James Gunn Delivers Unfortunate Updates on The Batman Part 2

Current Status of The Batman Part 2 Script

The script for The Batman Part 2 has not yet reached its first draft stage, dispelling rumors regarding the inclusion of villains like Clayface and Scarecrow.
While Matt Reeves suggested he had completed a substantial portion of the script, James Gunn clarified there is no first draft available as of now.
Frustrated fans express their preference for Reeves to take the necessary time to refine the script and properly develop the film’s villains.

The latest updates regarding The Batman Part 2 script are likely to disappoint fans eager for the sequel. Recently, James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, confirmed that the script is not as advanced as previously believed, creating further anxiety among followers of the franchise.

Following the acclaim of The Batman in 2022 and the expansion of the universe with HBO’s The Penguin, DC enthusiasts have been keen to dive back into Matt Reeves’ Gotham, particularly with the promise of a more profound exploration of its corrupt underbelly. However, more than two years after the initial film’s release, the timeline for the sequel has been anything but swift, raising concerns that the project might be stalled indefinitely. Originally planned for a fall 2025 release, The Batman 2 has now been pushed back to October 2026—resulting in a four-year gap from the first installment. As it stands, even this new release date remains in doubt.

Status of The Batman 2 Script

Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson in The Batman

In September, Reeves stated he had almost finalized the script for The Batman 2, intending to start filming in 2025. However, this was later contested by James Gunn, who firmly noted that there isn’t even a first draft at this time. Responding to a fan on Threads regarding the rumored inclusion of Clayface and Scarecrow as primary antagonists, Gunn categorically rejected these claims, asserting, “Firstly, no. Secondly, that couldn’t be true because there isn’t even a first draft of a script yet.” The situation became further muddled when Gunn acknowledged a prior comment from Reeves about submitting significant parts of the script, responding with, “Both those things are true.”

View on Threads

The apparent discrepancies between Gunn and Reeves may seem perplexing, but they can be clarified upon closer examination. A first draft connotes a complete and refined script, rather than mere portions of it. It is plausible that Reeves is in the advanced stages of preparing that initial draft, having shared certain sections with Gunn for review. The ongoing uncertainty regarding the sequel’s progress is understandably taxing for fans, who have been waiting patiently for three years and potentially longer. However, historical precedents in the Batman franchise reveal this is not an unusual situation. For instance, after the release of Batman Begins in 2005, audiences had to wait until 2008 for the arrival of The Dark Knight, and the gap between Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992) was similarly extended.

Despite the legitimate concerns voiced by fans, many agree with the sentiment that it is more advantageous for Reeves to take the necessary time for script development rather than yielding to studio pressures. Given Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot in The Penguin, fans speculate that Reeves might choose to deepen this character’s involvement in the sequel.

The Batman 2 is currently slated for release in October 2026.

Source & Images