James Gunn Gives Early Verdict on ‘The Batman Part II’ Script

by

James Gunn has confirmed The Batman Part II script is finished.

The top executive at DC Studios, serving as both Co-Chairman and CEO, has given a preliminary, favorable review of Matt Reeves’ script, yet chose to withhold detailed information regarding the eagerly awaited film to keep fans guessing.

At the Superman world premiere in Los Angeles on July 7th, when asked if he had read the script for The Batman Part II, he responded to ScreenRant by saying, “It’s fantastic!

Gunn then made a swift exit from the chat, but was smiling as he walked further down the carpet.

After confessing last month that I eagerly anticipated receiving a script from Keanu Reeves, I must say, I was absolutely thrilled when it arrived. Now, I can’t wait to dive into his latest masterpiece!

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly towards the end of last month, he shared: “Well, ideally we should receive a script in June. I’m really hoping it comes through.

We’re quite enthusiastic about this project. Matt is thrilled, and I chat with him frequently about it. In fact, I’m equally excited as well! Therefore, we eagerly anticipate reading the scripts, although we haven’t had a chance to do so just yet, if that clarifies your question.

The DC head strongly urged everyone to leave Matt alone regarding the updates on The Batman Part II, and stop bothering him excessively.

Gunn suggests that people should give Matt some space when it comes to writing his screenplay, as everyone has their own pace and time requirements for completing a project. This is simply how things are, according to him.

“He doesn’t owe you something because you like his movie.

“I mean, you like his movie because of Matt. So let Matt do things the way he does.”

Gunn admitted he felt “irritated” by the constant bombardment of questions about the movie online.

He finds it annoying when people act entitled. However, he said this might only surface when he feels satisfied with the screenplay.

“And Matt’s not going to give me the screenplay until he feels good about the screenplay.”

Initially scheduled for release in 2026, the sequel to “The Batman” titled as “The Batman Part II” has been delayed by a year, now set for an October 2027 premiere, allowing director Matt Reeves additional time to complete the narrative.

Every Batman Movie Ranked From Worst to Best

16. Batman (1943)

Director: Lambert Hillyer
Batman Is Played By: Lewis Wilson
The Villain Is: Dr. Daka (Carrol Naish), a Japanese spy.
Why It’s Notable: In 2015, I referred to the 1943 film serial “Batman” — the first appearance of Batman on the big screen — as “[possibly] the worst portrayal of Batman in any medium ever.” In 2022, I still stand by that opinion. Although this 15-part movie is credited for introducing some key elements of the Batman mythos (like the Batcave) and its dramatic cliffhangers and cheesy production style were a significant influence on the Adam West “Batman” series two decades later, as an entertainment piece, it is long, dull, and frequently racist. If you think the George Clooney Batman was bad, you haven’t seen anything yet.

15. Batman and Robin (1949)

As a dedicated cinephile, I’d like to share my thoughts on “Batman and Robin,” a serial film from the 1940s. The director was Spencer Gordon Bennet, and our caped crusader, Batman, was played by Robert Lowery. In this installment, the villain is none other than The Wizard, a mysterious figure aiming to stir up trouble in the heart of Gotham City.

What makes this serial unique is that it’s a slight improvement over its predecessor in terms of bigotry, although it still manages to be quite cheap-looking. Yet, it’s often so poorly executed – like when the Bat-Signal can be seen clearly on a bright day or when Batman’s costume makes him look more like Bat-Mite than Batman – that it becomes unintentionally amusing. It seems that having “Batman and Robin” in the title somehow guarantees that any associated movie will become laughably bad.

14. Justice League (2017)

Justice League (2017)

Leading Role: Batman – Ben Affleck

Villain: Steppenwolf, portrayed by Ciaran Hinds, an extraterrestrial aiming to gather three artifacts known as “Mother Boxes” to annihilate Earth and rebuild it in the likeness of his home planet.

Ranking: This film should have served as a climactic finale for an interconnected series of stories. However, it marked the dismal point in the cinematic universe’s journey. Initially directed by Zack Snyder, he later stepped away due to personal reasons, and Joss Whedon took over. The final product lacked cohesion, as it seemed neither director was fully satisfied with the outcome. The editing was haphazard, the tone inconsistent, and the main antagonist, a CGI character named Steppenwolf, had little depth or charm. Fortunately, Snyder returned to complete his vision for the film and release it on HBO Max. (Further details about this development will follow.)

