James Gunn Explains Reason for The Batman Part II Delay

James Gunn took to social media on Friday to explain the reason for The Batman Part II‘s delay, revealing what has held up the production of the highly anticipated sequel.

What did James Gunn say about The Batman Part II’s delay?

Gunn confirmed the release date delay in a post on Threads and explained that the reason for the delay is simple: the script for the film isn’t fully finished yet, and when combined with a general two-year cycle of production on big films, it made sense to move the film’s release date back.

“Sure. Yes, it is true. The only reason for the delay is there isn’t a full script (those of you who follow me here probably know that already),” said Gunn. “Matt is committed to making the best film he possibly can, and no one can accurately guess exactly how long a script will take to write. Once there is a finished script, there is around two years for pre-production, shooting and post-production on big films.”

Earlier this month, Reeves said that the script of the film was being finished, but didn’t reveal just too much about how close it was to being finished. The Batman was originally released in 2022. A spin-off series, The Penguin, starring Colin Farrell in the titular role was released on HBO in the interim.

Both the movie and the series were released to praise from critics and audiences, with Reeves hoping to create a larger “epic crime saga” out of The Batman universe.

Little is known about the plot of The Batman Part II so far, though Robert Pattinson is set to return as the titular Dark Knight. The first film did tease the Joker and leave the Riddler alive at Arkham, so one or both of these iconic antagonists could make a return. Earlier this year, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn debunked a rumor about who the sequel’s villains could be, as well as the possible introduction of Dick Grayson/Robin.

The Batman starred Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as The Riddler, Jeffrey Wright as GCPD’s James Gordon, John Turturro as Carmine Falcone, Peter Sarsgaard as Gotham D.A. Gil Colson, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Ferrell as Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin.

(Source: Threads)