Top 7 choices of DC villains for Matt Reeves' The Batman 2

Choices of DC villains for Matt Reeves
Choices of DC villains for Matt Reeves' The Batman 2 | Images via Jio Hotstar, Prime Video and MUBI

The Batman 2 arrives later than expected, but Matt Reeves claims that the script is his best yet, promising a darker and deeper Gotham drama. Warner Bros. confirmed that filming will begin in spring 2026. The highly anticipated sequel, part of DC's captivating Elseworlds series, is set to arrive in October 2027, five years after the original.

The script's development took years. It exceeded the original movie because Mattson, Tomlin, and Reeves rewrote the plot to have Bruce Wayne feel something. The secret plot remains under wraps. Viewers were able to watch the drama without any spoilers because Reeves kept the script secret to preserve surprises.

Batman 2 will be darker and more intense than the original film. This list focuses on seven powerful alternatives from DC Comics that could work effectively in that universe. There is much anticipation among fans as to who the next villain will be against Batman, played by Robert Pattinson. These characters are not mere opponents but the representatives of fear, pain, and disorder in Gotham.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Please be advised.


7 choices of DC villains for Matt Reeves' The Batman 2

7. Black Mask

Black Mask | Image via Jio Hotstar
Black Mask | Image via Jio Hotstar

Black Mask is a great Gotham villain who would certainly fit in The Batman 2. He is also sadistic and cruel. In the comics, Black Mask governs Gotham's criminal underground, dominated by brutality and terror. He has a black skull mask, which he uses to intimidate his opponents. In some stories, he tortures the victims and fights Batman with his gang.

Black Mask is unlike the other crime bosses as he is merciless and does not respect human life. This persona allows you to write realistic, brutal criminal stories. Many fans are hoping that Black Mask will bring something new to the Batverse. He is not a cartoonish villain, and thus, he perfectly fits the dark theme of films made by Matt Reeves.

Robert Pattinson's comeback as Batman may make Black Mask a dangerous foe. He would also test Batman to deal with the most sinister of the criminal world in Gotham. This qualifies him as one of the best villains in The Batman 2.


6. Firefly

Ray Stevenson as Firefly in G.I. Joe: Retaliation | Image via Prime Video
Ray Stevenson as Firefly in G.I. Joe: Retaliation | Image via Prime Video

Firefly is an antagonist, and his weapons are fire and devastation. He is usually depicted as a tragically past pyromaniac. Firefly also sets fire in Gotham in several comic stories, whether out of revenge or pleasure. He wears a unique gear that includes a flamethrower and a jet pack. His motivations are straightforward. He wants the globe to burn and wreak disaster.

Firefly is frequently overlooked in the films, yet Matt Reeves has the chance to make him a powerful and threatening enemy. He has a deep-seated aversion to the dark and human elements of the Batman series, a reaction rooted in his own tumultuous past marked by profound loss and heart-wrenching suffering. Each dark twist and dreary character strikes a nerve, reminding him of his own pain and making it difficult to connect with the plot on any level.

Firefly doesn't possess magical powers or amazing technologies. This is a good fit for Matt Reeves' grounded world. The character might put Batman to the test because of how hard it is to control chaos and fire. Firefly could be used as a warning about the real risk of uncontrolled destruction in Gotham's streets if he is selected to be the enemy in Batman 2.


5. Mr. Freeze

Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin | Image via Prime Video
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin | Image via Prime Video

Fans also want Mr. Freeze to be the name of The Batman 2. Mr. Freeze is often characterized as a villain with a tragic backstory. His narrative is well-documented in various media. Victor Fries turns to crime after a laboratory accident forces him to wear a suit that keeps him frozen. He only wants to rescue his wife, Nora, who is quite sick.

Readers are more drawn to Mr. Freeze in this story than to other villains. Matt Reeves might redefine Mr. Freeze in the realistic world, with the emphasis on his inner sufferings. In the comics and animated series, he fights Batman through technology that controls ice and cold.

Mr. Freeze illustrates the path of love and loss that can transform a fine guy into a criminal. In a grim picture, his conflict with Batman might be quite dramatic and intense. Mr. Freeze can be used in Batman 2 to explore intense emotions and the price associated with attempting to save a loved one. This would help to introduce him as a new villain.


