What Could The Batman Lead To?

What seems to be further down the road for Battinson?

The Batman creates a new line in the DC continuity. With that comes a lot of groundwork laid for future instalments. With where the film left us, let’s dive into the biggest possibilities for the rest of Matt Reeves’ proposed trilogy.

Needless to say, we’re headed into spoiler territory here. Turn back if you haven’t seen this latest Batman outing in full.

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A new version of The Joker

The final time we see Paul Dano’s Edward Nashton/The Riddler, he is in pretty bad shape in Arkham State Hospital after watching his plan to flood Gotham not go the way he planned. However, the blow is softened by some words of encouragement from a neighbouring cell mate. A cell mate who appears to have an exaggerated grin and a distinct cackle.

Yep, it appears those Barry Keoghan rumours were true – he is indeed this universe’s incarnation of The Joker. It shouldn’t be expected that he’ll feature in the sequel, but the tease that he is there and will be on the loose at some point is exciting enough.

Director Matt Reeves has also revealed that there was actually another scene for the character that would have taken place earlier in the film. We would have seen our Caped Crusader trying to profile the mysterious Riddler character who was writing to him. This would have led him to this criminal he has already had locked up to try and figure things out. Thankfully, Reeves has said this scene will release at some point in the future. Probably when the film is due for home release? Either way, we have a new version of Joker on the horizon.

Bigger story for The Penguin

Oz Cobblepot has a few juicy moments in this flick, but isn’t as prominent a foe as the likes of Riddler or Carmine Falcone. It was even admitted by Colin Farrell that he would only appear in a handful of scenes throughout. But with how The Batman plays out, there is going to be room for him to play around more.

During the film, crime boss/unofficial mayor of Gotham Carmine Falcone is arrested and then gunned down by The Riddler. Riddler’s plan to flood Gotham then plays into things. Even though the majority of citizens are saved, it leaves the city in chaos. Ready for criminals to start grabbing for power amongst the madness.

Bruce Wayne’s voiceover of people edging for power in these trying times seems to play out whilst we watch Penguin looking out over a ruined Gotham. Looking out at the city he wishes to claim. It’s a fair guess if you imagine penguin will be one of the main big bads in the next outing.

The mystery of who killed The Waynes

The big connection between Riddler and our hero is how it unearths a potential conspiracy that led to the Wayne murders. It is revealed that Thomas Wayne attempted to pay off a reporter who had uncovered evidence that his wife Martha was in and out of Arkham. When the reporter refused, he turned to Carmine Falcone, whom he had saved the life of sometime previously. He asked Falcone to shake up the reporter and make him accept the bribe. Falcone instead took it a step further and killed him. Shaken, Wayne decided to go to the police about everything, but before he could he and his wife were murdered.

When Alfred reveals the truth of this to Bruce, he admits it could have really been anyone. Falcone. Falcone’s mob rival Sal Maroni. Even just a petty thug. Either way, it is left uncovered as to who actually killed the Waynes. Sadly, he wasn’t able to get a quick answer from Falcone thanks to his death. It seems to be a mystery that is left to be solved for the World’s Greatest Detective.

A theory from us at ScreenHeads is that whether it was a petty criminal or a hired hit, the unknown man at the funeral could be in the frame. The way he speaks so negatively of Gotham’s elite. The way he and Bruce seem to somehow recognise each other. That look back Bruce gives him as Bella Reál leads him away. The responsive look this figure gives him as he fades into the shadows. It wouldn’t surprise us if he was brought back in a future film and it is revealed he gunned down Bruce’s parents. But, time will tell.

Batman as a symbol of hope

Much of Bruce Wayne’s angle as Batman is to do with being feared. Using it as a tool against his enemies. The only problem that Bruce seems to ignore is that even the people he protects are scared sh**less of him. But, by the film’s end, He realises the mistake in his mission and what he needs to do moving forward.

In the flood at Gotham Square Garden, Bruce decides to help the people to get out of the wreckage and leads them to safety. He is even present when civilians are being airlifted for medical treatment. One citizen even keeps a grip of him as if she doesn’t feel safe without him.

This will inspire our hero to be less of an overall questionable vigilante, and more of a symbol of hope moving forward. Yes, it’s a bit Superman-ish, but with how scary and brooding this take on Batman was to begin with, it will be okay to take the pedal off that a tad.

The introduction of Harvey Dent

We find out in The Batman, as with most versions of Gotham on screen, that most higher ups are crooked. One example is District Attorney Gil Colson, who ultimately meets his demise thanks to Riddler putting him through a nail biting riddle test that he fails.

This leaves the door open for a new DA to step in and try and clean up Gotham. With how the city is left, never before have they needed someone to step in and fix things from city hall. The most logical pick? None other than Harvey Dent surely, who is destined to become Two-Face. It may be too much like the Dark Knight trilogy to have him show up in the second instalment, but even if he is brought in and doesn’t become a villain until the third and final film?

It’s worth noting that Sal Maroni is classical depicted as the person responsible for turning Dent into his coin-tossing alter-ego. He’s also currently in Blackgate, alive and well. Is it possible he could find his way out of prison and be led to taking down Gotham’s white knight?

Revenge from Hush

We mentioned earlier how Thomas Wayne’s attempt to protect his wife led to a reporter being murdered. Well, this could tie into a familiar comic book villain.

The reveal about Bruce’s father comes with an extra reveal for big Batman fans. The reporter’s name was Edward Elliott. Fans will recognise this name, and Riddler’s writing of “Hush!” over the his video reel about Thomas Wayne attempting to keep Elliott quiet, as a nod to comic book villain Hush.

In the comics, Hush is the villainous identity of Thomas Elliott. Thomas grew up alongside Bruce Wayne in a wealthy family, but he grew to resent Bruce for his independence and inheritance of the entire Wayne estate after the Wayne Murders. Though Edward isn’t the name of Thomas’ father traditionally, the comic storyline does feature Elliott and Riddler teaming up to take down Bruce once and for all. Could a future film go down this road?

The comic version doesn’t deal with Thomas Elliott seeking revenge for his father’s murder (he actually marks his father’s death himself), but it would be an interesting take on things. To carry on this idea of Bruce paying for his father’s sins. It creates even more of an emotional arc for the character in that he needs to justify more than ever that his father was a good man and he made a mistake. It would definitely be interesting to see how it effects the Batman persona. Seeings as his parents’ death led him to being The Dark Knight.

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What are your thoughts on where The Batman could lead this new trilogy to? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!