THE BATMAN: PART II Starts Filming and the First Set Photo May Have Revealed a Villain
After what has felt like an eternity for fans waiting to return to Gotham City, The Batman: Part II has officially entered production.
With Matt Reeves back in the director’s chair, cameras are now rolling on one of the most anticipated comic book movies in development, and the filmmaker marked the occasion by sharing the first set photo from the production.
While the image celebrates the start of filming, it’s not the slate in the foreground that will spark curiosity. It’s what appears to be lurking in the background.
Reeves posted a photo of the first slate used on set and confirmed it was the movie’s opening shot. However, eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed what looks like a thin figure lying on an autopsy table behind it. That detail has fueled speculation that the image could be teasing the arrival of one of Batman’s most disturbing foes, Victor Zsasz.
The timing is interesting, especially considering recent rumors surrounding the film’s cast. Reports have suggested that Sebastian Stan, who many believed had been cast as Harvey Dent, may actually be playing Zsasz instead. According to those same rumors, Harvey Dent would be portrayed by Tyree Henry.
If true, that would significantly change what many fans assumed about the direction of the sequel. Stan is one of two major names reportedly joining the cast, alongside Scarlett Johansson.
Early speculation suggested the pair would portray Harvey Dent and Gilda Dent, leading many fans to believe Reeves was drawing heavy inspiration from the classic Batman story The Long Halloween.
Now, with rumors pointing toward Stan as Victor Zsasz, there’s a lot more uncertainty surrounding who everyone is actually playing. At the same time, the reports still place Harvey Dent at the center of the story, with Henry taking on the role.
Adding more fuel to that theory is the reported casting of Charles Dance as Christopher Dent, Harvey’s father, while Johansson is said to be playing Gilda Dent.
No matter who ultimately portrays Harvey, all signs point to the Gotham district attorney being a key figure in the story.
As for Stan, he certainly has the acting chops to pull off either role. He could convincingly portray the ruthless and unhinged Zsasz, but there’s also a strong argument that he would be an ideal Harvey Dent.
Of course, there’s still a giant question mark hanging over all of this. None of these castings have been officially confirmed by the studio. Johansson’s role remains a mystery, and until Reeves or Warner Bros. reveals who these actors are actually playing, every theory remains exactly that: a theory.
Still, with production finally underway and the first image already sparking intense speculation, it looks like Reeves knows exactly how to get Batman fans talking.