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While Batman has had so many great adventures on the big screen and on television, in recent decades, some of the character’s most memorable battles have been in the video game space. The biggest example of this is the Rocksteady and WB Games' Arkham franchise. This saw both Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprise their respective roles of Batman and The Joker from The Animated Series. Now Conroy's Dark Knight gets honored with a stylish new game Funko Pop.

A GameStop exclusive, Funko's new DC Pop is based on Batman: Arkham City. This Batman figure effectively recreates the black-and-white marketing material for the critically-acclaimed sequel. Specifically, the image that saw The Caped Crusader holding a Batarang. However, what made this marketing campaign so unique was the injection of color into each image. For Batman, that meant red blood, which can be seen splattered all over his Batarang...

Batman has the most iconic rogues’ gallery in all of comics. Period. Superman’s villains mostly come from outer space, and Spider-Man’s get roasted for looking like circus acts. But Batman goes toe-to-toe with assassins, mob bosses, and literal nightmares on a regular Tuesday. And somehow, he survives it all with nothing but a bat-shaped boomerang and years of unresolved trauma.

But not all Bat-baddies are created equal. Some are just muscle. Others will dismantle Bruce Wayne’s soul, one hallucination or riddle at a time. And then there are the elite, powerful villains who don’t just threaten Gotham. They threaten the very idea of Batman. That’s who we’re talking about today.

This list isn’t about who’s the most famous, and it’s not just who can bench press the Batmobile. It’s about power – physical, mental, psychological, and political. Who can truly push...

Batman: Arkham Knight ended by killing Bruce Wayne. It brought Rocksteady's incredible trilogy to a close, and despite the Caped Crusader's death, rumours have persisted that a follow-up might be in the works.

Of course, the less said about Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the better.

It was back in 2021 when we first shared concept art from a scrapped Arkham Knight follow-up, revealing that Bruce would have returned as a much older Batman.

The game's lead was going to be an adult Damian Wayne, kitted out in a Batsuit with many similarities to the "Batman Beyond" costume. We don't know exactly why it didn't happen or whether it could be resurrected down the line, but it appears this title didn't get past the early development/concept art stage.

Lessening the blow somewhat is that "Project Sabbath" wasn't being developed by Rocksteady; instead, Warner Bros. Games Montreal, the team...

Among all the procedural crime dramas that have been dominating the small screen since the early 2000s, Criminal Minds remains one of the more distinct entries in the genre, thanks to its exploration of deranged criminals. Unlike other heavy hitters, including NCIS, which primarily prioritizes the investigation, Criminal Minds, on the flip side, has been able to carve its own niche with its nuance.

Amidst all its other qualities, it’s the serial killers that have made the show stand out among its peers, which explains its years-long run on TV, and one episode in particular took it to new heights.

Criminal Minds went body horror with God Complex God Complex | Credit: CBS

Despite starting out relatively tame, especially with its initial episodes, throughout its run, the show has been unapologetic with its exploration of some of the more messed-up criminal cases. One such episode that stands out for its...

The "Bat-embargo." If you're a fan of the classic DC Animated Universe (Dcau), the words probably feel like a chill in the night. If you're not, then let me explain.

See, DC Comics can be fickle about which of its characters can appear on television, and where. During the 2000s, this mostly impacted Batman and his supporting cast. Kevin Conroy's Batman was a regular on "Justice League Unlimited," which aired alongside the unconnected cartoon "The Batman," and Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" marked the return of the Dark Knight after his 1990s silver screen fall.

Reportedly, then-dc Comics President Paul Levitz was worried that kids would be confused about all of these Batmen. How would they be able to tell multiple versions of the same characters apart when they were all appearing at the same time? Hence, the Bat-embargo came into effect around 2004 (when "The Batman" debuted and "Justice League...

Despite Batman's lack of solo movies in the franchise, the Dceu got really close to adapting an iconic DC storyline to live-action for the first time. Several live-action Batmen have starred in their own DC movie franchises, which have explored various parts of the Dark Knight's source material. Batman's origin story and early years, his feud with the Joker, and his relationship with close allies like Alfred, James Gordon, and Robin have all been part of Batman's DC movie history. However, there are still a lot of stories that haven't been adapted to the big screen yet.

Batman: Rip, Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth, and Batman: The Killing Joke are only some of the DC storylines that haven't received direct film adaptations. Villains like Hush, Hugo Strange, and Solomon Grundy, and heroes like Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown have yet to appear in live-action Batman movies.

Batman: The Animated Series is widely celebrated as one of the best adaptations of the Dark Knight's mythos and characters, but some were undeniably forgettable. Batman: The Animated Series debuted in 1992 and quickly redefined how audiences perceived superhero cartoons. The series was brimming with classic DC characters. However, for every iconic villain like Mr. Freeze or poignant side character like Alfred, others faded into obscurity. Some characters had potential but were poorly executed, while others were ill-suited to the series' tone.