13. Batman & Robin (1997)

Movie Director: Joel Schumacher
Actor Portraying Batman: George Clooney
Villains Present: Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman), a terrorist who uses poison and has both attractive and intimidating aspects, accompanied by her hulking sidekick Bane (Jeep Swenson). Also featuring Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a scientist surviving in subzero temperatures due to a lab accident, who seeks a cure for his dying wife while making numerous cold-related puns.
Why It Stands Out: This fourth and final live-action Batman film of the ’90s has many aspects that are hard to appreciate, but I must confess something: I find myself drawn to this movie occasionally. If I chance upon it on TV, I struggle to change channels. And every now and then, I feel compelled to watch it again on a streaming platform like HBO Max, despite its numerous flaws. The eccentric set design, the bizarre costumes, the tangled plots, the overwhelming number of ice-themed jokes paired with a lack of ice knowledge; it’s just so strangely unique that I can’t help but be amazed that it was made. It’s terrible, but it’s unforgettable. And in the right mood, it can even be somewhat entertaining.

12. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

As a dedicated cinephile, I’d like to share my thoughts on Zack Snyder’s directorial masterpiece, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”. The man behind the Bat is none other than Ben Affleck. In this film, we’re faced with not one, but two formidable adversaries: Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), who seems hell-bent on sowing discord among Earth’s mightiest heroes, and Doomsday, a menacing CGI creature concocted from the remains of General Zod and infused with Lex Luthor’s DNA.

Now, why does “Batman v Superman” rank at the 12th spot? Well, despite Snyder’s visual prowess, showcased particularly in the epic final battle against Doomsday, the storyline leaves much to be desired. The narrative is a tangled web of unexplained animosity between our heroes, which magically resolves (thanks to a poignant “Martha” moment). The plot is frequently disrupted by dream sequences that serve as sneak peeks into forthcoming DC films. And even an intellectual powerhouse like Lex Luthor wouldn’t be able to piece together the logic in his own master plan. Justice might be dawning, but reason seems to have taken a vacation.

11. Batman Forever (1995)

Lead Director: Joel Schumacher
Actor Portraying Batman: Val Kilmer
Antagonists: The Riddler (Jim Carrey), a dissatisfied Wayne Enterprises employee who creates a device for draining brain power, and Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones), a disfigured former district attorney with intentions to kill Batman due to this being a Batman movie.
Why It’s Ranked 11th: Batman Forever occupies a unique position in the realm of film. It doesn’t delve as deeply into darkness as the Tim Burton Batman films or veer as far into silliness as Batman & Robin, hence it fails to establish its own distinct identity. However, it does offer some enjoyable moments, and Val Kilmer showed promise as Batman, despite his potential not being fully realized. The performances of Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones, with their excessive flair, have not held up well over time. (Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal in Batman & Robin is still entertainingly silly, while these two characters are more grating.) To put it another way: Batman Forever is the individual at a party singing a sentimental ballad about a Batman movie’s flower.

10. Batman (1966)

Title Role: Director – Leslie H. Martinson, Batman – Adam West

Villainous Group: The United Underworld, a powerful alliance of four of Batman’s most formidable adversaries: The Joker (Cesar Romero), the Riddler (Frank Gorshin), Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), and the Penguin (Burgess Meredith).

Reason for Ranking 10th: Initially, the 1960s’ Batman series was criticized by die-hard comic book enthusiasts due to its influence on comics’ reputation. The Adam West and Burt Ward series was often stereotyped as colorful, whimsical, and overly campy. However, with the evolution of comic books towards cultural acceptance, the Adam West and Burt Ward series have seen a resurgence, with new comics and animated movies embodying its intentionally (and sometimes adorably) absurd style. This film, released during the Batman TV series, lacks the lofty ambitions of later Batman films. Yet, its commitment to Batman remains strong. I appreciate the energetic, dynamic fight sequences—complete with on-screen sound effects.

In other words: The 1960s Batman movie, directed by Leslie H. Martinson and starring Adam West as Batman, features a villainous group called the United Underworld, consisting of four of Batman’s most feared enemies: The Joker (Cesar Romero), the Riddler (Frank Gorshin), Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), and the Penguin (Burgess Meredith). Initially dismissed by comic book purists for its negative impact on comics’ reputation, the series has enjoyed a revival due to its distinctive campy style. Despite not reaching the heights of later Batman films, this movie retains its commitment to the character and showcases lively, dynamic fight scenes.

9. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2020)

Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2020)

Director: Zack Snyder

Batman Actor: Ben Affleck

Villains: Steppenwolf, an alien intent on collecting three “Mother Boxes” to destroy Earth and remake it in the image of his home plane; and Darkseid, who dislikes Earth and justice.

Rationale for Ranking 9th: Snyder’s extended four-hour take on Justice League significantly improves upon the theatrical release from 2017. However, it’s lengthy and meticulously detailed, with a three-hour version that balances story development and character motivations while reducing some digressions potentially being the ideal viewing experience. Nonetheless, this is arguably the most impressive portrayal of Ben Affleck’s Batman, depicting a fallen hero regaining his humanity and faith in his fellow heroes.

8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Director: The film was directed by Christopher Nolan
Batman Is Portrayed By: Christian Bale
The Antagonist Is: Bane (Tom Hardy), a powerful anarchist with a desire to overthrow Batman and instigate revolution in Gotham City.
Reason for Ranking 8th: The Dark Knight Rises resembles the antithesis of the 1966’s Batman; it differs significantly in almost every aspect. It is exceptionally ambitious and carries a substantial budget. In wrapping up his Batman Trilogy, Christopher Nolan envisioned a grand cinematic symphony of action, brutality, and philosophical contemplation. Similar to many Batman films, it is packed with characters and events (including Marion Cotillard as a mysterious love interest for Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as an honorable police officer). To this day, I am still uncertain about what Tom Hardy was saying in that peculiar Bane voice. However, it is preferable for superhero films to strive for more than mere escapism. If more comic-book movies aimed for something greater, we would all benefit.

7. The LEGO Batman Movie

Director: Chris McKay

Batman Is Portrayed By: Will Arnett

The Main Antagonist Is: Primarily the Joker (Zach Galifianakis). He assembles a vast collection of villains from Batman comics and beyond to help him prove his worth as a villain.

Why It Ranks 7th: In contrast to the growing trend of dark, serious Batman films, The LEGO Batman Movie offers a delightful alternative with its animated, exaggerated adventures that draw heavily from the Pop Art style of the ’60s Batman. This is evident in characters like Egghead, who originated from the ’60s Batman series and was originally played by horror movie legend Vincent Price. The film also includes jokes about Bat-Shark Repellant, a reference to an infamous gag from the original show. However, it doesn’t just rehash the old show’s campy style; it updates it for modern audiences, making it fun, contemporary, and surprisingly trendy. As Walt Whitman once said, Batman encompasses many aspects. The LEGO Batman Movie showcases his versatility better than any other film to date. It can serve as a platform for deep discussions about myths, heroes, and societal structures. Or it can be a platform for jokes involving a man who throws eggs because his head is shaped like an egg.

6. Batman Begins (2005)

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’d like to share some insights about the groundbreaking film “Batman Begins.” This masterpiece was directed by the brilliant Christopher Nolan and featured Christian Bale as the Dark Knight. The villain in this tale is none other than Scarecrow, skillfully portrayed by Cillian Murphy. He’s a menacing psychiatrist who has concocted a terrifying drug that sends people spiraling into uncontrollable fear.

Why does “Batman Begins” rank 6th on many lists? Well, while the epic “The Dark Knight” might have overshadowed some of its achievements, it’s crucial to remember its significance in the annals of Batman movie history. After the disappointing “Batman & Robin,” the franchise was almost written off by Hollywood. But Christopher Nolan breathed new life into the character, proving that there was still plenty of potential for a Batman film. More significantly, he demonstrated that a Batman movie could encompass deep, thought-provoking ideas alongside visually stunning sequences.

Despite the occasional use of the Bat-voice, Bale’s portrayal of the Dark Knight remains one of his finest performances. He masterfully conveys the character’s moodiness, sadness, dry wit, and indomitable toughness. Another unique aspect of the film is Liam Neeson’s role as Bruce Wayne’s early mentor, a twist that sets this version apart from other Batman antagonists.

5. The Batman

As a cinephile, I’ve got to say that the director behind the lens for “The Batman” is Matt Reeves. The man who dons the iconic Batsuit is none other than Robert Pattinson. But let me tell you, it’s not just any villain we’re dealing with here – it’s the enigmatic Riddler, played by Paul Dano, who’s terrorizing Gotham City as a cunning serial killer. He leaves a trail of dead bodies and riddles for our Dark Knight to solve.

