'The Batman II' Teases Two Villains (And They Aren't Getting Enough Attention)
The Batman Part II (2028) is on the way. While the wait has been arduous, it's proving to be worth it as we get more and more information about the Caped Crusader's next adventure. One of the biggest questions has been who the villains will be in the new film, aside from the names already teased.
Recent set photos also seem to confirm two enemies that Batman will have to face. One has been rumored for years, while the other is incredibly surprising. But who are they, and what makes them a perfect addition to the Dark Knight's franchise
'The Batman II's Set Photos Tell Us Everything About Its New Villains
When The Batman (2022) hit theaters, traditional villains like the Penguin, Riddler, and a tease of Joker appeared. However, it left the door wide open for other faces to appear in the future, but unfortunately, other Batman films have rarely moved past the main names we know and love.
Recent set photos for The Batman Part II are changing that, as they depict an angry mob outside of the Gotham City courthouse holding up signs that read "Court of Fouls," which serves as a direct nod to the Court of Owls, a modern addition to the Batman mythos but an impactful one. More than that, there are also people dressed up with white masks and an anarchy symbol, which highlights a little-known character from the comics named Anarky.
Granted, there's still a lot we don't know, but for Gotham to be so up in arms once again at the government structure of the city, it would make sense for the Court of Owls to play a role in that. But their presence ties deeply to the foundations and growth of the city, and it's part of what makes them such a threat in the franchise, as well as what makes them so scary. Thankfully, the lore can help us better understand what this society is capable of.
Who Is Anarky and The Court of Owls?
The Court of Owls' origins date back as far as the cavemen and eventually grew alongside other tribes that are part of the lore in the DC universe. The Court of Owls evolved, using assassination and intimidation to maintain power and political influence in Gotham City. They also used undead assassins known as Talons to enact their various hits.
When Bruce Wayne tried to change and improve Gotham City, it put a target on his head, and the Court of Owls were brought into the light, requiring most of the Bat-family to stop them. Even now, it remains one of the most formidable enemies in Batman's rogues' gallery.
Anarky, on the other hand, was a man named Lonnie Machin who, as a child prodigy, developed his intelligence and his admiration for anarchy. Fashioning himself as a vigilante, he would answer the call of the people, even killing CEOs to angle his mission better until Batman and Robin stopped him. His philosophies eventually put him at odds with Batman as well, causing serious issues for the hero. Still, even now, Anarky remains a loose cannon and an unpredictable ally in the battle against corruption.
What Do 'The Batman II's Set Photos Tell Us About the Story?
Other set photos for The Batman Part II have established Batman as being on the opposite end of the law once again. At the time those pictures were released, we never really had an understanding of why the police would turn on someone they trusted all of a sudden. However, given the new set photos teasing the film's other enemies, it makes sense.
For example, when thinking of the Court of Owls, it has the ability to influence those in the city with power, including the police. Should a Talon frame Batman, as their outfits look similar, it's easy to convince the GCPD that he's the enemy. There's also Anarky, a character who thrives on chaos, and if he set his sights on Batman, he could get the whole city to turn against him.
Granted, as the set photos showed, while there is a guy who looks like Anarky in the crowd, there are also civilians holding up signs asking for Batman's help. The entire city hasn't turned on him, but there's been division, and it's no secret that the Court of Owls and Anarky clearly have something to do with it. The question is how much they have influenced it and how much it could hinder Batman's mission.