4. Professor Pyg

Michael Cerveris as Professor Pyg in Gotham | Image via Prime Video
Michael Cerveris as Professor Pyg in Gotham | Image via Prime Video

Professor Pyg is one of the most perverse and grim villains in Gotham. He is a crazy surgeon who makes fun of people by kidnapping them and trying to make them into flawless puppets. Professor Pyg is a pig in a pig mask, and his gruesome schemes involve the use of odd medical tools.

In other comic books, he produces the so-called Dollotrons, his mindless servants. His offenses are sick and grotesque, which makes Pyg one of the most disturbing Batman villains. This character hasn't been seen in many films, so when he first appears in Batman 2, the audience will be shocked.

Batman is forced to confront terror and insanity in new ways as a result of Professor Pyg's deed. His story resembles mental illness and the risks of obsession. Professor Pyg would test Batman's bravery and detective skills. Pyg would be a memorable and terrifying selection for the adversaries in The Batman 2 if Matt Reeves focused on the character's psychological effects.


3. Hugo Strange

B.D. Wong as Hugo Strange in Gotham | Image via Prime Video
B.D. Wong as Hugo Strange in Gotham | Image via Prime Video

Hugo Strange is a twisted and brilliant psychiatrist who would be a new villain in The Batman 2. Unlike most villains, Hugo employs science and psychological manipulation rather than raw power. He is familiar with Batman and his secret identity and is therefore very lethal.

Hugo Strange is often seen working out of Arkham Asylum, where he performs unethical experiments. His remarkable skills in both medicine and psychology gave him the unique ability to sway not only criminals but even the legendary Batman himself. Strange is not only a physical threat but a psychological one as he challenges Batman's morals and intellect.

In the Batman films, this type of villain would go perfectly with the realistic and dark tone. Matt Reeves may delve into Hugo Strange's fascination with Batman and his attempts to control the city through trickery and secrets. Hugo is a type of villain who has never been the focus of a Batman film previously, making him an intriguing choice for villains in The Batman 2.


2. Court of Owls

The Court of Owls in Batman vs. Robin | Image via Prime Video
The Court of Owls in Batman vs. Robin | Image via Prime Video

The Court of Owls is a secret organization that governs Gotham in the background. They are centuries old, and they own most of the influential individuals in the city; they are harmful and secretive. The Court employs lethal assassins in comic tales known as Talons to make their statement. Their representatives can strike at any time and kill without second thought.

This society of the dead not only put Batman into physical tests but psychological ones as well. They are well-versed in the history of Gotham, and they desire to have their reign endlessly.

The Court Owls are a fantastic enemy to employ in The Batman 2 since they introduce a new menace. It is not a single individual but a broad-based network. Reeves would be able to illustrate Gotham's corruption and darkness with this bunch. Batman would have to use the Court of Owls to the fullest extent of his strength and detective skills, which would make the plot extremely gripping.


1. Hush (Thomas Elliot)

Warren Christie as Hush in Batwoman | Image via MUBI
Warren Christie as Hush in Batwoman | Image via MUBI

Hush is a complex opponent that could be the biggest threat in The Batman 2. He was Bruce Wayne's childhood friend, but later turned out to be a dangerous enemy. Thomas Elliot was jealous and hateful because his folks were rich, and he wanted to murder them so he could become rich. His plan was halted when Bruce's father saved his mother. This sparked his vendetta against the Waynes.

Elliot is now a skilled neurosurgeon and a crime lord known as Hush. He dresses in bandages so people won't recognize him. He is a manipulative man who often employs clever schemes and manipulation. Hush is determined to destroy Bruce Wayne's world and take control.

The Batman 2 might develop their personal and dark past. Hush and Bruce have an intense and passionate rivalry because of their association. People have observed indications throughout the initial film that led up to his introduction. Hush tops the list of villains in The Batman 2 because he is the gloomy, realistic kind of villain that is common in Matt Reeves' Batman movies.


All the villains on this list presented unique threats to Batman and Gotham. Some challenged his mind, while others attacked his heart. Matt Reeves had the opportunity to explore deep emotions, hidden secrets, and violent crimes through these characters.

Fans desired an adversary that would properly challenge Batman and fit the tone of the first film. It was either Hugo Strange's mind games or Black Mask's brutality, but each brought something powerful to the story. Batman 2 would have been much more thrilling with any of these foes.

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Edited by Amey Mirashi