The Batman - Part IIhas the perfect excuse to introduce the origin story of an iconic DC Comics villain, thus setting up their future in the Elseworlds sect of the DCU.Updates aboutThe Batman 2are expected to be much more regular in 2025, with the film likely beginning filming ahead of its October 2026 release date. This is incredibly exciting for most, given that Matt Reeves' sequel is perhaps the most anticipated project out of eachupcomingBatmanmovie or TV show.
The excitement forThe Batman - Part IIhas only been furthered byThe Penguin’s climactic ending, which saw Bruce’s Bat-signal light up the skies above Gotham. Thanks toThe Penguin, more elements have been teased forThe Batman 2; not only is Batman likely going to be going up against the new crime kingpin of Gotham in Oswald Cobb, but a team-up between one ofThe Penguin’s best characters, Sofia Falcone, and Selina Kyle could be in the works. Furthermore,The Penguinmay have subtly providedThe Batman - Part IIwith the perfect opportunity to include another iconic DC villain.
The Penguin Episode 8 Sets Up Harvey Dent’s Introduction To The Batman’s Universe
Bella Reál’s Criminal Task Force Is Full Of Intriguing Possibilities
The DC villain who could be introduced inThe Batman 2is Harvey Dent/Two-Face.The Penguinsets upThe Batman 2in several ways, but one was much more subtle. During Oswald’s attempt to be more influential within Gotham’s political landscape, it was mentioned that the mayor of the city is establishing a criminal task force in the wake of skyrocketing crime rates. This offers a chance for Harvey Dent to be introduced earlier than he is in most Batman, while still aligning with the core of his DC Comics character and establishing his origins before he becomes Two-Face.
What We Know About The Future Of The Batman Universe After The Penguin
The Penguin ended with teases for The Batman universe, and its future includes Oz Cobb, Batman, and other spinoffs that have been teased or rumored.
In most iterations of Harvey Dent’s story, he is depicted initially as a savior of Gotham, usually as its district attorney. Dent is often shown to be incredibly effective at putting away some of Gotham’s major criminals due to his work in law enforcement and his alliance with Jim Gordon and Batman. ShouldThe Batman 2capitalize on the tease of Bella Reál’s task force, Harvey Dent could be its leader.
It seems that the criminal task force that was teased inThe Penguin’s ending is the perfect vehicle to introduce Harvey Dent…
This would give him a good backstory to explain why he goes on to become such an effective DA, with that transition potentially coming inThe Batman 3. Similarly, this would give more time to explore Harvey Dent before his villainous turn, should he simply be an ally of Bruce inThe Batman - Part II.Overall, it seems that the criminal task force that was teased inThe Penguin’s ending is the perfect vehicle to introduce Harvey Dent, setting up a future Batman ally and eventual villain.
Matt Reeves’ Batman Franchise Suits Harvey Dent More Than Any Other
This avenue being used to introduce Harvey Dent toThe Batmanfranchise would be perfect both for how logical it is and also because of how well his character would fit the tone Reeves has crafted for the universe thus far.The BatmanandThe Penguinare much more realistic, grounded takes on the world of DC Comics.The Penguinwas a crime thriller akin toThe Sopranoswill little to no outlandish, unrealistic comic book elements, whileThe Batmanwas more of a detective thriller than an outright superhero movie.
As such, Dent would fit this world perfectly. Two-Face is already one of Batman’s more believable, less-fantastical villains in most iterations, and fleshing out his backstory as Harvey Dent would fit the detective vibe ofThe Batmanperfectly. For this reason, on top ofThe Penguin’s subtle Easter eggs,The Batman - Part IIhas the perfect excuse to fold Harvey Dent into proceedings.
The Batman Part II
Cast
The Batman Part II is the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, released in 2022, and will continue where the original film left off. The film shares a universe with the HBO Max original Penguin series and sees the return of the Riddler and a different incarnation of the Joker.
