While Warner Bros.’ slate of DC projects grew significantly smaller throughout 2022, the same can’t be said for Matt Reeves’ take on Gotham City following The Batman‘s blockbuster release this past March.
In addition to booking a spin-off series starring Colin Farrel’s Penguin and a sequel for Reeves’ The Batman, Warner Bros. signed a deal with the director and his production company which was described as “an open invitation” for Reeves “to go wherever his interests take him.”
Now, a new report has offered a glimpse at where the director’s “interests” lie and just who fans can expect to see in his ever-expanding vision of Gotham.
Matt Reeves’ Plans for a Trio of Batman Villain Films
DC
According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Matt Reeves isn’t just working on a sequel to The Batman starring Robert Pattinson, but also three (if not more) Batman villain spin-off films.
The report claims that Reeves is meeting with writers and directors for movies featuring Batman baddies both known and more obscure, including Professor Pyg, Scarecrow, and Clayface.
These projects are in the early stages of development.
It’s also worth noting that the director’s interest in villain-led films is in addition to Colin Farrell’s Penguin spin-off series, which is set to begin filming in 2023.
A Preview of Matt Reeves’ DC Vision
Even though The Batman starred Robert Pattinson as Gotham’s Caped Crusader, the film featured an impressive roster of villains, such as Colin Farrel’s Penguin, Paul Dano’s Riddler, and even Barry Keoghan in a brief cameo as the Joker.
While the director’s interest in the Dark Knight’s rogue’s gallery has been apparent from the start, it is a bit surprising to learn he’s looking to make films featuring villains as opposed to spin-off series.
After all, not only is his Penguin series already in the works, but a show seems like a more logical vehicle for introducing Batman’s lesser-known baddies, such as Clayface or Professor Pyg.
Scarecrow, however, is the exception, since Cillian Murphy played the antagonist in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy.
One question that’s sure to arise from this news is whether Reeves intends to feature Barry Keoghan’s Joker in one of these villain-led films, especially in light of the actor expressing his interest in reprising the role.
DC fans are sure to hear more about Reeves’ plans ahead of The Penguin‘s debut on HBO Max. But for now, it seems that the director’s vision for Gotham City is far bigger and more inventive than expected.