Known for its dark, mature storytelling and sophisticated character development, Batman: Tas left an enduring legacy. It elevated lesser-known villains like Clayface and even invented Harley Quinn, a character who originated in the series and became a pop culture icon. However, not every character received this level of treatment. Budget constraints, narrative missteps, or a lack of creative focus left certain characters feeling underwhelming or out of place.

An incredible theory about the DC Universe villain Scarecrow appearing in The Penguin made its way around the internet in recent months, and it made so much sense that I can't believe it has been debunked. As everything known about The Batman Part II suggests it is set to go into production this year, the world of that hero and his villains was expanded in the recent acclaimed HBO series. Gotham has proven to be alive with villainy, crime, and corruption, leading to speculation that so many additional Batman villains are already active there.

Surprisingly, the cast of The Penguin did not feature too many new characters from Batman's lore. While many thought that the series would bring in new, iconic villains, it seems that the scope of the show was much smaller than that, only looking to investigate the power struggles for organized crime. Sofia Falcone and Sal Maroni...

The top candidates for The Batman - Part II's main villains might not actually appear in Matt Reeves' upcoming DC sequel, but their absence could make them even better antagonists for the third movie. The Batman - Part II's plot details remain under wraps, and its release date has recently been pushed to 2027. Robert Pattinson's Batman, Jeffrey Wright's James Gordon, and Colin Farrell's Oz Cobb are set to return, but no other DC characters or actors have been confirmed yet.

Speculation about The Batman - Part II's main antagonist continues to rise as the Dcu claims more Batman-adjacent characters for its shared universe. For instance, Clayface is unlikely to be The Batman - Part II's main villain now that he's set to star in his own Dcu movie. More realistic characters like Hush, Two-Face, and Hugo Strange seem more likely to be Batman's next enemy in Matt Reeves' franchise,...

The Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc has finally commented on the fan theory that Theo Rossi's Dr. Julian Rush is the Batman villain Scarecrow. Introduced in episode 2, "Inside Man," Julian Rush is a doctor at Arkham Asylum who developed a close bond with Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) before becoming her romantic partner. While some fans initially suspected he might be The Batman universe interpretation of Hugo Strange, many fans noticed in episode 4 that Rush's office featured what looked like a Scarecrow mask and a mysterious glove similar to the one the character wore in the Arkham video games series.

Speaking with Screen Rant at the Golden Globes, The Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc shuts down the fan theory that Rush is intended to be Scarecrow. "Well, I can say he's not the Scarecrow," LeFranc said. It is a straightforward answer and solidifies Rush as being an original creation for The Penguin,...

Theo Rossi's Dr. Julian Rush quickly emerged as one of The Penguin's most intriguing supporting characters; he was also a complete creep and someone with a weird, unhealthy infatuation with his former - and, as it happened, current - Arkham patient, Sofia Falcone. 

Rush was an original creation for the series and, contrary to online theories, wasn't ultimately revealed as Dr. Hugo Strange. However, evidence later surfaced (which you can see below) suggesting he was either meant to be Dr. Jonathan Crane or at least someone with close ties to Scarecrow.

The Penguin's fourth episode - "Cent'Anni" - featured both Scarecrow's mask and his syringe glove on two stands. 

Given the obvious similarities between Bliss and Scarecrow's fear drug, could The Batman 2 reveal that Crane is secretly working in Arkham under the fake moniker of "Julian Rush"? Unfortunately, the popular suggestion has just been debunked by showrunner Lauren LeFranc.

Though Batman: The Animated Series is widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero adaptations ever created, even it wasted some classic DC characters. Known for its sophisticated storytelling, atmospheric art style, and compelling character work, Batman: Tas redefined Batman for a new generation. With such a vast array of iconic characters from the DC universe to draw from, the series managed to shine a light on Batman’s rogues’ gallery and supporting cast in fresh and nuanced ways. However, not every character received the spotlight they deserved.

While some Batman: The Animated Series villains and allies were brilliantly fleshed out, others were relegated to single episodes or diminished roles. Characters like The Joker, Two-Face, and Mr. Freeze became standout examples of how to revamp classic villains with depth and tragedy. However, whether through underwhelming storylines, missed opportunities, or sheer lack of screen time, several characters were wasted during the show’s run.

The recent sequel to 1989’s Batman proves how great Clayface can be as the star of his announced upcoming DC movie. Clayface is a classic Batman foe from the Golden Age of DC’s comics. While the character is now known for his shapeshifting abilities, his initial portrayals were more grounded, with the actor Basil Karlo – who lacked superpowers – basing his Clayface persona on a role he played in a film. A later iteration of Clayface – Matt Hagan – would be the first iteration of Clayface to have the character’s iconic shapeshifting abilities, though he lacked Karlo’s acting background.

Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline, however, the modern iteration of Basil Karlo would acquire shapeshifting powers like Matt Hagan, making for a fascinating combination – as Karlo became a murderous former actor with the ability to convincingly mimic anybody, thanks to both his powers and background. Clayface has made...

1989s Batman retroactively gained a new villain, thanks to John Jackson Millers Batman: Resurrection, and we already know what becomes of this antagonist. Set between 1989s Batman and Batman Returns, Resurrection explores the fallout of Jokers lethal crime wave in the first film while setting up the rise of Returns villains like Max Shreck and The Penguin. Additionally, Resurrection introduces Basil Karlo Clayface to its Burton Batman universe and retroactively adds Hugo Strange who serves as the books true villain to 1989s Batman as a background character.

Batman: Resurrection cleverly retcons Hugo Strange into 1989s Batman, revealing that the previously unnamed Axis Chemicals scientist was actually the classic Batman villain. Stranges machinations continue to threaten Gotham City in Resurrection, with Strange having Clayface masquerade as the Joker and leading Gothams citizens, including Batman himself, to believe that Jack Napier faked his death. Resurrection ends with Strange being arrested and presumably sent to Blackgate Penitentiary,...

The Batman's version of Scarecrow was teased weeks ago, and I've only just noticed it. By the time of The Penguin episode 8's ending, I was just as excited as anyone for The Batman - Part II. The show did an excellent job of continuing to flesh out the version of Gotham established in The Batman's ending, all while offering a deeper insight into the characters - more aptly, the villains - of this iteration of the franchise.

From Oz Cobb himself to Sofia Falcone's Hangman, The Penguin's DC Easter eggs were rife regarding connections to iconic Batman villains. Naturally, this got many, myself included, wondering about the story of The Batman 2, and which elements from The Penguin would be included in Matt Reeves' upcoming film. Now, weeks on from The Penguin's initial air date, I cannot believe I have only just noticed teases for a potential villain in The Batman 2,...

The latest sequel to 1989s Batman has seemingly brought a new version of the Riddler to the Tim Burton Batman timeline, but this exciting development may have also caused a continuity snarl that will need to be cleared up. John Jackson Millers 2024 novel Batman: Resurrection is set between the events of 1989s Batman and 1992s Batman Returns, and the novel not only combines characters and lore from both movies, it also introduces new characters to the Burton universe. Resurrection is also set in the same timeline as Sam Hamm and Joe Quinoness Batman 89 and Batman 89: Echoes comics.

In addition to including brief appearances by Batman 89s Barbara Gordon and Drake Winston (the latter being the Burton universes future Robin), Resurrection also introduces two classic Batman villains to the continuity: Clayface (Basil Karlo) and Hugo Strange, with the latter having been retroactively added to a minor background role in 1989s Batman.

Batman has a storied history on screen and, in the new Dcu, the hero will be reimagined again for Andy Muschietti's The Brave and the Bold. Separate from Matt Reeves' The Batman franchise, it will be overseen by DC Studios and James Gunn.

Earlier this week, the Superman director and studio executive said there's no rush to make the movie. That's not because the hero isn't a priority; instead, the goal is to make sure the story is as strong as possible before cameras roll.

Batman has appeared in a very long list of live-action movies so how can this one stand apart from them and what does DC Studios need to do to make sure it's a success? And no, firing Muschietti (who directed The Flash) isn't one of our suggestions...even if it's an admittedly good one.

You can read through this feature by clicking on the "Next"/"View List" buttons below.

The Penguin gave one of Batman's most iconic villains the spotlight in his own HBO crime show, but another beloved antagonist might have been hiding in plain sight. While fans debate about the Easter egg online, the show's production designer, Kalina Ivanov, has weighed in with her own thoughts on the tease. During her time in Arkham Asylum where she was falsely imprisoned by her father, Carmine Falcone Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) is "helped" by Dr. Julian Rush (Theo Rossi). Dr. Rush becomes Sofia's closest ally once she is released, and uses his red light hypnosis therapy to unravel Oz Cobb's violent childhood.

During a scene in Episode 4, set in Dr. Rush's office, fans noticed some carefully hidden Easter eggs relating to Scarecrow, the beloved Batman villain (played by Cillian Murphy in The Dark Knight trilogy). Scarecrow, a.k.a. Dr. Jonathan Crane's mask and glove can be found on Dr.

This article contains spoilers for "The Penguin."

We all knew Robert Pattinson's Batman was never going to show up in "The Penguin," and yet so many fans surely hoped that the Dark Knight would descend at some point. Alas, the eight-episode HBO series wrapped up without such a cameo, though "The Penguin" did set up "The Batman: Part II" quite nicely by ending on a shot of the Bat signal looming over the Gotham sky.

But while the show may not have given us Pattinson's avenger, it did feature quite a few Easter eggs and subtle nods to DC's comics, as well as teeing up some major events to come. The fact that Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone receives a letter from Zoe Kravitz's Selina Kyle/Catwoman during the finale, for example, suggests we could be seeing a team-up between these two forsaken daughters of the late Carmine Falcone.

