The Batman Part 2 Set Photos Tease Court of Owls and Anarky

Shooting is underway in London for Matt Reeves’ The Batman: Part 2. This production brings plenty of new set photos and videos. The latest behind-the-scenes look at the Robert Pattinson-led superhero sequel teases multiple villains. Some details even hint that a long-standing fan theory may be true.

The new footage and photos began coming in over the weekend and center on a large protest scene. Robert Pattinson plays Bruce Wayne navigating a massive crowd while flanked on either side by members of the Gotham City Police Department. The protesting extras are holding signs that read things like “Court of Oligarchs,” “Court of Fouls,” and “Eat the Rich,” among other things. The specific use of “Court” in some signs has fans speculating that the Court of Owls will have a big part to play in The Batman: Part 2. The Court of Owls is an iconic villain group that debuted in Scott Snyder’s New 52 Batman run. This has long been a favorite theory, fueled by Reeves’ statement that the film’s villain has never been shown in a movie before.

The Court of Owls is a cabal of wealthy Gotham citizens who secretly rule from the shadows. Such a group would make sense in the context of the protest scene. It would also continue threads from the first movie where this version of Bruce Wayne struggled with his family’s status and his obligations to the city beyond his role as Batman. Having a city that villainizes Wayne while lifting up Batman provides an interesting story. The set photos also tease another surprising villain who could tie into this narrative.

The Batman: Part 2 set photos show Anarky

Alongside signs that tease the Court of Owls, the protest scene features a character wearing a white mask and a jacket with the anarchy symbol on it. This appearance is an almost exact recreation of the character Anarky from the comics. As the name suggests, Anarky (real name Lonnie Machin) is a deeply political character who believes in the radical overthrow of corrupt institutions. This background would put him in direct opposition to the Court of Owls and Bruce Wayne, who represents the city’s wealthy elite.

Anarky has previously appeared in Batman: Arkham Origins and on CW’s Arrow. Despite those adaptations, Anarky has never been on the big screen. That fact fits Reeves’ statement once again. If every rumor about The Batman: Part 2 proves true, the film will feature a huge rogues’ gallery.

Source: Polygon