Robert Pattinson’s The Batman introduced the caped crusader to a whole new generation and proved to be a worthy addition to the slate of films made on the iconic superhero. The Matt Reeves directorial was set in an Elseworld universe in the DC canon and gave it a much darker and more realistic tone than previous iterations.
After the film proved to be successful, the studio commissioned a trilogy of films set to be directed by Matt Reeves, with The Batman – Part II scheduled for an October 2025 release. The ending of the first film has set up a great arc for Bruce Wayne and one of the villains in his rogues gallery would be the perfect addition to his arc which would end in The Batman – Part III. Spoilers ahead for the film.
Also read: Robert Pattinson Did 1 Movie as He Didn’t Want to Play “Chronically insecure losers”
Robert Pattinson In Matt Reeves’ The Batman
After the Snyderverse Batman Ben Affleck stepped down as the director of a solo Batman film, director Matt Reeves was hired to create his own version of the caped crusader. The War of the Planet of the Apes director immediately pitched a darker version of the character in his early years, causing Ben Affleck to step down from the role.
Robert Pattinson was cast as Bruce Wayne and despite immense backlash from fans, delivered a great performance. Many gave positive responses to his more broody and morose Bruce Wayne as opposed to the late-stage sarcastic Wayne of Christian Bale and Ben Affleck. The Batman was also successful at the box office, earning $771 million.
Due to its success, WB commissioned a trilogy for Matt Reeves The Batman, with Pattinson set to reprise his role. The first film set up more villains in the vigilante’s rogues gallery such as the Joker, Penguin, and the Court of Owls. Many rumors have stated that the popular comic book villain Clayface will be featured in The Batman – Part II.
The film also sets up the perfect character arc for Bruce, who is seen in his earlier years of vigilantism. Pattinson’s Batman is a younger and more violent vigilante who is hell-bent on granting justice without understanding the nuances of the crime. By the end of the film, he chooses to be a symbol of hope rather than a symbol of fear.
The Perfect Villain For The Batman – Part III
As mentioned, there will be two more Matt Reeves Batman films to make it a complete trilogy. With the first one ending on a note of hope, it is possible that Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne will be facing more tests to his faith much like The Dark Knight. With Barry Keoghan’s Joker making an appearance at the end of the film and in a deleted scene, he is set to have a much larger role in the sequels along with Collin Farrel’s Penguin.
However, apart from these villains, there is one major villain that could be a perfect adversary for Bruce Wayne in his journey to become a symbol of true justice and hope. Lyle Bolton a.k.a Lock-Up is one of the most formidable yet under-the-radar villains in Batman’s rogues gallery. He first appeared in the Batman: The Animated Series and then was included in the comics.
Bolton was first hired by Bruce Wayne as a security guard at Arkham Asylum, where most of the villains are admitted. However, Bolton abuses his power and is brutal with the inmates, causing them to testify against him and firing him. Once outside, Bolton loses his faith in the system and assumes the role of the vigilante Lock-Up and kidnaps politicians, cops, and other people in power.
Lock-Up is the perfect mirror to Batman as he symbolizes the darker side of vigilantism. He is what Robert Pattinson’s Batman would be if he had not chosen the path of hope at the end of The Batman. Hence, setting him up as the villain in the third film would make him the final test against Batman’s faith, bringing his arc to a satisfying close.
Source: Villains Wiki