Theo Rossi's Dr. Julian Rush is one of The Penguin's most intriguing supporting characters; he's also a complete creep and someone with a weird, unhealthy infatuation with his former - and now current - patient, Sofia Falcone. 

Rush was created for this series and, contrary to online theories, wasn't ultimately revealed as Dr. Hugo Strange. However, new evidence has surfaced which suggests he was either meant to be Dr. Jonathan Crane or at least someone with close ties to Scarecrow.

As you can see below, episode 4 - "Cent'Anni" - features both Scarecrow's mask and his syringe glove on two stands. That wasn't there in the second episode, and as the eagle-eyed Redditor who spotted this points out, Sofia barges into his office in episode 4 unannounced (suggesting Julian didn't have time to hide them). 

Given the obvious similarities between Bliss and Scarecrow's fear drug, could The Batman Part II...

The Batman's spin-off, The Penguin, could have easily introduced several villains to the overall universe, yet was wise not to. As of The Penguin episode 7's ending, the titular character is closer than ever to taking over Gotham's underworld and becoming more like his DC Comics counterpart. The Penguin takes place after 2022's The Batman, further fleshing out the universe and teeing up the story of The Batman - Part II.

With The Batman 2 being one of the most anticipated upcoming Batman movies, many have tuned into The Penguin to see exactly how this version of Gotham has been further developed. As it turns out, this more grounded, realistic iteration of Batman's expansive timeline has proven to be just as good on TV as it is on film, with DC Easter eggs and ties to Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight aplenty. However, one of the key ways The...

The latest sequel to 1989s Batman John Jackson Millers Batman: Resurrection has a number of connections to Tim Burtons Batman series and its comic continuation. The two Burton Batman films are part of several branching timelines, with the first being the Joel Schumacher Batman films Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Sam Hamm and Joe Quinoness Batman 89 and Batman 89: Echoes comics also continue the story of Michael Keatons Batman, aligning far more with 1989s Batman and Batman Returns.

Millers Resurrection is set between the events of 1989s Batman and Returns, providing some much-needed connective tissue between the two movies. What timeline Resurrection takes place in was initially unclear, as a story set between the two Burton movies could potentially reference lore from the Schumacher films, the Batman 89 comics, or even the DC Extended Universes Flashpoint universe from The Flash. However, Resurrection is not only set in the same timeline as the Batman 89 comics,...

35 years after the release of 1989s Batman, a published sequel makes more sense of three potentially confusing scenes. Tim Burtons Batman was an overwhelming success, instantly becoming one of the most iconic and influential superhero movies in the genre. Not only did the live-action Batman movie contribute to the superhero movie becoming a pop culture sensation, but it also forever changed the way that major Hollywood blockbusters are marketed. On its own, 1989s Batman, surprisingly, still holds up, even at a time when superhero movies have become far larger in scale and more complex.

With the superhero genre now being defined by comic book style continuity and interconnectivity, the Burton Batman universe has retroactively become a steadily growing multi-media franchise, with the first two films Batman and Batman Returns inhabiting multiple timelines. One timeline ignores the Schumacher Batman films and continues the story of Michael Keatons Batman with comics like...

Thanks to a 2024 retcon, 1989s Batman now includes the cinematic debut of a classic DC villain. 1989s Batman was a game-changing success for not only Batman's live-action movie landscape, but also the superhero genre and the way big-budget blockbusters are marketed. The film made Batman DC Comics and Warner Bross most marketable superhero property and directly (or indirectly) led to a slew of beloved superhero properties, from various sequels and reboots to the DC Animated Universe itself.

The Tim Burton Batman universe which includes no less than three branching timelines after the events of Batman Returns continues to be explored via comics like Batman 89 and the 2024 novel Batman: Resurrection, by John Jackson Miller. The latter takes place in between 1989s Batman and Batman Returns, combining characters from both films and exploring how Gotham Citys citizens including Batman himself deal with the fallout of the Jokers reign of terror. Of the novels two main villains,...

Warning: This article contains Spoilers for Batman: Resurrection

35 years after Tim Burton's Batman (1989) kicked off the modern cinematic love affair with DC's Dark Knight, a new sequel has expanded his universe, adding new villains and dealing with the gap between the movie and sequel Batman Returns. The novel picks up after Joker's death expanding the world of Burton's Batman movies with an incredibly compelling story.

As with any belated sequel, the key for Batman: Resurrection is picking up threads from the original in logic ways and dropping fans back into the story in a satisfying way. Writer John Jackson Miller deftly manages both, basing his whole story on some unresolved issues with Batman '89, and offering more closure to the Joker's story. His story feels like we're spending more time in the company of Michael Keaton's Batman, as well as celebrating the legacy of Jack Nicholson's beloved villain.

