The Batman Writer Reflects on Getting No Screenwriting Credit, But Returning for Sequel

As a fellow movie enthusiast and aspiring screenwriter, I can truly empathize with Mattson Tomlin’s journey. His story is a testament to the challenges faced by many writers in Hollywood, especially when it comes to credit for their work. Despite the initial disappointment of not receiving recognition for his contributions to The Batman, Tomlin’s resilience and passion for the craft are evident.

Mattson Tomlin, who previously collaborated on the screenplay for Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” is set to return for the sequel and will officially receive screenwriting credit this time. During the production of “The Batman,” Tomlin was brought in as a helper due to his expertise, but due to the intricate rules regarding screenplay credits, his name wasn’t included initially. This situation can be common among writers, particularly those who join late or are hired for rewrites. However, being an avid Batman fan, Tomlin expressed some disappointment that his involvement became public knowledge before he could receive credit.

Meanwhile, apart from penning the screenplay for the movie’s sequel and securing a credit for it, Tomlin is also gaining recognition through his work on “Terminator Zero”. Recently, he shared insights about his journey so far in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Tomlin confessed that the outcome was quite disappointing for him. He invested a considerable amount of effort and emotion into it. Working with Matt on the initial film was an absolute pleasure. However, when he joined the project, he was informed that they were so far along in the process that he likely wouldn’t receive credit. No one treated me unfairly or took advantage of me, he clarified.

He had expected to receive recognition for his significant contributions during the project, believing he might earn official credit. However, when the movie’s first trailer, which was unveiled as part of DC’s Fandome presentation in 2020, was released and his name was not among those credited, his hopes were disappointingly dashed.

Tomlin shared that on the day the movie released, he had a lengthy phone conversation with Matt Reeves. During their chat, Reeves discussed the filmmaking process and his overall experience. Tomlin felt like asking about a possible sequel but decided against it, understanding that Reeves just wanted to share his recent journey. A few weeks later, Reeves called Tomlin again, this time proposing the idea of working on the sequel if he was interested.

The Batman Part II is coming to theaters on October 2, 2026.

2024-09-02 16:10

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