3 Months On, It's Even Harder To Ignore How Much The Batman 2 Needs To Bring Back The Best New Live-Action DC Villain In Years

The Batman - Part II is in active development, but if it hasn't already made plans to include a live-action villain introduced in The Penguin, then it needs to go back to the drawing board. The Batman came out in 2022, introducing the world to Robert Pattinson as The Dark Knight, and Matt Reeves' vision for Gotham and the universe of heroes and villains who reside there. And while the sequel was green lit shortly after the film debuted, the actual finished movie will not be released until 2027 at the earliest.

Hopefully, this time is being used well to prepare the story, refine who will appear, and help create a more rich and integrated universe, which is helped by the release of spin-off shows like The Penguin between the film releases. And interestingly, The Penguin managed to bring in a whole new cast of characters who made their presence known in Gotham, taking up space, and laying claim to the territories in the wake of the disasters caused by The Riddler and his disciples. Now, The Batman 2 has its work cut out deciding who will appear in the sequel.

The Batman Part 2 Has Huge Villain Potential

There Is A Whole Host Of Rogues Ready To Fight The Batman

Far from struggling to find characters suitable to face off with Pattinson's Bats in the sequel, The Batman 2 is spoiled for choice. Not only did the movie introduce a unique take on the Joker, played by Barry Keoghan in the film's final moments, but it also has the potential to revisit that film's antagonist, the Riddler, if the story was strong enough. Beyond this, the film could also focus on a group of villains, such as the Court of Owls if the teases are to be believed.

However, one of the more interesting villains that fans of the Reeves Batverse are keen to see return is Oz Cobb, aka, The Penguin. Penguin got his own titular spin-off TV show, detailing his rise to power in Gotham, as the sly, conniving, and cruel sidekick took advantage of the opportunities that came his way and climbed to the top of the underworld's chain of command. Of course, Penguin got his hands dirty, and he stepped up to be a true villain worthy of Batman's attention, but The Penguin series also highlighted another villain who is more than capable of taking the spotlight in The Batman Part II.

Sofia Falcone Is The Most Impressive Live-Action DC Villain In A Long Time

Sofia Falcone Single-Handedly Overthrew The Falcone Gang From The Inside

Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, was the primary antagonist in The Penguin, presenting the biggest challenge and obstacle in Penguin's rise to power. As the only surviving member of Carmine Falcone's immediate family, Sofia felt it was her right to claim the top spot in the Falcone mob, though due to her past, and the stories that circulated about her compromised mental state, Sofia was frequently dismissed and looked down upon. However, throughout The Penguin, she takes control of her family by force, asserting her dominance, and proving once and for all that she belongs at the top of the food chain.

Despite this, Oz sets her up, and manages to get Sofia thrown back into Arkham Asylum, where she learns important information about other parts of her family history, and makes important contacts that could help her progress further in her efforts to take Oz down, and take over Gotham once and for all. Milioti's performance was also spectacular, leading to the actress winning a handful of awards for her role, and being nominated for several more.

How Sofia Falcone Can Still Play A Major Part In The Batman Trilogy

Sofia Falcone Has Some Useful Connections That Could Help To Take Down The Penguin

As such, Sofia is not someone who should be dismissed or counted out. For the entire history of Batman as a character, he has had run-ins with inmates at Arkham. Arkham has been a home to several key villains both before, during, and after encounters with the Gotham Guardian. But Sofia also has access to wealth and long-standing trusted relationships. Especially with a tease about Sofia and Selina Kyle connecting in The Penguin, it's hard to imagine the story won't be followed up in another project, and the sooner that thread is unraveled, the better.

Sofia also has a unique standing as one of the few people Oz Cobb truly fears. She knows the real Oz, she knows about his weaknesses, and the pair have worked together for many years. She could play a pivotal part in taking Oz down, if she were to aid Batman, perhaps through their mutual connection to Selina. However, if Sofia's only part in The Batman Part II was as a shadowy faceless character in the background, it would be a tragic waste of Milioti's talents.