Now, what sets “The Batman” apart from other films featuring this iconic character is its profound exploration of what Batman truly means – not just to his fans, but also to the citizens of Gotham City. Reeves delves deep into Batman’s psyche, examining him as meticulously as Batman hunts the Riddler. The film is rich with themes that resonate deeply, such as surveillance, corruption, and the cyclical nature of vengeance.

However, despite its many merits, “The Batman” isn’t without its flaws. In particular, I found the third act to be a bit convoluted, dragging out the conclusion and introducing a couple of unnecessary cliffhangers that felt a bit forced. But overall, it’s still a must-watch for any Batman fan or anyone who appreciates a well-crafted superhero film.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Role of Director: Tim Burton directed the film
Character Played by Michael Keaton: Batman
Villains in the Film: The Penguin, portrayed by Danny DeVito, a corrupt businessman (Christopher Walken), and Catwoman, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. Catwoman has a deep-seated grudge against The Penguin’s benefactor.
Reason for 4th Place: This Tim Burton Batman film is similar to the final Christopher Nolan Batman in terms of being unusual, quirky, and complex. It amplified elements from Burton’s first Batman – more villains, more darkness, more gothic aesthetics, and more emotional drama. Keaton’s Bruce Wayne, DeVito’s Penguin, and Pfeiffer’s Catwoman were all portrayed as three troubled individuals seeking personal peace and acceptance. The film is known for its peculiarity, although by blockbuster standards it is tame. However, it remains highly watchable due to Keaton’s underrated performance and Pfeiffer’s well-regarded portrayal of a complex female character in the superhero genre. It is often lamented that this Catwoman never received her own standalone movie, while Halle Berry’s did, which is considered one of the great injustices in Hollywood.

3. Batman (1989)

Analysis of Tim Burton’s Batman (1989)

1. The Director: Tim Burton
2. Batman was portrayed by: Michael Keaton
3. The Antagonist: The Joker, played by Jack Nicholson, was a ruthless crime boss who underwent a transformation into a psychopathic killer after being exposed to toxic chemicals.
4. Significance of the Film: Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its influence extended beyond Hollywood, transforming the perception of superheroes from children’s entertainment to a lucrative and artistic medium. The film reshaped the future of superhero movies, influenced the visual aesthetics of Batman comics and cartoons, inspired music with its Prince songs and Danny Elfman score, and even impacted hairstyles (a local kid I knew shaved the Bat-logo into his head, an act that filled me with envy I’ve never been able to shake off since). The comic book movie industry can be divided into two eras: Before Tim Burton’s Batman, and after. I consider myself fortunate to have spent most of my life in the ATBB (After Tim Burton’s Batman) era.

2. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Director: Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm
Batman Is Voiced By: Kevin Conroy
The Villains Are: Phantasm (a shrouded figure eliminating Gotham City mob members), and the Joker (Mark Hamill), a mad criminal clown who finds himself entangled between Batman and Phantasm.
Why It’s Notable: Before The LEGO Batman Movie, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm convincingly argued that animation was the perfect format for Batman. This film, produced by the creators of the renowned Batman: The Animated Series, combined stunning visuals, smooth animation, and iconic voice talents into a near-flawless 75-minute production. Unlike many Batman movies that are overly long and tiring, Mask of the Phantasm is compact and engaging, much like a well-crafted comic book. The romantic tale between Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy, who remains the best Batman in audio form) and Andrea Beaumont rivals that of Bruce and Selina Kyle in Batman Returns, and the film’s central mystery is genuinely intriguing (as long as you don’t spoil it by examining the movie’s action figures). Over 25 years old, the film has maintained its charm, partly because the streamlined TAS art style — a mix of Art Deco architecture and advanced technology — was intentionally timeless even in 1993.

1. The Dark Knight (2008)

Title Role: Christopher Nolan (Director)

Character Played By: Christian Bale (Batman)

Antagonist(s): The Joker (Heath Ledger), a cryptic lunatic aiming to unleash havoc in Gotham City, and later Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), the city’s dedicated district attorney who succumbs to madness following the loss of a loved one and a gruesome disfigurement.

Why It Stands Out: Attempting to redefine a role already immortalized by Jack Nicholson takes a truly twisted mind, but Christopher Noland did just that. The late Heath Ledger delivered an unforgettable performance as the Joker. While there have been numerous quality Batman films, The Dark Knight stands alone for its gripping action, daring IMAX cinematography, and thought-provoking themes about heroes and villains. This film will set the bar for all future Batman movies, potentially forever solidifying its legacy as a classic in the genre.

Read More

2025-07-09 16:56