With The Batman opening to rave reviews and an immense amount of hype, it is inevitable a sequel will be discussed. Matt Reeves has expressed interest in a sequel, with the director already having a villain in mind. The film showcases new versions of classic villains such as Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), The Riddler (Paul Dano) and The Penguin (Colin Farrell).
While a sequel has not been officially confirmed, there are a number of characters who could appear to face Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight after his battle with The Riddler. Batman has an extensive rogues gallery in both print and screen, with many iconic villains fit for an adaptation in this universe.
**WARNING: This article contains spoilers for The Batman***
Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze has been portrayed once in live-action, in the critically panned Batman and Robin. While that film portrayed a goofy version of the character, Mr. Freeze is such a complex and sympathetic villain. His backstory was first properly developed in Batman: The Animated Series, where his primary motivation was finding a cure for his wife Nora.
This cure could drive Freeze’s motivations in a potential sequel, making audiences sympathize with the villain. Matt Reeves has already shown interest in a grounded take of the villain, meaning it is a likely possibility. A Mr. Freeze film could be as beloved as his appearance in Batman TAS and redeem the character’s dreadful showing in Batman and Robin.
Bane
Bane is one of Batman’s biggest enemies, last portrayed by Tom Hardy in The Dark Knight Rises. While Bane is a physical presence for Batman, his intellect is another aspect that gives the villain an advantage. The character is best known for being the man who broke the bat, as Bane broke Batman’s back in the Knightfall storyline. This storyline has made Bane one of Batman’s most fearsome foes and Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader may be taking on Bane next.
In the final battle, Batman is on death’s edge. Catwoman manages to save him from falling to his doom, however he is powerless to try and save her from a Riddler goon. In a desperate attempt, Batman injects himself with a familiar green liquid and emerges full of rage as he beats on the goon. It is rumoured that this substance could be venom, which Bane constantly injects into his system.
This could be a preview to Bane appearing in a potential sequel, with Dave Bautista already showing interest in playing the character.
Two-Face
Harvey Dent is one of Batman’s most tragic villains, with the character being genuinely good until his accident. This turned him into the villainous Two-Face, which was portrayed beautifully by Aaron Eckhart in The Dark Knight. With The Batman‘s District Attorney biting the bullet at the hands of Paul Dano’s Riddler, a sequel could be a perfect place to introduce Dent. Harvey could be introduced as a DA fighting the good fight, who tragically gets scarred and becomes a major foe for the Dark Knight.
Two-Face would work well as the main villain of a Batman sequel. Reeves’ grounded universe is the perfect place to give Harvey Dent the spotlight he deserves.
The Joker
While many fans will argue The Joker has been portrayed too many times recently, the character is the most popular of Batman’s rogues gallery. He has been portrayed by the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, Jared Leto, Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson, all bringing their own energy to the role. The Joker is Batman’s arch enemy and it seems likely that he will feature opposite Pattinson’s Dark Knight.
This rumour is fuelled by director Matt Reeves, who confirmed that Barry Keoghan (Eternals) cameos as the Clown Prince of Crime in The Batman. Keoghan is a fantastic actor, who already looked menacing as the character in his brief cameo. While there may be some fatigue with the character, Joker is too popular to be left out of the spotlight for too long.
Hush
The only character on this list without a live action interpretation is Thomas Elliot aka Hush. In the comics, Hush is an intelligent and cunning villain, who manipulates various villains and heroes to further his battle with Batman. It is revealed that Hush is Thomas Elliot, who was Bruce Wayne’s best friend as a child. Elliot holds a grudge against Bruce as he wanted to be an orphan, orchestrating an accident to kill both his parents. However, Thomas Wayne saves Elliot’s mother through life saving surgery.
Elliot’s father is reimagined as a reporter in The Batman, who is murdered by Carmine Falcone for preparing to leak information about the Waynes. Hush could hold disdain towards Bruce Wayne and attempt to destroy his life for this reason. It would be an interesting route to take with the character that would work for a potential sequel.
Which Batman villain would you like to see appear in a sequel to The Batman? Let us know in the comments!
