Return of The Batman

Return of The Batman is a 2025 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman, and the sequel to the 2022 film The Batman. The film is written and directed by Matt Reeves, and stars Robert Pattinson as Batman, Willem Dafoe as the voice of the Joker, Wes Bentley as Superman, Leonardo DiCaprio as Harvey Dent, Ryan Potter as Dick Grayson, Aaron Paul as Jason Todd, Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Tim Drake, Kristen Schaal as Harley Quinn, Andy Serkis as Alfred, Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon, Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Kiersey Clemons as Barbara Gordon, and John Turturro as Carmine Falcone, with Natalie Dormer, Paul Dano, Colin Farrell, the voice of Ben Mendelsohn, Bruce Willis, Topher Grace, Katee Sackhoff, Paul Giamatti, Jason Isaacs, and John Lithgow rounding out the cast.

After Batman's defeat of the Riddler, the Caped Crusader receives word of a new, even deadlier threat to Gotham City; a sadistic, clown-esque criminal called the Joker (more ambiguously referred to as "You-Know-Who" and "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" by the frightened citizens of Gotham), who plots revenge against those who had wronged him in the past. When his evil plans put him in the crosshairs of the Dark Knight, the Joker becomes hellbent on emotionally shattering Batman, his allies, and all of Gotham beyond repair.

The film was released on July 16, 2025, and received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the acting, direction, and dark tone, but criticised the Joker's "gratuitous" violence, with most critics comparing this film's Joker to Victor Zsasz, or particularly nasty villains from horror movies.

Some of the costumes, makeup and character effects created for this film, including the Joker's Jeff the Killer-esque makeup and attire, and Mr. Freeze's makeup, were designed by Ironhead Studio, while others, like the Scarface puppet and Two-Face's scarred face makeup, were created by Alterian, Inc.

Cast
Robert Pattinson as Batman

Willem Dafoe as the voice of The Joker, a psychopathic terrorist who becomes Batman's gravest threat. Doug Jones portrays the character on-screen under heavy prosthetic makeup.

Wes Bentley as Superman, one of Batman's most trusted allies and the hero of Metropolis.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Harvey Dent, Gotham City's new district attorney and good friend to Bruce Wayne.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Tim Drake, the second superhero to become Robin after Jason Todd is kidnapped and blown up by the Joker.

Kristen Schaal as Harleen Quinzel, a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum who becomes interested romantically with the Joker, leading her to break out the clown after his first arrest and become his sidekick.

Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner James Gordon

Kiersey Clemons as Barbara Gordon, Commissioner Gordon's daughter. Unlike most Batman media, Gordon never becomes Batgirl, instead becoming Oracle after being paralyzed by a gunshot from the Joker that also kills her mother, Sarah Essen.

Aaron Paul as Jason Todd, the first person to become Robin, Batman's sidekick, until he's kidnapped and killed by the Joker, a la Death in the Family.

Topher Grace as Punch, a professional puppeteer/jewel thief who gets hired by the Joker.

Katee Sackhoff as Jewelee, a professional puppeteer/jewel thief who gets hired by the Joker.

Ryan Potter as Dick Grayson, who's employed by Bruce Wayne as an accountant as Wayne Enterprises after his parents' murder.

Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth

Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman

Natalie Dormer as Poison Ivy, a botanical-themed criminal who develops a romantic relationship with Harleen Quinzel.

Paul Dano as The Riddler

Colin Farrell as The Penguin

John Lithgow as Arnold Wesker, a schizophrenic ventriloquist whose darker side is conveyed through his dummy, Scarface. Lithgow also performs the voice of Scarface, with Darci Lynne Farmer and Terry Sandin providing the puppeteer work.

Bruce Willis as Victor Fries, a cryogenics scientist turned villain who wishes to preserve his dead wife.

Ben Mendelsohn as the voice of the Scarecrow, whose fear toxin the Joker steals as part of his revenge plot. Mick Morgana Ignis portrays the Scarecrow on-screen in a character suit.

Paul Giamatti as Harvey Bullock, a police detective who works alongside Commissioner Gordon as one of Gotham's few honest cops.

John Turturro as Carmine Falcone

Jason Isaacs as Sal Maroni, a major mob boss in the Gotham underworld.

Several puppets from Henson Alternative's Puppet Up! shows are used for Punch and Jewelee's shows, performed by Grant Baciocco, Brian Clark, Peggy Etra, Brian Michael Jones, Jess McKay, Ted Michaels, and Colleen Smith.