After months of speculation and repeated delays, Warner Bros. Discovery has finally confirmed that The Batman 2 will begin filming in spring 2026 — bringing long-awaited relief to fans eager for the return of Gotham’s brooding vigilante.
The announcement came directly from CEO David Zaslav in a shareholder letter dated August 7, which also outlined the next phase of DC’s cinematic future under co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Originally slated for release in October 2025, the sequel to Matt Reeves’ 2022 noir-inspired superhero hit was postponed multiple times — first to 2026 and then again to 2027. With cameras now expected to roll between March and May 2026, Warner Bros. is aiming to keep the current 2027 theatrical release window intact.
Returning Faces in Gotham
Fans can look forward to the return of the original core cast, including Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as The Riddler, Colin Farrell as The Penguin, and Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon. Reeves will once again direct, maintaining his gritty detective-driven tone that earned the first film critical acclaim.
Part of a Bigger DC Vision
The update forms part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s wider DC roadmap, which Zaslav described as “one of the most valuable assets in entertainment.” Upcoming titles include Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026), Clayface (2026), and a new Wonder Woman film (release date TBD). These projects are expected to expand the DC brand across films, TV, games, and merchandise.
The Expanding Batverse
While the main sequel has been in limbo, the “Batverse” has been quietly expanding. Colin Farrell’s The Penguin spinoff series is still in the works for Max and will tie directly into The Batman 2. Reeves has also hinted at additional Gotham-based stories operating outside Gunn’s main DCU, allowing for darker, more self-contained narratives.
What’s Next?
Plot details remain under wraps, but more announcements — including new cast members — are expected in late 2025 or early 2026. With filming now officially on the horizon, the countdown to the Dark Knight’s next chapter has finally begun.
For Batman fans, the message is clear: Gotham will rise again in 2027.
