Matt Reeves’ world of The Batman is getting larger with villain-centric spinoffs in the works.

Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight is about to have his hands full. Not only is Colin Farrell’s Penguin still on track to star in his own HBO Max series, now multiple outlets are reporting that more villains are in line for their spotlights. It is the latest in what’s been a string of big news coming from what had been a struggling DC camp. 

Suffice it to say, it had been a rough last few months for the DCEU. Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films left much to be desired from its San Diego Comic-Con panel. Batgirl was canceled for what many experts speculate was basically for tax purposes. The new Discovery executives were slashing the budget. It left many fans anxious about the DCEU’s future. 

And just like that, they came roaring back with some enticing headlines that could be huge for the DC faithful.

First, there was the spoiler that Henry Cavill makes a cameo as Superman in the new Black Adam film. Let’s not ignore the early reviews that say the movie is more brutal and intense than critics were expecting, which should be welcome news for fans tired of Marvel Studios’ endless string of superhero sitcoms. Soon after, the word of Cavill’s return hit the internet, a new report has surfaced, claiming that Dwayne Johnson not only ushered Superman back into the DCEU, but he facilitated two possible Man of Steel sequels getting the green light. 

The fun didn’t stop there. Another report says that Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad writer/director James Gunn has pitched two secret projects to DC Films, and we can only salivate over what he could have cooking this time around. Most likely it will involve an obscure property that he will turn into box office gold.

For Dark Knight fans, all that pales in comparison to the prospect of more members of Batman’s rogue’s gallery getting their own feature films. 

SCARECROW

First appearance: (Golden Age) World’s Finest Comics #3; (Silver Age) Batman #189

The psychiatrist-turned-supervillain Jonathan Crane is once again getting his day on the big screen. After seeing him play a supporting role in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy and his creepy redesign for both the Arkham and Injustice video games, we can see the potential for Scarecrow.

He’s a classic character that has never been properly explored, and Reeves is just the man to bring his tale to life in all its horrific glory.

CLAYFACE

First appearance: (Golden Age) Detective Comics #40; (Silver Age) Detective Comics #298

Talk about a long time coming, Batman fans have pined for Clayface to get his day in a movie for many years. There have been numerous characters to take on the moniker, though the most famous is Matt Hagen after Batman: The Animated Series’ beautiful take on the Clayface story, with Hagen voiced by Ron Pearlman, no less. 

Reeves’ affinity for horror makes Clayface a great choice, but his vision of Gotham City is firmly planted in realism. How could the mud monster fit in? My guess is we’ll see something closer to the original Clayface, Basil Karlo, an actor who donned a mask to become a serial killer. However, I’m all for a genuinely scary, monstrous Clayface straight from BTAS.

PROFESSOR PYG

First appearance: Batman #666

One of Batman’s newer villains, the deranged and murderous surgeon has a debatable first appearance. The initial version of the character was introduced in 2007’s Batman #666. However, he was featured in one panel in which he immediately died. Two years later, the name was resurrected with an entirely new design and an actual personality in Batman and Robin #1. Which one counts as the first appearance? In a way, they both do, though I imagine collectors will make Batman #666 the priority. 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Reeves is stacking the deck against Pat-Bat. The Penguin series along with the three spinoff movies should lead directly into The Batman’s sequel. With these films existing outside the main DCEU timeline, it allows the director much more creative freedom. Judging by the first film, no doubt we are in for a wild and fun ride.

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*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.