Warning: This article contains Spoilers for Batman: Resurrection35 years after Tim Burton's Batman (1989) kicked off the modern era of live-action Batman movies, a new sequel has expanded the universe and given me something I've wanted for as long as I've been a Batman fan. Burton's movies introduced a number of what we'd all consider the top-level Batman villains: the unholy trinity of Joker, Catwoman, and Penguin, of course, but new novel Batman: Resurrection adds even more names to the Rogues Gallery.

One thing I've always bemoaned about Batman movies is the lack of imagination when it comes to choosing villains. We've seen the Joker multiple times, the Riddler twice, the Penguin twice, Catwoman three times (whether as a villain or not), and beyond that, the Rogues have been limited. Sure, we've seen lots of Batman villains imagined elsewhere, thanks to the likes of the Suicide Squad movies,...

The Batman: Arkham series is one of the best superhero franchises in gaming, but what order should these games be played in? Superhero games and Batman games have existed for decades, but the quality of them has always varied. While there were plenty of good superhero games in the early 2000s like Spider-Man 2, Batman always struggled. Even the Batman Begins video game was rough despite being based on a universally acclaimed film. It's hard to imagine a bad Batman game after seeing how Rocksteady perfected the formula for such a thing in 2009.

In 2009, Rocksteady would kick off one of the most beloved video game franchises of all-time with the Batman: Arkham series. While it's mostly seen as a trilogy, there are a few canonical prequels and spin-offs. So, with that said, it may seem a bit daunting to jump in to the Batman: Arkham series 15 years after its inception...

Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for 'The Penguin' Episode 4.Episode 4 of The Penguin introduces the cruel head doctor of Arkham State Hospital, Dr. Ventris, played by T. Ryder Smith. The sadistic doctor puts Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) through 10 years of electric shock treatments and other horrors, creating the cold-blooded Sofia who (Spoiler) kills her family, an oddly poetic vengeance. Dr. Ventris is not the only sadistic doctor in the Batman universe to grace the small screen Gotham brought in long-time antagonist Dr. Hugo Strange (Bd Wong), for one nor is he the only questionable recipient of a medical degree to challenge Batman in the comics. Actually, Ventris doesn't have a doctorate at all in the comic books. If he's not a doctor, then, who is he in DC Comics? Let's take some time to reflect on the history of Floyd Ventris, aka Mirror Man.

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There will be spoilers for "Batman: Resurrection" in this article.

One of the great tragedies of the Michael Keaton and Tim Burton collaboration on "Batman" was that it didn't last long enough. We only saw a few of the great villains and characters from the Batman rogues' gallery represented, with some hints of what might have come if the franchise continued under Burton's eye. We were robbed of a great Billy Dee Williams performance as Two-Face, which would have been legendary as his take on Harvey Dent was grounded and fascinating (though he would end up reprising the role in "The Lego Batman Movie").

Tim Burton's take on the Penguin -- played by Danny DeVito -- was so far outside of what we might have expected that it was a revelation. Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman was legendary, and Jack Nicholson...

While comic book capers are in a bit of a funk right now, there’s a glimmer of hope in the form of Lauren LeFranc’s The Penguin, a spinoff of director Matt Reeves' 2022 film The Batman. Joker: Folie à Deux might not have lived up to the impressive standard set by 2019’s Joker, but The Penguin is being praised as one of the best TV shows around.

It feels like only yesterday that Colin Farrell’s portly Penguin waddled into our lives in The Batman, and although some were originally skeptical of spinning Reeves’ world out into more live-action projects, this gritty crime drama with nods to The Godfather and The Sopranos has rightly earned its place as one of Gotham’s greatest.

More than just stellar performances from Farrell and Cristin Milioti (playing Sofia Falcone), The Penguin has turned into an Easter egg hunt worthy of the Dark Knight himself.

The Penguin just introduced another Batman villain to Matt Reeves' Gotham City. The Batman already introduced iconic villains like Catwoman, the Riddler, and The Penguin while teasing The Joker. Meanwhile, The Penguin has expanded the street-level gangsters from Batman's Rouges gallery, including Sofia Falcone, Salvatore Maroni, and Alberto Falcone. While everybody eagerly awaits to know who will be the primary villain of The Batman - Part II, The Penguin just revealed another supervillain from DC Comics. Was it Mr. Freeze? Man-Bat? Mad Hatter? No, it was in fact Magpie!

If that name doesn't ring any bells, well, that is because Magpie is a smaller name in terms of Batman's villains. She certainly isn't one of his famous supervillains, like Scarecrow or Two-Face, or one of Batman's three main female villains that make the Gotham City Sirens, like Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn. Yet Magpie, played by Mari Botha in The Penguin,...

The original Batman series starring Adam West and Burt Ward playing the Dynamic Duo still dazzles audiences with its colorful landscape, exciting take on Batmans story, funny action and great villains to this day. Some villains got their pop culture phenom start on this show. Joker, Riddler, Penguin, Catwoman and more all became household names due to this show, along with the comics.

