The Batman 2 Script is a 'Masterwork,' Says Colin Farrell

Get ready, Bat-fans! Colin Farrell, our very own Oswald Cobblepot, has read the script for Matt Reeves' highly anticipated sequel, The Batman Part Ii, and his reaction has us more hyped than ever. He's calling it a "masterwork," and he's got plenty to say about Robert Pattinson's next journey as the Caped Crusader.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on 'The Batman Part II'

Colin Farrell raves about The Batman Part II script, calling it "brilliant," "dense," and a "masterwork."
The sequel kicks off just "a few weeks after" the events of The Penguin series, creating a tight in-universe timeline.
Robert Pattinson returns as Batman, with Farrell reprising his role as Penguin, though in a reportedly smaller capacity.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on October 1, 2027, with filming expected to start in Spring 2026.

Colin Farrell's Mind-Blowing Reaction to 'The Batman Part II' Script

If there's one thing that gets fans buzzing, it's an actor gushing about an upcoming script, especially when it's for a movie as anticipated as The Batman Part II. And Colin Farrell, who delivered an unforgettable performance as Oz Cobb (aka The Penguin) in Matt Reeves' first Batman film and his own spinoff series, has just done exactly that.

While promoting his new Netflix movie, Ballad of a Small Player, Farrell sat down with Josh Horowitz on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast and couldn't contain his excitement about the sequel's screenplay. He confirmed that he's not only read the script but also had an hour-long chat with director Matt Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin about it.

"I really do think it’s a masterwork. Kind of a contemporary genre masterwork. It’s so brilliant and Robert [Pattinson] has got such a lovely journey to go on and take the audience through," Farrell shared, high praise coming from an actor of his caliber.

He admitted that when he first received the script, he felt like a "giddy little fanboy." However, its "dense" and "detailed" nature meant he had to wait a couple of weeks to be in the right headspace to truly absorb it. Once he did, with a cup of tea in hand, he devoured the entire screenplay in about two hours. "It’s really extraordinary," he added, "I think he’s going to make an extraordinary film." These comments certainly set the bar incredibly high for what's to come!

Diving Deep into 'The Batman Saga's' Connected Timeline

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One of the coolest things about Matt Reeves' Batman universe, dubbed the "Batman Epic Crime Saga," is how interconnected everything is. Farrell himself has confirmed how The Batman Part II fits neatly into this timeline, picking up right after his critically acclaimed HBO series, The Penguin.

Here’s the breakdown:

The Batman: The initial film's events take place over roughly a week.
The Penguin: The series begins "about a week after" the conclusion of The Batman and spans "roughly six weeks" as Oz Cobb attempts to rise through Gotham's underworld power vacuum, created by Carmine Falcone's death.
The Batman Part II: The highly anticipated sequel will pick up "a few weeks after" the finale of The Penguin.

This means that while it might feel like ages between releases for us, the audience, the in-universe timeline is actually quite compact – less than half a year passes from the end of The Batman to the beginning of The Batman Part II. Director Matt Reeves had previously hinted at this tight narrative, stating the story "plays out over the next weeks that take you toward the end of the year." This tight chronology allows for continuous character development and maintains the narrative momentum established in the first film and the series.

What We Know So Far About 'The Batman: Part II's' Development

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Beyond Colin Farrell's enthusiastic endorsement, we've gathered some solid details about what to expect from The Batman Part II. The film has faced a few delays since its initial announcement at CinemaCon in April 2022, leading to some fan speculation, but DC head James Gunn has consistently assured everyone that the project is moving forward.

Key Details:

Director & Writers: Matt Reeves returns to direct and co-write the screenplay with Mattson Tomlin. Reeves is known for his "extraordinarily meticulous" approach, which Farrell's comments certainly reinforce.
Returning Cast: Robert Pattinson is back as Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Colin Farrell will reprise his role as Oz Cobb/The Penguin.
Filming Schedule: Production is expected to commence in Spring 2026.
Release Date: Mark your calendars for October 1, 2027! (Note: one source mentioned Oct 7, 2027, but Oct 1 is more widely cited as the official release.)
Penguin's Role: While The Penguin series gave Oz Cobb the spotlight for eight hours, Farrell has hinted that his role in The Batman Part II will be "smaller" in screen time compared to the series, but also "deeper" and "scarier" than his initial appearance in The Batman. This suggests that while he may not be the central antagonist, his presence will still be impactful.

