The highly anticipated sequel to 2022’s The Batman, The Batman 2, promises to push the dark, gritty world of Gotham even further.

Starring Robert Pattinson reprising his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Barry Keoghan stepping into the spotlight as The Joker, the film sets the stage for an intense psychological battle between Gotham’s protector and its most deranged criminal.

Following the grim, noir tone of the original, director Matt Reeves teases a deeper dive into Bruce Wayne’s psyche as he navigates the fallout from his actions in the first movie. The Riddler’s chaos may have ended, but Gotham remains in turmoil, and the rise of a new villain—Keoghan’s Joker—will test Batman in ways he’s never experienced. Early reports suggest The Batman 2 will explore the complexities of Bruce’s dual life, building on themes of vengeance and justice, while Gotham’s descent into chaos will be more pronounced than ever.

The Joker, as teased in the previous movie’s cryptic post-credits scene, emerges as a symbol of anarchy and madness, standing in stark contrast to Batman’s increasingly desperate attempts to maintain control over a crumbling city. This time around, Gotham feels more like a character in its own right, with the city’s shadowy, rain-soaked streets playing host to epic battles of wit and violence.