After years of anticipation and speculation, the sequel to Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed 2022 film The Batman is taking a significant step forward. According to Matthew Belloni of Puck News, Reeves is set to deliver the completed script for The Batman Part II to DC Studios on Monday, marking a pivotal moment for the highly anticipated project. This news comes as a relief to fans who have been eagerly awaiting updates on the film, which has faced multiple delays and swirling rumors about its status. With a tentative release date of October 1, 2027, and filming expected to begin in January 2026, the handover of the script signals that the project is finally gaining momentum.

The first Batman film, released in 2022, introduced Robert Pattinson as a younger, more grounded Bruce Wayne in his second year as Gotham’s Dark Knight. Directed by Reeves and co-written with Peter Craig, the film was a box office and critical success, grossing $772.3 million worldwide on a budget of $185–200 million. Its noir-inspired storytelling, gritty atmosphere, and standout performances from Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as The Riddler, and Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin set a new standard for the iconic character. The film’s success spawned a broader “Batman Epic Crime Saga,” including the HBO series The Penguin and the animated Batman: Caped Crusader, both of which Reeves produced.

However, the journey to The Batman Part II has been far from smooth. Announced shortly after the first film’s release, the sequel faced setbacks due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which disrupted production schedules across the industry. Initial plans for an October 2025 release were pushed back to October 2026, and later to 2027, as Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin took additional time to refine the script. Reports from The Wrap earlier this year indicated that Reeves had been sending script pages to DC Studios for over six months, with an expected completion by Memorial Day. The prolonged development sparked rumors of cancellation, with some speculating that DC Studios, under co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, might prioritize their interconnected DC Universe (DCU) over Reeves’ standalone Elseworlds saga.

James Gunn has repeatedly addressed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of The Batman Part II to DC Studios. In a recent Entertainment Weekly interview, Gunn dismissed cancellation rumors, stating, “What Matt’s doing is still really important, despite all stories to the contrary. We’re supposed to see that script shortly, and I can’t wait.” He further defended the delays, noting that Reeves is committed to delivering a screenplay that meets his high standards. “Matt’s not going to give me the screenplay until he feels good about it,” Gunn said, highlighting the studio’s script-first philosophy. This approach ensures that no DC Studios production, whether part of the DCU or an Elseworlds project like The Batman, moves forward without a polished script.

The upcoming script delivery has reignited excitement among fans and industry insiders. Posts on X, including from accounts like @DiscussingFilm and @HollywoodHandle, reflect the enthusiasm, with many celebrating the news as a sign that the project is on track. While specific plot details remain under wraps, speculation about the sequel’s villains has been rampant. Potential antagonists like Two-Face, Clayface, Hush, or the Court of Owls have been floated, promising to expand the dark, crime-ridden world Reeves established. Returning cast members are expected to include Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Farrell as The Penguin, with the latter’s role potentially tying into the events of the HBO series.

Gunn’s comments also clarify that Reeves’ Batman saga will remain separate from the DCU, which is set to introduce a new Batman in The Brave and the Bold. While there’s a “non-zero chance” of Reeves’ Batman crossing into the DCU, Gunn has stated it’s highly unlikely, preserving the unique tone of the Batman Epic Crime Saga. With the script delivery imminent, fans can look forward to a sequel that builds on the first film’s intense, detective-driven narrative. As Reeves fine-tunes his vision, the wait for The Batman Part II seems poised to deliver a worthy continuation of Gotham’s darkest chapter.