However, not all of Batmans massive and exciting rogues' gallery could appear on the show. Characters like Bane, Ras Al Ghul, Killer Croc, Scarface, Ventriloquist and Harley Quinn hadnt been created yet, but there were a few that were around that were sadly left out. While some of these foes were understandably forgotten about, its still fun for fans to wonder what couldve been.

Hugo Strange Couldve Introduced Arkham Asylum Debuted in Detective Comics #36 (Feb. 1940)

As the leading doctor at Arkham Asylum, Hugo Strange is directly connected to several,...

Quick Links The Doctor of Gotham City in The Penguin The Relationship Between Sofia and Strange

It seems safe to say that everyone is enjoying Lauren LeFrancs depiction of The Penguin over on Max. The eight-episode miniseries highlighting the rise of Oswald Cobblepot *ahem* Oz Cobb has only aired two entries thus far and has scored high with both critics and fans alike. While the first episode provided a stylistic return to Gotham, Sofia Falcones release from Arkham Asylum and the climactic event that puts Oz on a path of total control, the latest entry teases a very familiar Batman character that is straight out of the caped crusaders comic book history but with a different name.

If you are already a fan of the superhero genre, you might recognize actor Theo Rossi from being a series regular in Netflixs Luke Cage as Hernan "Shades" Alvarez. But in Inside Man...

Quick Links Who Does Theo Rossi Play In the Penguin? How Does Theo Rossi's Julian Rush Compare to Shades?

The following contains spoilers for The Penguin Season 1, Episode 2, "Inside Man," which debuted Sep. 29 on HBO and HBO Max.

It's no secret that, two episodes in, The Penguin is giving Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone an uphill task. Following the death of her father, Carmine, in The Batman, the Falcone clan is in disarray. Sofia's brother, Alberto, has also been killed, signifying that they're being targeted by the Maroni mob.

Little does Sofia know Colin Farrell's Oswald Cobb (aka Oz or the Penguin) is pulling strings and pitting both crime families against each other. This creates tension, grief and trauma for Sofia, as she has lost a lot. As she tries to center herself, The Penguin introduces a disturbing new character. This person is played by Theo Rossi, who had...

The worldly advice of keeping one’s friends close and one’s enemies closer proves really effective in the world of organized crime, even more so when Gotham is the playfield. Oz knows this too well; as caught in the gang war he himself instigated, Oz continues to shift alliances to save his skin, which becomes the narrative focus in the third episode of Max’s The Penguin. Previously, a bruised ego prompted Oz to take an impulsive decision to kill the Falcone crime family chief, Alberto. Soon enough, Sofia Falcone, Carmine’s psychotic serial killer daughter, puts the heat on Oz, suspecting him to be the killer. To cover up his tracks, with the help of his new lackey, Vic, and information about an upcoming Falcone drug shipment, Oz successfully incriminated the Maroni family for Alberto’s murder. Making an imprisoned Sal Maroni the fall guy, the next thing...

"Batman: The Animated Series" wound up being as definitive an account of the Dark Knight as its title suggested. So when a new Batman cartoon finally came afterwards, it was destined to never escape the shadow of "Btas." But "The Batman" (which aired from 2004 to 2008) made a noble effort and remains one of the more unique spins on the Caped Crusader.

"The Batman," developed by Michael Goguen and Duane Capizzi, was the first animated Batman in 12 years that was unconnected to the DC Animated Universe (The shared setting that began with "Batman: The Animated Series" and concluded with "Justice League Unlimited").

Bruce Wayne in "The Batman" was voiced by Rino Romano, and Joker by Kevin Michael Richardson, rather than the beloved Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker duo. Bruce Timm modeled "Batman: The Animated Series" on the Fleischer Studios Superman cartoons, while Jeff Matsuda gave Gotham City an anime makeover.

After DC’s hard-earned road back to normalcy, the superhero franchise has been prospering better than what the fans had imagined. From Dwayne Johnson and Henry Cavill’s final pitstop, a new era was born defined by Robert Pattinson’s Batman and James Gunn’s Superman. Now, Colin Farrell’s The Penguin takes over the latest chapter of the Dark Knight chronology.

Colin Farrell in and as The Penguin [Credit: HBO]

With freshly baked shows and characters also come a new set of problems. No longer is Zack Snyder the wrongdoer, bringing incomprehensible visions of ruin and tragedy to the world of DC, and leaving the fans high and dry without an end to the story. The new set of problems in this comic book franchise is much more pithily constructed, one of them being: Who is Julian Rush?

Theo Rossi Makes His Mark in The Penguin

The Batman universe has always been here to entertain.

The Arkham trilogy concluded with Batman: Arkham Knight in 2015 and, in the years that followed, rumours swirled persistently about what Rocksteady Studios' next game would be. 

