The Batman universe explained

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The Batman universe explained

While Batman universe continues to expand with new films and shows, it’s already one of the most compelling DC media franchises of all time. Starring Robert Pattinson as the titular Dark Knight, 2022 Batman was written and directed by Matt Reeves, presenting an all-new version of Gotham City and its protector like it has never been seen before. That being said, this universe is just beginning.

Compared to other Batman films, such as Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, Tim Burton Batman films, or even the DCEU films featuring Ben Affleck’s Caped Crusader, 2021 Batman is the only one that features an early Bruce Wayne who is still early in his vigilante career, though it’s not a complete origin story for this first entry into Matt Reeves’ Batman universe. Now, Batman universe is growing with a full trilogy in the works, as well as several spin-off series like 2024 The penguin. Here it is Batman universe explained in its entirety and everything we know so far.

Movies and TV shows from the Batman universe

At the moment, Batman universe consists of two on-screen projects that have been released so far. 2022 Batman was the first film in this new DC universe, revealing Batman’s war with the Riddler, who sought to expose the city’s darkest secrets. In the same way, The penguin was released in 2024, an 8-episode series about Max, starring Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb, as he seeks to take control of Gotham’s criminal underworld soon after Batman. There is also the canonical romance Before Batman as well as the comic miniseries Charade: Year One (written by Paul Dano). However, there are more movies (and shows) planned as well.

The next movies and TV shows in the Batman universe


Barry Keoghan's Joker, in the background, faces off against Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in Batman Part II fan trailer
Custom image by Andy Behbakht

Beyond 2022 BatmanMatt Reeves is set to direct two more filmsresulting in a complete trilogy for Batman (not unlike Nolan Dark Knight films). To this end, Batman – Part II has a release date of October 2, 2026, continuing Batman’s war on crime after realizing at the end of the first Batman film that he should become more than just a symbol of revenge. While a third installment is expected from Reeves, it has not been revealed when development nor filming will begin, and there have not yet been any new shows announced for Batman universe following The penguin.

The canceled projects in the Batman universe


Robert Pattinson Batman in front of Arkham Asylum
Custom Image by Richard Craig

Initially, there were more shows in development for Batman universe beyond The penguin. This included a spin-off show about the Gotham Police Department (which many thought could star Jim Gordon or Renee Montoya). Likewise, a series about Arkham Asylum was also in the works. Although both projects were announced in July 2020 and were in various stages of development, both were ultimately cancelled, with Reeves confirming that the decision was made to focus on more “landmark characters” like Penguin.. However, it has also been said that an Arkham project could still happen in the future.

Rumors of projects in the Batman universe


Split Image of Two Faces in The Dark Knight and DC Comics
Ollie Bradley custom image

As far as rumors go, it was recently suggested that a spin-off series starring Barry Keoghan’s Joker may be in the works, a series set between the events of Batman – Part II and Part III. Additionally, Reeves confirmed during interviews promoting The penguin that other characters and ideas were being considered for future shows and spin-offs. Although unconfirmed, Reeves and executive producer Dylan Clark also expressed enthusiasm for an interviewer’s proposed idea for a show starring Harvey Dent’s Two-Face. To this end, one can imagine that a new show set Batman universe will be announced sooner or later.

The Batman Universe Timeline Explained


Oz Cobb looks serious in The Penguin and the Dark Knight looks at the camera in The Batman
Custom image by Nicolas Ayala

2022 Batman is set in the present day, starting on October 31stspecifically the year it was first released in theaters. To this end, The penguin is also set in 2022, taking place one week after the events of Batman and the Riddler’s brutal flooding of the city. Batman also confirms that Bruce Wayne began his work as a Gotham vigilante two years earlier, in 2020.

With this in mind, it is likely that Batman – Part II will be defined not long after the events of The penguin. As such, this means that the second film will be set in late 2022 or early 2023 (despite the fact that the film itself is slated for release in 2026). With that in mind, it follows that Robert Pattinson’s Batman will continue to evolve and improve as he progresses. Batman the timeline of the universe moves forward.

Explanation of how the Batman universe connects to the larger DC universe


Robert Pattinson's Batman in The Batman alongside image from the DCU comics of The Brave and the Bold

Although Batman universe began when the DCEU was still ongoing, it remained disconnected from the larger universe of connected films and shows which started in 2013 Man of Steel. Instead, Ben Affleck was the DCEU’s Batman, a Dark Knight who operated in Gotham for 20 years before facing off against Superman and eventually forming the Justice League. Meanwhile, Pattinson debuts in 2022 as an all-new, younger iteration of The Dark Knight.

