The Batman 2: What's Happening With Matt Reeves' Sequel and Why It's Been Delayed So Long
Three full years have passed since the premiere of the first Batman.
It's been several years since the release of The Batman starring Robert Pattinson. But in that time, director Matt Reeves hasn't even written a script for the sequel, and the start date of filming is still unknown.
Here's why it happened and when we can expect the release of the long-awaited blockbuster.
Producers Could Not Decide the Fate of The Batman 2 for Some Time
The first installment was not part of the DC Universe launched by Zack Snyder in 2013. But Warner Bros. was considering the possibility of including Reeves' films in James Gunn's new universe. Robert Pattinson could star in future Justice League films along with other superheroes like Superman.
Matt Reeves declined the offer, insisting that his films remain independent. Gunn agreed to this request and made The Batman 2 part of DC Elseworlds. This includes films that are in no way connected to the main DC universe, such as Todd Phillips' Joker duology.
In addition, Reeves agreed with Warner Bros. to create a separate, grounded Batman cinematic universe. The idea was to include not only his films, but also TV series about supporting characters.
The studio has greenlit production on The Penguin with Colin Farrell, which serves as a bridge between the first and second Batman.
Matt Reeves Failed to Meet Deadlines
The sequel was scheduled to begin filming in late 2023, with a release date of October 3, 2025. However, on June 1, 2023, production was pushed back to 2024 due to the Hollywood strike.
In December 2023, James Gunn confirmed that Reeves had pitched the idea for The Batman 2, but did not show the script. Three months later, Warner Bros. moved the premiere date to October 3, 2026.
The script for The Batman 2 is still not finished. Matt Reeves said that he wants to bring it to perfection. And James Gunn explained that a five-year gap between films in the same franchise is standard for the film industry. Filming is scheduled for the second half of 2025.
The Reasons for the Delay of The Batman 2 Script Are Still Unknown
Matt Reeves himself never explained why he couldn't finish the script for almost three years. DC Studios CEO James Gunn also didn't comment on the matter.
For comparison, in the same period of time, director Denis Villeneuve managed to shoot and release Dune: Part Two and write the script for the third installment. Christopher Nolan made Oppenheimer, and in July 2026 his The Odyssey will be released.
When Will The Batman 2 Be Released?
The premiere is scheduled for October 1, 2027. That is, of course, if Matt Reeves manages to write the script before shooting begins in the second half of 2025.
It is possible that if the director misses the deadline this time, the movie will be delayed again or even canceled. Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav said that he would not allow several Batmen to appear on the screen at once.