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The Batman was finally released to rave reviews and fan praise. While a sequel hasn’t been officially announced, it seems inevitable. Even Robert Pattinson has revealed he wants to take part in a trilogy. The Riddler proved to be a terrifying and formidable foe for the Dark Knight, but Batman’s villains are some of the most legendary in all comics. There are more than a few that could appear in Matt Reeves’ Batman series. Some of them have yet to make a big-screen debut. Here are the 10 villains we hope to take on Robert Pattinson.
Spoilers Ahead For The Batman
10. Joker
The most obvious choice should be mentioned first. The Joker is hands down the most overused Batman villain, but for a good reason. He is a character that exists solely to torment Batman. He has no reason or end goal; he just wants chaos. The Clown Prince of Crime has already appeared in one of the final scenes. He is shown in shadows taunting Riddler in Arkham. This clarifies that he has already fought Batman, so he doesn’t have to be the main villain. Joker can return as a side character or maybe even a Hannibal Lecter-esque character. He can pull the strings from inside Arkham. While he probably shouldn’t get the spotlight, there are plenty of reasons to want Joker to return to Gotham.
9. Two-Face
The Gotham City DA, Gil Colson, died at the hands of The Riddler in Matt Reeves’ Batman. This leaves the District Attorney spot open for a new face or faces. Harvey Dent, aka Two-Face, is no stranger to the Batman films. However, he would fit right in with the Gotham of The Batman. The first film took heavily from The Long Halloween, which many claims is the best Two-Face origin. The power vacuum left in the wake of Carmine Falcone’s death is the perfect way to introduce the character. The film ended with a URL to a secret website, and fans discovered a clue that Dent may appear in the series.
8. Bane
While Tom Hardy’s Bane in Dark Knight Rises is a fan favorite, he isn’t exactly comic accurate. We won’t mention the portrayal in Batman & Robin. A comic-accurate Bane is long overdue to make a live-action appearance. Seeing Bane transform after being injected with Venom is something fans have wanted for years. It isn’t totally necessary to adapt Knightfall again, but seeing Batman struggle to take on Bane will be a great scene regardless. Matt Reeves’ Batman saw the Dark Knight inject himself with something that makes him lash out. While this is likely just adrenaline, some fans believe it is Venom, meaning Bane likely isn’t far behind.
7. Hush
There are several easter eggs alluding to the Batman villain Hush in The Batman. The reporter who was to blackmail Martha Wayne had the last name Elliot, the same last name as Hush. Also, In Riddler’s video, he writes the word Hush over his face. While this could just be a callback, many fans are now speculating whether or not Hush will appear. Hush is one of the best-received Batman comics of all time. The dark tone will fit in perfectly with the world the movie has set up. It even has one of the most brutal Batman moments when he nearly kills Joker, a moment that would translate well on screen.
6. Scarecrow
Scarecrow may have appeared in The Dark Knight Trilogy, but many fans agree he was underutilized. He was the main villain in an unreleased Batman movie, but this never materialized. A genuinely terrifying Scarecrow has yet to appear on the big screen, and now is a great time. Matt Reeves’ Batman leans heavily into using fear as a weapon. Even the bat signal is used primarily to terrify criminals. Batman had his own catchphrase used against him near the film’s end. Having his greatest weapon, fear, used against him in a sequel will be a perfect way for Batman to grow as a character.
5. Mr. Freeze
Victor Freeze hasn’t been seen in a movie since the infamous Batman & Robin. It is overdue for him to make a return. The character is one of the most tragic Batman villains of all time, and the world of The Batman is nothing if not tragic. Whether or not Mr. Freeze is shown as a straightforward villain or a man simply trying to save his wife, the character will be a welcome addition to Robert Pattinson’s rogue’s gallery. Even Matt Reeves has said he hopes to adapt the character to the big screen.
4. Ra’s Al Ghul
Ra’s Al Ghul is one of the best Batman villains in his rouge’s gallery. He appeared in the Dark Knight Trilogy, but many fans agree he wasn’t done justice. Having Ra’s attempt to recruit Bruce into becoming his successor is some of the best storytelling in all of Batman’s history, and it desperately needs to make a big-screen appearance. The film could even hire two actors, an older one for his first appearance and a younger one for his post-Lazarus Pit look. Even better, the film could feature some more fantastic make-up effects for the older Ra’s.
3. Black Mask
Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, is one of the most ruthless gangsters to ever operate out of Gotham. The power vacuum Gotham is suffering could be just the opening he needs to make his appearance in a proper Batman movie. He did appear in Birds of Prey, but Batman wasn’t present. Black Mask seems like the perfect fit for Matt Reeves’ Batman. He is cold and ruthless, and he will be an excellent foil for Batman. He could also be seen going toe to toe with The Penguin in an attempt to rule Gotham’s underworld.
2. Hugo Strange
Oddly enough, Professor Hugo Strange has yet to appear in a movie. Strange is a twisted man who will waste no time in getting what he wants. His intelligence matches even Batman’s, and his experiments can cause an endless amount of trouble. Frequently, Strange is shown as a physician at Arkham, so that could be his introduction. An HBO Max spin-off about Arkham has been announced, so he could first appear there. He could then make his way to the big screen, where he is long overdue for an appearance.
1. Court of Owls
Matt Reeves’ Batman clarifies that Gotham’s secrets run deep. The city seems to be a character itself, and the Court of Owls could very well be running it. The film took some slight inspiration from the comic, and fans want them to go all the way. The Court can be revealed as the puppet masters for everything. They can be behind everything from Falcone to the Wayne’s supposed corruption. The Court has become a fan favorite ever since their debut, and it is about time they make themselves known on the big screen.