The first draft of the script was completed around June 2025, a significant milestone after the delays. It's clear that Reeves and his team are taking their time to ensure this sequel lives up to the high standards set by its predecessor.

Will We See 'The Penguin' Season 2? Colin Farrell Weighs In

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The Penguin series was originally conceived as a limited miniseries, designed to bridge the gap between The Batman and its sequel. However, its immense critical acclaim—including 24 Emmy nominations and a win for Cristin Milioti (Sofia Gigante)—has left fans clamoring for more. So, what are the chances of a second season?

Colin Farrell, in his typically candid style, admitted to having a "negativity bias" when asked about The Penguin Season 2. "I would say I would bet against, but not by much," he told ComicBook.com. He did add, however, that "the powers that be" (referring to Matt Reeves and showrunner Lauren LeFranc) are "thinking of storylines that could justify another eight hours."

Matt Reeves himself has expressed openness to the idea, stating, "We’re in discussions... so we’ll see." But he's also made it clear that his primary focus right now is The Batman Part II. One notable detail is that Cristin Milioti's fan-favorite character, Sofia Gigante, won't be appearing in The Batman Part II. Reeves explained this was due to the concurrent development of both scripts; by the time Sofia became a beloved character, the sequel's story was already locked in. This news was a bit of a bummer for fans eager to see the teased meeting between Sofia and Selina Kyle.

Despite this, many fans argue that a second season of The Penguin is now almost necessary. With Batman films understandably focusing on Bruce Wayne, a series provides the space to truly flesh out Gotham's supporting characters. Continuing Oz's and potentially Sofia's arcs in a second season could bridge the gap to a hypothetical The Batman Part III, preventing these compelling characters from being shelved for too long. Ultimately, as Farrell wisely put it, any continuation should only happen if the story truly justifies it.

The Dark Knight's Enduring Legacy: Where Does Robert Pattinson Stand?

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Colin Farrell's effusive praise for The Batman Part II isn't just about the script itself; it's also about Robert Pattinson's "lovely journey" as the Dark Knight. This, of course, reignites the age-old debate among fans: who is the best live-action Batman?

Historically, polls often place Michael Keaton (Batman, Batman Returns, The Flash) at the top, closely followed by Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Trilogy). For voice acting, Kevin Conroy (DCAU, Arkham games) remains an unparalleled legend. Pattinson's portrayal in 2022's The Batman offered a fresh, gritty, and emotionally raw take on Bruce Wayne, earning him a strong following.

Farrell's comments suggest that Reeves and Pattinson are planning to deepen this character even further, exploring new facets of Batman's struggle and evolution. With "such a lovely journey to go on," it seems Pattinson's iteration will continue to challenge perceptions and potentially carve out an even larger space in the pantheon of Batman actors.

It's an exciting time for Batman fans, especially with James Gunn's DCU also set to introduce its own version of Batman in The Brave and the Bold, meaning both Pattinson's Elseworlds Batman and the new DCU Batman will coexist. This allows for diverse storytelling approaches, giving audiences multiple Dark Knights to enjoy. Whether Pattinson will ultimately be crowned "the best Batman" after the sequel remains to be seen, but his journey promises to be extraordinary.

We're buzzing with anticipation, and Colin Farrell's insights have only amplified that excitement. The waiting game continues, but knowing what's brewing behind the scenes makes it all the more bearable!

Frequently Asked Questions About 'The Batman Part II'

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When is 'The Batman Part II' scheduled for release?

The Batman Part II is currently scheduled to be released in theaters on October 1, 2027.

Will Colin Farrell's Penguin be a major villain in 'The Batman Part II'?

Colin Farrell has indicated that while his role as Penguin will be "deeper" and "scarier" than in the first film, it will be "smaller" in terms of screen time compared to his starring role in The Penguin series. It suggests he won't be the main antagonist, but still a significant presence.

Is 'The Penguin' getting a Season 2?

A second season of The Penguin is not officially confirmed. Colin Farrell expressed skepticism but noted that the "powers that be" are considering storylines. Director Matt Reeves is open to the idea but is prioritizing The Batman Part II for now.

How does 'The Batman Part II' connect to 'The Penguin' series?

The Batman Part II picks up just "a few weeks after" the events of The Penguin limited series concluded, directly following the power vacuum created in Gotham after the first Batman film.

Sources