Even though Batman has been in many films – both live-action and animated – the villains we see on screen tend to be the same ones over and over. We’ve seen multiple versions of characters like The Joker, Riddler, Catwoman, Penguin, and Bane. Now, a fourth take on Harvey Dent is coming up, and while other villains like Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy have appeared, it would be great to see some fresh faces in future Batman movies. Thankfully, the next film planned for 2027 seems to be heading in that direction, potentially offering something new.
Though they’ve only been around for just over a decade in DC Comics, the Court of Owls – who were introduced in Scott Snyder’s Batman run as part of the New 52 relaunch – have become a hugely popular part of the Dark Knight’s lore. They are, in fact, one of the most fondly remembered parts of the otherwise divisive New 52, and DC fans have long wanted to see them introduced to a live-action movie. Now, thanks to new rumors about Matt Reeves’ The Batman: Part II, we may finally be seeing that dream realized on the big screen for the first time. And frankly, it’s about damn time.
The Batman Part II Can Finally Give us Some of the Best DC Villains Ever
Jeff Sneider reports that a lot of the rumors surrounding villains in The Batman: Part II are incorrect. Brian Tyree Henry will play Harvey Dent, not Sebastian Stan, as many expected. Stan will instead portray Victor Zsasz. Scarlett Johansson and Charles Dance will play significant roles, but as new characters combining elements from various comic book sources, rather than as Gilda and Christopher Dent as previously thought. In addition to these actors and a potential return for Barry Keoghan as the Joker, the Court of Owls will also be featured in the film.
There have been rumors of the Court of Owls appearing in Matt Reeves’ sequel already, and they absolutely fit the world that Robert Pattinson’s Batman protects (more of which soon), and they’re more compelling as a villainous entity than any single villain. No matter how powerful. This wouldn’t, of course, be the first time the Court had appeared in live-action: they were a key part of The CW’s ill-fated Gotham Knights back in 2023. Sadly, DC fans have mostly wiped that show out of collective memory – if they watched it in the first place – though the depiction of the overarching villains was actually pretty good. And crucially, in The Batman: Part II, they can be even better.
How The Batman Already Set up The Court of Owls
The Batman‘s most compelling selling point was the idea that The Riddler believed himself to be Gotham’s savior, uncovering upper-class and systemic corruption. And it wasn’t just leading to Nigma’s capture: Matt Reeves has previously revealed that the upcoming sequel was all set up in the original: “The seeds of where this goes are all in the first movie, and it expands in a way that will show you aspects of the character you never got to see.” The first movie, of course, established that Bruce Wayne’s father, Thomas, was embroiled in corruption himself, when he unwittingly sent Alberto Falcone (John Turturro) to kill a journalist who was writing an exposén on his wife Martha’s history of familial mental health issues. That very much sets up the idea of a system ruled by the rich and powerful, whose influence could sidestep the usual limits of law.
Reeves shared with Deadline that the next Batman movie will explore a larger, more complex story of corruption than the first film, venturing into unexpected territory. This focus on deep-rooted corruption strongly suggests the introduction of the Court of Owls – a secret society that has long controlled Gotham from the shadows. The groundwork for this storyline is already present in the established universe, and the Court would be a fantastic addition to the sequel.
Why The Court of Owls is Perfect for The Batman Part II
Despite already having many villains in The Batman: Part II, there’s still potential for a larger, systemic corruption – something director Matt Reeves hinted at – as it connects directly to Bruce Wayne’s personal journey. As The Penguin explained, Gotham City operates on a flexible moral code where most crime is simply a result of the existing social order. Oz Cobb, also known as The Cobblepot, became who he is because of his environment and rose to power by exploiting Gotham’s weaknesses. In a surprising twist, he sees himself as a protector of those neglected by the city’s elite. The Penguin effectively highlighted Gotham’s stark class divisions, and the fact that wealthier areas were largely untouched by The Riddler’s attacks suggests a hidden force – likely The Court of Owls – is at work behind the scenes.
Similar to Cobb from Inception, Bruce Wayne is shaped by his background. It’s compelling that he chooses to use his wealth for good and fight crime, rather than succumb to the corruption seen in the city’s powerful elite. This internal struggle could be a great focus for The Batman: Part II (and beyond), while also enriching the Penguin’s story as he builds his criminal empire. I find this new dynamic far more interesting than simply introducing another over-the-top villain, and it would even add layers to what we already know about the Riddler.
The Court of Owls isn’t just powerful leaders; they have an army called the Talons who carry out their orders. This creates both untouchable masterminds and dangerous enemies for Batman to fight, giving us thrilling action scenes. Plus, the mystery surrounding the Court allows Bruce Wayne to truly demonstrate his skills as the World’s Greatest Detective.
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2026-06-13 02:46