When The Batman released in 2022, it immediately stood apart from previous superhero films. Director Matt Reeves leaned heavily into Gotham City’s darker elements, crafting a world closer to a psychological horror thriller than a standard comic book blockbuster. From the eerie, rain-drenched streets to the chilling Zodiac-inspired Riddler, the film emphasized fear as much as action.
Now, as work progresses on The Batman – Part II, Colin Farrell—who brought Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, better known as the Penguin, to life—has teased that the sequel will be even “scarier” than the first film.
Farrell’s Insights on the Sequel
Speaking at the Zurich Film Festival, Farrell revealed that while his role will be smaller in the sequel, the script itself is much darker and more intense.
“I’ve got an even smaller role in this one. But I’m OK with that,” Farrell said. “I’ve read the script, from start to finish, and I can’t say much about it. But it’s deeper, scarier, the stakes are bigger. I’m really excited to see it.”
It’s rare for actors to openly describe a superhero film in terms of horror, but Farrell’s words echo what many fans felt about the first installment: The Batman succeeded because it leaned into fear, tension, and atmosphere.
Why Gotham Works Best as Horror
From its earliest comic book origins, Gotham City has been more than just a backdrop—it’s practically a character itself. Unlike the polished skyscrapers of Metropolis or the colorful streets of Central City, Gotham thrives in darkness.
In The Batman, Reeves embraced this idea. Crime-ridden alleyways, the chilling tone of Michael Giacchino’s score, and the unsettling psychology of villains all made the movie feel closer to a horror noir than a superhero spectacle. Farrell’s comments suggest that The Batman – Part II will double down on this formula, further blurring the line between crime thriller and horror cinema.
Which Villains Could Appear?
Rumors about The Batman – Part II have circulated since the first film’s release. While nothing has been confirmed, speculation is running wild. Reports have suggested that Reeves wants to introduce villains that “have never really been done” on screen before.
Some of the most popular fan theories include:
- Dr. Hugo Strange: A manipulative psychiatrist obsessed with unmasking Batman. His psychological games could bring true horror elements to the screen.
- Hush (Thomas Elliot): A childhood friend of Bruce Wayne who turns into one of his deadliest foes, obsessed with revenge and identity.
- The Court of Owls: A secret society pulling Gotham’s strings from the shadows, with terrifying assassins called Talons.
Any of these choices would deepen the sense of dread and danger Farrell hinted at.
A Shift Toward Bruce Wayne
Another detail circulating about the sequel is that it may focus more on Bruce Wayne rather than solely on Batman. This would be a fascinating shift, allowing audiences to explore the man behind the mask more deeply.
Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman emphasized his brooding detective side, but we saw very little of Bruce Wayne in the first film. A sequel that forces Bruce to confront his dual identity could raise the stakes even higher—especially if villains target Wayne personally, not just his alter ego.
Penguin’s Expanded Universe
Although Farrell confirmed his Penguin role will be smaller in the sequel, the character has already secured a major spotlight through the spinoff series The Penguin. The HBO Max (now Max) series explores Oz Cobblepot’s rise to power in Gotham’s underworld following the events of The Batman.
Farrell’s performance in the first film was widely praised, not only for the transformative makeup but also for the nuance he brought to Penguin—a gangster equal parts ruthless and tragic. Even with limited screen time in Part II, Penguin’s presence across the spinoff ensures his impact on Reeves’ Gotham remains strong.
Raising the Stakes
Farrell emphasized that the new film raises the stakes compared to its predecessor. In The Batman, Gotham faced terror from the Riddler’s killing spree and his final flooding of the city. If Part II is even more intense, fans can expect consequences on a much larger scale.
Reeves’ storytelling style avoids spectacle for spectacle’s sake. Instead, the danger feels personal, raw, and grounded in psychological realism. That’s why Farrell’s statement about the sequel being “deeper” carries weight. It implies audiences can expect not just scarier visuals, but also more complex character arcs and moral dilemmas.
Gotham as Horror Cinema
The blending of horror and superhero genres isn’t new, but The Batman elevated it to another level. Just as Christopher Nolan grounded Batman in crime drama with The Dark Knight, Matt Reeves seems determined to ground him in horror-inspired thriller territory.
This approach separates Batman from other caped heroes and ensures Gotham’s story feels fresh and frightening. If The Batman – Part II fully embraces the horror vibe Farrell teased, it could become the scariest Gotham ever committed to film.
Waiting for the Release
As exciting as these teases are, fans still have a long wait. The Batman – Part II is set to release in October 2027, meaning there are nearly two years to go. In the meantime, audiences can enjoy The Penguin series, revisit the first film, and keep speculating about who the next villain will be.
Until then, Farrell’s comments offer the perfect hint: Gotham is about to get scarier, darker, and more dangerous than ever before.