Batman’s Greatest Ally Returns in New Look at Robert Pattinson’s Sequel - MCE Notices | California State Portal

Production is underway on The Batman Part II, the anticipated sequel to 2022’s The Batman. The movie is set to hit theaters next year, arriving five years after the original installment was released.

Of course, Robert Pattinson is back as Bruce Wayne, and he’ll be joined by a handful of familiar stars who are also returning from The Batman. This includes Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, the Dark Knight’s greatest ally. On Instagram, Wright shared the first look at his return as Gordon in a peculiar way. He posted an image that’s zoomed in on his mustache, which he grew back to reprise the role. The actor added in the caption of the post, “It begins again. You know what time it is.”

Jim Gordon Returns in The Batman Part II

Image via Jonathan Olley / Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

Very little has been revealed about the plot of The Batman Part II, so it’s unclear how Gordon will be involved. Given his relationship with Batman, it’s likely he’ll have a sizable role. Wright previously shared his hopes that more of the character would be explored in The Batman Part II, teasing how he’d spoken with director Matt Reeves about that possibility. It would make sense to go that route, given that, in some ways, Gordon and Batman are two sides of the same coin.

“I wondered about his private life and I wonder about people who have the level of responsibility that he has, having that public face of rectitude and goodness,” Wright told DiscussingFilm. “I wonder what lies underneath Commissioner Gordon because the Batman wears his cowl but, in some ways, Gordon wears a mask too.”

He added, “Gordon represents justice in a way through his type of righteousness, not sanctimony, and I wonder what might lie behind that mask with the sacrifices that he may have to consider because he gives so much to this public persona and his civic duty. What’s the bearing of all that on him, underneath his mask?”

Bruce Wayne Reunites With Friends and Foes in the Sequel

Other returning stars in the sequel include Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth and Colin Farrell as The Penguin. Several newcomers have also been confirmed to be a part of the cast, including names like Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, Charles Dance, and Brian Tyree Henry. There are conflicting reports about whom these new actors will portray, as both Stan and Henry have been cast to play Two-Face according to different sources.

The first movie was a major success upon release in 2022. It made over $772 million at the worldwide box office, and better yet, it was very well-received by both critics and fans. This success sparked a franchise, as in addition to The Batman Part II, the film also had a spinoff series, The Penguin, which was a big hit for HBO.

The Batman Part II will be released in movie theaters on Oct. 1, 2027.