The Batman Part II

may not be coming to theaters all that soon, but speculation about the next big bad is already in full swing. The Riddler was a terrifying rival for Robert Pattinson’s Batman in the 2022 DCU

Elseworlds film, with the character feeling some sort of kinship with The Dark Knight of Gotham. However, when the film ends, and Riddler is locked away, the film appears to present several potential characters to step up as the next major villain in the franchise.

With the Joker appearing in prison, played by Barry Keoghan, and Colin Farrell’s Penguin starring in a spin-off series, these seem like two of the best positioned characters to go head-to-head with Batman. However, there is a chance that someone else could be in a prime position to begin a reign of terror in Gotham. And if one wild fan theory is correct, it could be someone who already has a connection to the Gotham Guardian, in one of the most unexpected ways.

James Gordon Jr Could Be A Perfect Villain Choice For The Batman 2

James Gordon Jr Makes Some Distinctly Different Choices To His Family

James Gordon, the commissioner of the Gotham police department, is one of the few people privileged to have regular contact with the Batman. Unlike Alfred, or others who are a part of Bruce Wayne’s life, Gordon typically only sees Batman as the vigilante, though for Batman, that is the more honest version of himself. But being positioned as a central player in the GCPD, a department which tends to be rife with corruption, he relies on Batman to help keep the city safe, and uses the Bat-Signal whenever he needs the ᴀssistance of the Dark Avenger.

However, in the comics, Gordon’s son has proven to be a problem for Batman, becoming a terrifying serial killer. James Gordon Jr., unlike his sister and father, succumbs to the madness that erodes Gotham, and grows up to become a real threat. And judging by how dark and intense the tone of the first The Batman movie was, it makes sense to keep that intensity up, using villains who can create genuine fear, shock, and disgust. Seeing a person who is so closely ᴀssociated with Batman turn out to be a serious threat would certainly tick those boxes.

The Batman 2 Using James Gordon Jr As Its Villain Would Follow Up On The Story & Themes Of The First Movie Effectively

It Keeps The Tone And Intensity Of The Batman Film Series High

One of the defining elements of a Batman story, and even more so with the 2022 film, is the idea that Gotham is sick. The city literally breeds evil, corruption, and animosity. Within this world, where good things go to die, and bad things turn to evil, Batman seeks to bring back balance. With the help of some genuinely good people, like James Gordon, he works hard to take criminals off the streets, but despite his best efforts, the darkness of the city is everywhere, and often reflected even in the heroes who work to make it a better place to live.

If James Gordon Jr. was at the center of a killing spree, the fact that his father, the commissioner, could be tied up in something evil, and possibly even targeted as a suspect, would force Batman to doubt his allies. It would make the city of Gotham seem significantly more bleak, and it would continue a trend of secrets that appear to be woven into the fabric of the city, and sewing distrust in every direction. It also draws parallels with how the Riddler thought he and Batman were on the same side, which could play into the motivations for Gordon Jr. to begin killing people he deems to be unworthy.

The Batman 2 Introducing James Gordon Jr Could Also Help Set Up A New Ally For Its Hero

Out Of The Darkness, A New Hero Could Also Rise Up In Gotham

As mentioned above, James Gordon Jr. being a serial killer, is a notable exception in the family. While Commissioner Gordon is a long-term ally of Batman, his daughter is also a prominent figure in the comics and cartoons. Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl, becomes an important member of the Bat family. And then, when she is the target of an attack by the Joker, Barbara is wheelchair-bound, which leads to her taking on a new alias as Oracle. Depending on how far along in the story The Batman 2 wants to move, Barbara could be a worthy ally to Batman in a similar way to how Selina Kyle worked with Bats in the first film.

And if this is the case, then having a Gordon family-centered story, which sees James Gordon work closely with Batman, his daughter become a vigilante, and his son become a monstrous murderer, could be a compelling narrative for the sequel. Of course, The Batman Part II could take the story in several directions, but highlighting the ways that Gotham changes its residents, to become law-abiding hopeful citizens, cynical vigilantes, and evil criminals, would be an interesting exploration.

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  The Batman Part II

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  October 1, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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