We'd banked on it revolving around Superman; instead, it was Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, a poorly-received live-service title which received negative reviews from fans and critics, lost a lot of money, and has been largely forgotten in the months since its release.

According to a new rumour (via GameFragger.com), Rocksteady plans to return to a familiar well with another Batman game...which may end up being a PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 6 exclusive.

Job listings confirmed the studio started work on a new title earlier this summer and bringing the Caped Crusader back to consoles to recoup what they lost on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League makes all the sense in the world. 

Nick Baker of Xbox Era, a reliable source for...

Quick Links The Batman Already Hinted at Two of the Dark Knight's Most Iconic Foes The Penguin Introduces The Baman's Next Big Villain The ReevesVerse Can Finally Showcase Batman's Most Overlooked Enemies

The Batman: Part II is set to continue Matt Reeves' epic crime drama, further detailing the first movie's twisted take on Batman and Gotham City. The end of the first movie set up the presence of The Joker, who's sure to appear in the "ReevesVerse" in a larger capacity at some point. At the same time, the newest entry in the shared universe may establish another, more sinister villain.

Sofia Falcone appears in The Penguin, which is the new TV spinoff of The Batman. As in the comics, she takes the persona of The Hangman, who's one of Batman's more underrated foes. Given how the presence of Sofia has already been widely praised in the new show,...

The Dark Knight 4 has long been rumored and speculated on, but one thing is certain: several great villains that are yet to appear in a live-action DC movie would be perfect. Despite its fitting conclusion in The Dark Knight Rises, there have been persistent calls for a fourth installment, including one from Jonathan Nolan, the co-writer of the series. With numerous villains still unused, there's room to explore fresh, grounded antagonists in The Dark Knight 4.

The Dark Knight trilogy, directed by Christopher Nolan, redefined superhero films with its realistic, gritty take on the Batman mythos. Across the trilogy, Batman faces off against a series of iconic villains - Ra's al Ghul, the Joker, and Bane - each of whom challenges both Gotham and Bruce Wayne on multiple levels. While most villains have appeared in live-action television, numerous that would be ideal for Nolans Dark Knight 4 are still to make their live-action cinematic debut.

Matt Reeves’ Batman Epic Crime Saga is going to be rooted in reality, as stated by the director of the film himself. While not the first attempt at making Batman look feasible in the real world, Matt Reeves has made it clear that audiences will not be seeing some of Batman’s more supernatural villains in the world that he is constructing.

Robert Pattinson’s Batman || Warner Brothers

Mike Marino, who was the makeup designer on The Penguin, however, has some different ideas for how the Batman Epic Crime Saga could include some of Batman’s more science-fiction and fantasy-leaning villains. Marino spoke to IGN about how he thinks he could bring these characters to life.

Mike Marino wants to pull from real-world skin conditions to make Batman’s more fantastical rogues gallery come alive Calyface || Credit: DC

Speaking with IGN, Mike Marino spoke about how he likes to look...

Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark have been able to talk to The Direct about their plans for The Batman universe that started with the 2022 film. With The Penguin following up on The Batman, talks about other ways to expand the franchise have surfaced, and there seems to be some interest in developing a particular character by allowing him to help his own show.

Colin Farrell in The Penguin (2024) ||Credit: Warner Brothers Discovery

While speaking about how the franchise could expand, there was some potent indication that the producers of the franchise are looking to make the canceled Arkham Asylum show. However, it was also implied that a legal drama following Harvey Dent might be the right line of thought for future installments in the franchise.

Producers on The Penguin indicated that a Harvey Dent show might be around the corner Harvey Dent || Credit: DC

The producers of The Penguin were...

Despite the Dceu having concluded on a disappointed note, the Elseworlds stories have been doing quite well. Which has also given hope to the upcoming Dcu, which is in its budding phase under James Gunn. Matt Reeves’ The Batman has been really successful, and now returning for a second instalment.

Robert Pattinson and Jeffrey Wright in The Batman | Warner Bros

Not much has been revealed about The Batman Part II, which is currently under development as we speak. However, some recently unearthed hints show that it might deviate from Reeves’ earlier plans.

The Batman Part II might see the return of Mr. Freeze Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin (1997)| Warner Bros

Matt Reeves is busy filming The Batman Part II, which will continue after the events established in The Batman. Even though the filmmaker has been pretty tight-lipped about the production of the movie, some details might point to the bigger picture.

The classic Batman TV series inhabits a far larger universe than one might think. Starring Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin, the 1960s Batman TV series is famous for its intentionally campy portrayal of Batmans corner of the DC Universe, yet the show is undeniably a culturally impactful and comic-accurate adaptation of Batman. The series gave numerous Batman comic villains their live-action debuts (and created original ones who eventually made their way into the comics), turning obscure villains like The Riddler into mainstream Batman antagonists overnight.

