl masks, they have influenced key events in the city's history from the shadows.
While they have only appeared a handful of times outside the comics, fans want to see them make their theatrical debut. The owl card that Joker left for Batman with a riddle to solve in the movie was enough for audiences to speculate, and it sparked many wishes for them to appear in the sequel.
One of the oldest villains of the caped crusader, Hugo Strange was also one of the first rogues to decipher the hero's secret identity after developing a strong obsession with him. And yet, his only theatrical appearance was The Lego Batman Movie.
With a grounded and gritty world, Matt Reeves could bring in the scientist and use the comics and other mediums to bring him into the fold. From the Arkham video games to his animated appearances, Hugo Strange would be a welcome intellectual rival for Batman.
Teased at the end of The Batman and played by Barry Keoghan, the Joker could make another appearance on the big screen. Played by many celebrated actors throughout the years, the Joker is recognized by comic and noncomic fans alike.
The Eternals actor could become the next interpretation of the Joker, especially as there are many storylines that could be adapted and used for the sequel. However, it is understandable that unless Matt Reeves reinvents the villain, audiences might want to see someone new.
Introduced in 2002, Hush was the main antagonist for DC's Batman: Hush arc in the comics. Depicted as a bandaged and masked criminal, he is hellbent on taking down Batman by any means necessary.
But underneath Hush's bandaged mask was Thomas Elliot, a doctor and Bruce Wayne's childhood friend who tried to claim his family's inheritance by attempting to kill them. With Bruce's backstory left unexplored in The Batman, Hush could make an appearance and fill in the gaps to the hero's childhood. Although those who may or may not have watched the latest theatrical movie might want to watch the animated adaptation of the comic to brush up on that history.
Black Mask may have recently made an appearance in the Birds of Prey movie, he could make another appearance in a potential Batman movie, especially with how the most recent one ended. With The Penguin now taking over Falcone's operations, Gotham's criminals could try to claim the wealth and power for themselves.
One of them could very well be Roman Sionis, a mob boss who dons the identity of Black Mask. Using torture, he is a ruthless and intimidating foe that could not just prove troublesome for The Penguin, but could also spell trouble for Batman. Furthermore, Reddit users want to see this villain in a sequel too.
One of John Turturro's best roles in recent years, his portrayal of Carmine Falcone was a quiet yet sinister take on the criminal boss. Despite the shocking shooting that the head of the family receives from The Riddler, it might not be the last fans will see of his family.
Alongside Selina Kyle, his other children might cause trouble for both Gotham's police and the criminals that reside in it. From a daughter who has killed cops to an unpredictable son from the comics, there might be a more troubling impact of Falcone's death than anyone can anticipate.