New Set Photos from The Batman: Part 2 Hint at Two Key Villains

Filming is currently taking place in London for the highly anticipated sequel, The Batman: Part 2, and with it comes a wave of new set photos and videos. The latest glimpses behind the scenes of this Robert Pattinson-led superhero film suggest the introduction of even more villains, with hints that a popular fan theory might be coming to fruition.

The fresh footage and images, which started surfacing over the weekend, focus on a large protest scene. We see Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne maneuvering through a massive crowd, flanked by members of the Gotham City Police Department. The protesting extras are holding signs with messages like “Court of Oligarchs,” “Court of Fouls,” and “Eat the Rich.” The repeated use of “Court” on some of these signs has sparked speculation among fans that the Court of Owls—a notorious villain group introduced in Scott Snyder’s New 52 Batman series—will play a significant role in The Batman: Part 2. This theory has been a long-standing favorite, especially given Reeves’ comment that the film’s antagonist has never been depicted in a movie before.

The Court of Owls, a secret society of affluent Gotham citizens who manipulate events from the shadows, fits perfectly within the context of the protest scene. This would also build on themes from the first film, where Bruce Wayne grapples with his family’s legacy and his responsibilities to Gotham beyond his identity as Batman. The dynamic of a city that vilifies Wayne while idolizing Batman could lead to a compelling narrative. Additionally, the set photos hint at another intriguing villain who could seamlessly integrate into this storyline.

Alongside the signs referencing the Court of Owls, the protest scene features a character donned in a white mask and a jacket emblazoned with the anarchy symbol. This closely resembles the comic book character Anarky. True to his name, Anarky (real name Lonnie Machin) is a politically charged figure advocating for the radical dismantling of corrupt systems, positioning him in direct conflict with both the Court of Owls and Bruce Wayne, who embodies the city’s elite.

Anarky has made appearances in Batman: Arkham Origins and on CW’s Arrow, but he has yet to grace the big screen. This aligns with Reeves’ earlier comments. If the rumors surrounding The Batman: Part 2 hold any weight, it looks like this film will feature an impressive lineup of villains.