Although the Batman TV series did not take itself too seriously, it is, ultimately, an authentic representation of the Batman comics of the Silver Age. Fittingly, given the crossover-heavy nature of the superhero genre, the Batman TV series establishes that Batman and Robin are not the only superheroes in their world. Along with their famous team-up with Green Hornet and Kato,...

Some scenes included in this article depict graphic and violent imagery.

Gotham is one of the most divisive yet entertaining DC television series over the past 20 years, and some wild scenes helped it stand out. Following a young Jim Gordon and Gotham's colorful criminal underbelly, the show traded realism and grit for a unique brand of dark comedy that felt straight out of a Batman comic. Even so, Gotham gained a reputation for outright bizarre writing and a lack of continuity with the Batman franchise during its five seasons.

A huge part of Gotham's appeal was its unflinching commitment to its tone. While it is not the darkest or the most accurate adaptation of the Batman mythos, the Fox series aimed to entertain and surprise. It wasn't exactly a critical darling in its heyday, but the quality of Gotham was consistent throughout its run. With an abundance of cartoonish violence and morally grey characters,...

Matt Reeves’ The Batman was able to craft a take on The Dark Knight that was unique and well-made. Reeves in particular had really thought about how he would present Batman, a role essayed by Robert Pattinson, in a unique way. Speaking on The Treatment podcast, Reeves revealed his unique take on Batman, and how one of the aspects of that was explored in one scene.

Robert Pattinson in The Batman || Credit: WB

The scene in question here appears early in the film, where Batman rescues a subway user from a gang of goons with face paint. This has Batman declaring that he is ‘vengeance’ before he proceeds to beat them up. However, this scene, while looking like a rescue, actually has Batman indulging in his coping mechanism.

The Batman Subway Scene revealed how Bruce Wayne was coping with his trauma The Batman | Credit: Warner Bros.

Matt Reeves, speaking on The Treatment podcast,...

James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy wrapped up with last May's Vol. 3 and, while we expect to see at least some of those characters again, it was a chance for others to bid farewell to their time in the MCU. 

Dave Bautista always seemed a tad dissatisfied with how things played out for him as Drax; Marvel Studios never made good on its promise to pit him against Thanos and the Destroyer grew increasingly less serious thanks to the actor's perfect comic timing.

He's since said that he's done with Marvel but seems keen to join Gunn's new Dcu. 

Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, the pro wrestler turned Hollywood A-Lister admitted he doesn't miss Drax but does miss the bond the Guardians of the Galaxy cast formed. 

"No, I wouldn't say I miss him," Bautista started. "What I do miss is the family environment. It's hard knowing...

Robert Pattinson is all set to return as Bruce Wayne in The Batman – Part II. Matt Reeves, who helmed the first film, recently revealed that the script for the sequel is almost finished and that they would be filming it this year. He also dropped hints at the possible villain for the sequel, terming the film a mystery that delves into the corruption of Gotham.

While many villains such as the Swamp Thing and Gentleman Ghost were rumored to have been included, Reeves’ statements about exposing the deeper corruption in Gotham have led fans to speculate that the Court of Owls might appear in the film. If that happens, Pattinson would be the only Batman actor in the films to have faced this foe.

Matt Reeves Drops Hints At Who Robert Pattinson Might Face In The Batman 2 Robert Pattinson in The Batman | Credits: Warner Bros.

Matt Reeves’ The Batman put...

In Batman '89: Echoes #3, Batman's obsession with crime-fighting is compared to addiction, as he admits it is a compulsion that leads him to prioritize acting as the Caped Crusader over anything in his personal life. Batman '89: Echoes #3 explores Bruce Wayne's struggle with balancing his Batman persona and his civilian identity, using the metaphor of addiction in a potent way. DC Comics often depicts the fine line Bruce Wayne treads between dedication and obsession, and equating his inability to retire as a masked hero to addiction is a dark, but appropriate, way of describing the character.

Warning: Spoilers for Batman '89: Echoes #3!No one is more addicted to being a superhero than Batman. It's no secret that Batman is obsessed with his war on crime. His lifelong mission may never succeed, but that makes it all the more jarring for how he's so overly dedicated to the cause.

James Gunn has been meticulously planning his new Dcu for Warner Bros and has big plans on how to expand the universe. Having learned from the failure of the previous regime, Gunn wants to bring in a fresh approach and style to the new universe he’s creating, which means new storylines and characters that fans have not seen before on the big screen.

Matt Reeves has his own universe with The Batman outside of James Gunn’s Dcu | Credits: Warner Bros

The DC head is bringing back the core characters of the franchise, including Superman and Batman. The latter is yet to be cast and fans have already started wondering about which antagonist he will face against. Instead of repeating the hero’s usual rogues gallery including Joker and Penguin, Gunn should bring in other compelling villains to keep The Brave and the Bold refreshing.

These 5 Fresh Batman Villains...