This Batman Spinoff With 95% on RT Is the Closest We’ve Got to 2 Cancelled DC Plans

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As a huge cinema fan, I’ve always thought being a supporting character in a Batman movie is a pretty sweet deal. Think about it – so many of Batman’s sidekicks eventually get their own chance to shine as full-fledged heroes! We’ve even seen some, like Nightwing and Batgirl, lead their own live-action projects, although sadly not every attempt makes it to the screen. But honestly? Being a villain in the Batman universe might be even better. Almost all of his iconic enemies have appeared in live-action films, and one in particular got a whole two-movie deal that people are still talking about today!

Whether you enjoy them or not, the Joker movies offer a uniquely vivid portrayal of Gotham City, following Arthur Fleck’s desperate attempt to reveal the harsh realities of his city. His journey leads him to Arkham State Hospital, depicted in a more realistic way than before. Meanwhile, another film connected to the Batman universe – and significantly more critically acclaimed, with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – presents a stark and honest look at Arkham, and incorporates ideas from previously abandoned DC projects.

The Best Batman Spinoff Makes Arkham Asylum a Villain

Similar to the approach taken by director Todd Phillips, Matt Reeves aimed for a realistic take on Gotham City with The Batman. Instead of battling fantastical foes like giant crocodiles or aliens, Batman investigates a serial killer targeting the city’s powerful figures. His investigation leads him to encounter corrupt individuals, including Oz Cobb, better known as the Penguin. While initially suspected of being the Riddler’s informant, it’s revealed that Carmine Falcone has been secretly controlling things, deceiving those around him, including Oz. Once Falcone is removed, Oz attempts to seize control of the criminal underworld for himself.

Oz’s main obstacle is the remaining Falcone family, notably Sophia, who is released from Arkham Asylum in The Penguin. Her time in Arkham has deeply changed her; the staff subjected her to harsh and manipulative treatments in an attempt to rehabilitate her. The flashbacks in The Penguin are disturbing because, despite her struggles, Sophia doesn’t deserve the suffering she experiences. Sadly, she’s back in Arkham after her attempt to defeat Oz fails. It’s apparent that Arkham Asylum will continue to be a significant location in Reeves’ films, which isn’t unexpected considering his previous work.

Matt Reeves Has Been Trying to Make Arkham Happen for Years

Matt Reeves initially joined DC to direct a Batman film starring Ben Affleck. Though details were scarce, it seemed the story would heavily feature Arkham Asylum, possibly trapping Batman inside and forcing him to escape. Unfortunately, the unstable state of the DC Extended Universe led to the project’s cancellation. Reeves was then given the opportunity to restart the project with a fresh approach, but he carried forward ideas from the earlier concept.

After the popular movie The Batman, plans were announced for a spin-off series set in Arkham Asylum, focusing on its inmates. The show could have featured significant roles for Paul Dano’s Riddler and Barry Keoghan’s Joker, who were both imprisoned there at the end of the 2022 film. However, the series was ultimately canceled. There’s still hope for more from this world, though, as The Penguin is likely to return for a second season, and Sophia (The Penguin) may spend even more time in Arkham. This could allow director Matt Reeves to expand Arkham beyond a simple holding cell and explore its potential as a central location for villainous stories.

The Penguin is streaming on HBO Max.

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2025-11-22 22:42