It was also reported that Batman universe will remain disconnected from the new DC Universe in the works from new DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran, starting in 2024 Creature Commands as its first animated series and 2025 Superman as his first live-action film. To this end, Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a current DCU film in development that is expected to debut its own connected Batman. As such, Pattinson’s Caped Crusader and its universe will likely continue to exist alongside the new DCU as its own isolated franchise.

Robert Pattinson’s Batman explained

Explanation of the origin of Robert Pattinson’s Batman

As established in 2022 BatmanBruce Wayne’s parents were killed in 2002, before that year’s election, when Thomas Wayne was running for mayor. Bruce was 10 years old at the time, making him the orphaned heir to Wayne Fortune and his father’s company, Wayne Enterprises. Upon graduating, Bruce begins traveling abroad to learn various fields and multiple forms of martial arts.eventually returning to Gotham in 2020 to begin his first year as a revenge-seeking vigilante.

During this first year, Batman takes down an explosive gang with connections to the Penguin of Oz Cobb, as well as several drug dealers selling items. Eventually, Batman forms a partnership with Jim Gordon of the GCPD, and together they create the Bat Signal for Gordon to use when he needs the Dark Knight’s help. The end of this first year is also when Batman defeats a serial killer who will likely become the Joker in the future.having become obsessed with the Dark Knight after their first encounter.

2022 Batman Bruce Wayne’s second year in Gotham then follows, facing The Riddler and his big bet on Gotham.which involves exposing hidden truths about Bruce’s father and his history with crime boss Carmine Falcone. Furthermore, this conflict also marks the beginning of Batman’s relationship with Selina Kyle’s Catwoman. The end of Batman it also results in Bruce revealing that Gotham needs Batman for more than just revenge, as it also needs a symbol of hope and justice.

Robert Pattinson’s Batman Batmobile Explained

In Batman universe, the Batmobile is a modified muscle car custom-made by Bruce Wayne. In 2022 Batmanthe impressive bullet-resistant, armored car is notably used during Batman’s pursuit of the Penguin, when both the Dark Knight and Jim Gordon believed he could have been the “mouse with wings” that was mentioned in the Riddler’s last riddle in A. hour. Equipped with an Auxiliary Turbojet engine with afterburner at the rear and a custom ram at the front, Batman The Batmobile was built to be the fastest ride in Gotham while also being capable of delivering and taking serious punishment.

Robert Pattinson’s Batman Batsuit Explained


Robert Pattinson's Batman costume symbol

After deciding to start a war against Gotham’s criminals, Bruce Wayne builds tactical armor inspired by the bats that lived underground Wayne Terminusyour Batcave. Equipped with a classic utility belt for various gadgets and gadgets, Batman’s batsuit also features gauntlets with refills for his grapple gun and features some decent ballistic resistance. Additionally, the bat symbol on his chest can be removed as a bat-shaped tactical knife. Bruce Wayne’s batsuit also features an experimental wingsuit that can be activated via strings on his arms.

Robert Pattinson’s Batman Fighting Style Explained


A henchman looks scared as Batman leans over to him and says "I am revenge" in The Batman

Thanks to his years of training around the world, Batman is well-versed in multiple forms of martial arts, just like the Dark Knight from the original comics.. While training for the role, Robert Pattinson himself worked with choreographer Robert Alonzo to learn Filipino martial arts and other techniques from Southeast Asian fighting styles such as Muay Thai. Likewise, Bruce Wayne can be seen utilizing various boxing and wrestling moves in Batman also.

Robert Pattinson’s Batman allies explained

Alfred Pennyworth


Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, sitting in a chair and looking serious in The Batman 2022

Having been with Bruce since his parents’ deaths, Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis) finally discovers what the last living Wayne was doing at night during Batman’s first year. Unable to convince Bruce to deviate from his mission, Alfred ends up running Wayne Enterprises on Bruce’s behalf, while also helping Bruce from time to time during his various cases thanks to his background in British Intelligence.. He was also one of Bruce’s first coaches as a child, before he left to travel the world. During the events of BatmanBruce and Alfred grow closer after the butler nearly dies in a bomb sent by Riddler that was intended for Bruce.

Lieutenant Jim Gordon


Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Jim Gordon in The Batman, looking slightly upward and wearing a dress shirt.

One of the few GCPD officers not in Carmine Falcone’s pocket, Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) partners with Batman during the Dark Knight’s first yearcreating the bat signal as a way of calling the security guard when necessary. Although many in the GCPD are very suspicious of Batman, Jim Gordon maintains his trust in Gotham’s vigilante, believing him to be someone who is genuinely trying to make Gotham better. To that end, Jim Gordon and Batman worked extensively together during Riddler’s attack on the city, especially in light of the GCPD’s significant role in the city’s years of corruption.

