In Matt Reeve’s vision of Gotham, the narrative revolves around the grim realities of a deeply corrupt city, where Batman bears the heavy responsibility of upholding order.
Within the exhilarating confrontations between the Dark Knight and his notorious adversaries, viewers are introduced to a chilling assortment of ideologically twisted villains. Here’s a comprehensive list!
A Comprehensive List of the 8 Villains:
1. The Riddler
Portrayed By: Paul Dano
His presence is a living nightmare. The Riddler stands as one of the pivotal villains in the Batman universe, yet he deviates from the iconic bright green costume and cane typically seen in the comics.
In this portrayal, The Riddler dons a striking camouflage smock, thick glasses, and an unmistakable smirk. His objective? To shed light on the corrupt machinations of Gotham’s elite.
Throughout The Batman, Dano’s Riddler leaves cryptic clues for the Dark Knight to decipher, often perceiving Batman as an accomplice in his twisted endeavors. Ultimately, the Riddler’s grand scheme involves dismantling Gotham’s sea wall, seeking to flood the city.
2. The Joker
Portrayed By: Barry Keoghan
This sinister figure is a menace in his own right. As arguably one of the most iconic villains in the history of comic books, The Joker forms a perilous bond with the Riddler during their time in Arkham Asylum.
This unsettling relationship alludes to a shared past between the Joker and Batman.
Fans were further teased with a deleted scene featuring Batman seeking counsel from the Clown Prince of Crime. Barry Keoghan’s version of the Joker is grotesquely unsettling, exhibiting visible psychosis and eliciting a strong sense of dread.
3. The Penguin
Portrayed By: Colin Farrell
The Penguin, known as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, emerges as a formidable antagonist in The Batman. However, this iteration presents a stark contrast to the crime lord typically depicted in comics, as he is shown as a mid-level gangster intricately tied to the Falcone crime family.
His rise to power is provoked by the death of Carmine Falcone, a pivotal event further explored in the spin-off series, The Penguin.
4. Victor Aguilar
Portrayed by: Rhenzy Feliz
Victor “Vic” Aguilar makes his debut in The Penguin as an original character, starting his journey as a homeless teenager navigating the streets of Gotham.
His fate takes a dramatic turn when he attempts to steal rims from Oswald Cobblepot’s vehicle. Recognizing Vic’s potential, Oz recruits him into his criminal fold.
Eventually, Victor becomes Oz’s trusted driver and aide as the Penguin solidifies his criminal enterprise, granting audiences a glimpse into Gotham’s street-level crime and the ascent of Oz’s influence.
5. The Falcone Crime Family
At the heart of Gotham’s organized crime lies the Falcone Crime Family, which plays a crucial role in both The Penguin and The Batman.
The family is left in disarray following the death of patriarch Carmine Falcone, whose dominance shaped the city’s criminal landscape.
With Carmine’s demise, the family struggles for stability. Although his son, Alberto, tries to take over, his eventual murder creates a significant power void. Figures like Milos Grapa and Johnny Vitti now continue to influence the family’s struggles for power in Gotham.
6. Sal Maroni & The Maroni Family
Portrayed by: Clancy Brown
Who could forget Gotham’s infamous crime lord before The Batman? None other than Sal Maroni. His downfall at the hands of Falcone’s treachery is a memorable moment in the lore.
Though Maroni is not present in The Batman, his lingering influence is evident as his crime empire lies in shambles. The spin-off The Penguin reveals that Maroni is still orchestrating events from behind bars in a bid to reclaim his former authority.
7. The Trigger Twins
Portrayed by: Charlie and Max Carver
Initially introduced as bouncers at the Iceberg Lounge, The Trigger Twins have been reimagined in Reeves’ universe. While their roles are minor, they participate in thrilling combat sequences against Batman.
Their backstory hints at a potential greater significance in future narratives.
8. Gotham’s Other Gangs
Reeves’ Gotham brims with various smaller gangs that enrich the city’s criminal landscape. Notably, the Odessa Mob and the Burnley Town Massive are two factions referenced in The Penguin.
While their roles may not be substantial, they underscore the diversity of Gotham’s underworld. Additionally, The Riddler’s Followers, a fervently devoted group inspired by Edward Nashton, continue to create unrest, indicating that Gotham’s future is veiled in further chaos.
Before You Go
As The Batman universe continues to expand, Gotham’s villains will inevitably grow more formidable, ensuring the Caped Crusader remains on his toes.
About The Batman
The Batman is a forthcoming American superhero film inspired by the DC Comics character Batman, produced by DC Films and distributed by Warner Bros.
Additional cast members include Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Barry Keoghan, Jayme Lawson, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell.
This new Batman solo adventure finds Bruce Wayne/Batman deep into his second year of fighting crime, uncovering the systemic corruption that haunts Gotham City and its surprising connections to his own family, while also confronting a serial killer known as the Riddler. Set within the alternate universe Earth-2, this film distinguishes itself from the wider DCEU canon.
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