AceShowbiz - Filming has officially started on the highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 film Batman, with Matt Reeves returning as director. The follow-up, also known as The Batman: Part II, is set to hit U.S. theaters on October 1, 2027.

The original movie starred Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman and earned an impressive $772.3 million worldwide, establishing a fresh take on the iconic superhero. The sequel will expand the cast with Sebastian Stan now confirmed to play Victor Zsasz, overturning earlier speculation that he would portray Harvey Dent. Instead, Brian Tyree Henry has been cast as Harvey Dent in the new installment. Other returning cast members include Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell reprising his role as Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin following the 2024 limited series spin-off.

Matt Reeves marked the start of production by sharing a photo on social media that featured a clapboard displaying the bat symbol and the words "Part II." The image also showed a slab with a body obscured from view, hinting at the dark tone the sequel will continue to explore. Reeves has indicated that the script was carefully finalized alongside co-writer Mattson Tomlin before cameras rolled. The film’s director of photography role has shifted from Greig Fraser to Erik Messerschmidt, known for his collaborations with David Fincher.

Batman launched a new shared universe titled The Batman Epic Crime Saga, which was further developed through the 2024 HBO Max limited series The Penguin. This interconnected approach aims to deepen the story world around Gotham’s infamous villains and allies. The first film’s success helped revive interest in live-action Batman adaptations, drawing comparisons to the critically acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.

The early start of production on The Batman: Part II sets the stage for another major chapter in the franchise, promising to build on the strong foundation laid by Reeves and his cast. With new characters introduced and returning favorites confirmed, fans can expect a continuation that delves deeper into Gotham’s underworld and Batman’s complex vigilante mission.