The Batman Universe Explained

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While The Batman universe continues to expand with new movies and shows, it"s already one of the most compelling DC media franchises of all time. Starring Robert Pattinson as the titular Dark Knight, 2022"s The Batman was written and directed by Matt Reeves, introducing an all-new version of Gotham City and its protector, the likes of which have never been seen before. That said, this universe is only just getting started.
Compared to other Batman movies such as Christopher Nolan"s The Dark Knight trilogy, Tim Burton"s Batman movies, or even the DCEU films featuring Ben Affleck"s Caped Crusader, 2022"s The Batman is unique in that it features an early Bruce Wayne who"s still early in his vigilante career while not being a full-on origin story for this first entry in Matt Reeves" Batman universe. Now, The Batman universe is growing with a full trilogy in the works, as well as various spin-off series like 2024"s The Penguin. Here"s The Batman universe explained in its entirety and everything we know so far.
The Batman Universe Movies And TV Shows Close Currently, The Batman universe consists of two on-screen projects that have been released thus far. 2022"s The Batman was the first movie in this new DC universe, revealing Batman"s war with The Riddler who sought to expose the city"s darkest secrets. Likewise, The Penguin was released in 2024, an 8-episode series on Max starring Colin Farrell"s Oz Cobb as he seeks to take control of Gotham"s criminal underworld in the immediate wake of The Batman. There"s also the canonical novel Before the Batman as well as the comic miniseries Riddler: Year One (written by Paul Dano). However, there are more movies (and shows) that are planned as well.
The Batman Universe's Upcoming Movies & TV Shows

Custom Image By Andy Behbakht Beyond 2022"s The Batman, Matt Reeves is expected to direct two more movies, resulting in a full trilogy for The Batman (not unlike Nolan"s Dark Knight movies). To that end, The Batman - Part II has a release date for October 2nd, 2026, continuing Batman"s war on crime after realizing at the end of the first Batman movie that he had to become more than just a symbol of vengeance. While a third part is hoped for by Reeves, it"s not been revealed when development nor filming will begin, and there hasn"t yet been any new shows announced for The Batman universe following The Penguin.
The Batman Universe's Cancelled Projects

Custom image by Richard Craig Initially, there were more shows in development for The Batman universe beyond The Penguin. This included a spin-off show about the Gotham PD (which many thought might star Jim Gordon or Renee Montoya). Likewise, a series about Arkham Asylum was also in the works. While both projects were announced in July 2020 and were in various stages of development, both were ultimately canceled with Reeves confirming that the decision was made to lean into more "marquee characters" like Penguin. However, it"s also been said that an Arkham project could perhaps still happen in the future.
The Batman Universe's Rumored Projects

Custom image by Ollie Bradley As far as rumors are concerned, it"s recently been suggested that a spin-off series starring Barry Keoghan"s Joker may be in the works, one set between the events of The Batman - Part II and Part III. Additionally, Reeves confirmed during interviews promoting The Penguin that other characters and ideas were currently being considered for future shows and spin-offs. While not confirmed, Reeves and executive producer Dylan Clark also voiced enthusiasm for one interviewer"s proposed idea for a show starring Harvey Dent"s Two-Face. To that end, one can imagine that a new show set in The Batman universe will be announced sooner rather than later.
The Batman Universe Timeline Explained

Custom image by Nicolas Ayala 2022"s The Batman is set in the present day, beginning on October 31st, specifically the year in which it was first released in theaters. To that end, The Penguin is also set in 2022, taking place the week after the events of The Batman and the Riddler"s brutal flooding of the city. The Batman also confirms that Bruce Wayne started his work as Gotham"s vigilante two years prior, in 2020.