Rumours surrounding The Batman Part II indicate that the sequel may delve into even darker and more bizarre territory than its predecessor. According to Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider, the main antagonist could be the Court of Owls, a sinister secret society of Gotham's elite, rather than the previously speculated Harvey Dent. Additionally, reports suggest that Sebastian Stan may portray the sadistic serial killer Victor Zsasz instead of Dent, with Brian Tyree Henry potentially taking on the role of Harvey Dent, who may not transform into Two-Face at all.
Shifting Villains: From Harvey Dent to Victor Zsasz
Initial rumours centred on Sebastian Stan playing Harvey Dent, the corrupt district attorney who becomes Two-Face, alongside Scarlett Johansson as his wife Gilda. However, Sneider now reports that Stan may instead play Victor Zsasz, a psychopathic serial killer introduced in 1992. Zsasz fits perfectly into Matt Reeves's grimy, rain-soaked Gotham, often hired by the Court of Owls to eliminate threats like Batman. Brian Tyree Henry is now rumoured to play Harvey Dent, but without the Two-Face transformation, a move that would avoid retreading Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight.
The Court of Owls: A New Threat for Gotham
The Court of Owls, first appearing in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's 2011 Batman comics, are a secret society of Gotham's wealthy and powerful. They use masked assassins called Talons to protect their interests, including a vast property portfolio dating back centuries. Unlike the League of Shadows from Nolan's films, the Court are domestic insiders, representing Gotham's own corruption made flesh. This makes them a natural fit for Reeves's vision, offering a fresh antagonist never before seen in live-action Batman films.
Barry Keoghan's Joker and the Future of the Trilogy
Barry Keoghan's Joker, who appeared briefly in The Batman, is rumoured to return in the sequel, possibly confined to Arkham Asylum and used by Batman as a consultant, akin to Hannibal Lecter. This would keep the character in reserve for a potential third film, where he could serve as the final boss. The sequel is expected to begin production soon, though Warner Bros has not confirmed specific roles for Stan and Johansson. The inclusion of the Court of Owls and Zsasz suggests a continuation of the weird, noirish tone that defined the first film.