Catwoman by Selina Kyle


Batman's Catwoman

Meeting Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) for the first time during her investigation into the Penguin at her club, Batman and Catwoman agree to join forces.. Selina wants to know what happened to her missing friend, while Batman needs Selina to gain access to the mob club beneath Penguin’s Iceberg Lounge, known as 44 Below. As Batman progresses, it is also revealed that Selina is Carmine Falcone’s illegitimate daughter.

While Catwoman wants revenge after discovering that Carmine killed her friend when he learned of the Renewal scandal, Batman convinces her to spare Falcone’s life. Put Batman In the end, Selina’s Catwoman leaves Gotham for Blüdhaven. However, she sends a letter to Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), as seen in The Penguin finale, Selina’s incarcerated half-sister (who also hated her father, as Carmine killed Sofia and Selina’s mothers in the same way).

Edward Nashton aka Riddler


The Riddler holding duct tape in The Batman

Edward Nashton’s Riddler (Paul Dano) was a former forensic accountant who became a serial killer when he discovered the truth about Gotham’s darkest secret about the Gotham Renewal Fund created by the Waynes and how it was used by the Falcone Crime Family and various corrupt officials for years. This left Nashton extremely bitter and disenfranchised when he discovered the truth. After all, the Renewal Fund was originally created to improve Gotham, including orphans like him, before Thomas Wayne’s death.

Believing that he and Batman were soulmates, it is only after Riddler is captured and meets the Dark Knight face to face that he realizes that they do not share the same goals. Riddler also had several followers who helped him flood the city after he was placed in Arkham, while also opening fire on Mayor-elect Bella Reál (before being stopped by Batman). To that end, Riddler’s influence is still felt in Gotham, as seen in The penguinand he also befriends the equally incarcerated Joker at the end of the 2022 film, teasing a future return in Batman universe.

Carmine Falcone, head of Gotham’s largest crime family


Batman Carmine Falcone

Thanks to the Renovação scandal and subsequent exposure of the Salvator Maroni rescue operation, Carmine Falcone (John Turturro) has effectively become the most powerful and influential man in Gotham in two decades.. However, The Riddler finally exposes the truth and subsequently murders the crime lord after Batman turns Falcone over to the police, as seen in Batman. Additionally, The penguin confirms that Carmine strangled and hanged several women besides Selina Kyle’s mother, including the mother of his children, Alberto and Sofia.

To that end, Carmine even pinned the murders on Sofia and committed her to Arkham for 10 years after she began investigating his dark past. This resulted in Sofia taking over and completely erasing Carmine Falcone’s legacy, as she was released shortly after Carmine’s death in The Batman. Sofia also became a key rival to Oz Cobb, who sought to take advantage of the power vacuum following Falcone’s murder (as seen in The penguin).

Oz Cobb, also known as The Penguin


Sofia (Cristin Milioti) wearing a bow tie and dressed elegantly in The Penguin Season 1 Ep 8
Image via Max

Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) was once Carmine Falcone’s right-hand man in Batman universe. Although he was the initial suspect in the Riddler’s murders, it was ultimately revealed that Oz was innocent in this regard following a confrontation following an intense car chase with Batman. However, the Penguin of Oz wasted no time trying to seize power after Carmine’s death.

Confronting Salvatore Maroni and Sofia Falcone, as seen in their spin-off series, Oz’s ruthlessly cold ambition and willingness to do whatever it takes sees Penguin become the newest boss of Gotham’s criminal underworld. This is largely due to his surprising success in unifying the city’s various gangs under a single banner, as seen in The Penguin monumental ending. As such, Batman’s future conflicts with the Penguin will undoubtedly be much more dangerous considering all the power Oz now has at his disposal.

The Future Joker


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Played by Barry Keoghan, There is a version of the Joker in Batman universealthough Matt Reeves has confirmed that Batman’s classic archenemy has not yet fully become the Joker. Although this future Joker appears at the end of Batman Talking to his new cellmate and friend in Arkham (Riddler), Reeves later released a sequel where Batman and Joker meet at the beginning of the film, where he helps the Dark Knight profile Edward Nashon, confirming his story previous during Batman’s first year. As such, Keoghan’s Joker is expected to play a much larger role in the future of Batman universe.

  • The Batman follows young Bruce Wayne as he investigates a sadistic serial killer who is targeting key political figures in Gotham. As he delves deeper, he is confronted by the city’s hidden corruption and the questions surrounding his own family’s legacy.

  • Created by Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin is a crime drama spin-off television series from the 2022 film The Batman. Set shortly after the events of The Batman, Oz Cobb, aka the Penguin, begins his rise in Gotham City’s underworld as he fights with his late boss’s daughter, Carmine Falcone, for control of the crime family’s empire.

  • The Batman Part II is the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, released in 2022, and will pick up where the original film left off. The film shares a universe with HBO Max’s original Penguin series and sees the return of the Riddler and a different incarnation of the Joker.

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