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  1. Entertainment
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  5. The Batman 2

The Batman 2 cryptic behind-the-scenes image may have confirmed the sequel's villains

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By Bradley Russell
Published 16 June 2026

Court of Owls incoming?

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Robert Pattinson in The Batman
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)
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The Batman 2 director Matt Reeves has deployed yet another behind-the-scenes image from production, but DC fans are convinced this one is pointing towards the identity of the sequel's villains.

On Twitter, Reeves posted a Batman Funko Pop next to a suspiciously large digital clock spelling out the time 8:12 AM. See it for yourself below.

pic.twitter.com/sGFcR46eoOJune 15, 2026

Immediately, conspiracy theorists jumped on the time to deduce what it all could mean. One prevailing idea is it's a devilishly clever Easter egg referencing Batman issues #8-#12 from Scott Snyder's acclaimed modern Batman comics run.

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Not long into Snyder's stint, the shadowy Court of Owls – a powerful group pulling Gotham's strings for centuries – were introduced. They have long been rumored to be a part of Reeves' more grim, grounded Bat-verse, but the swathe of casting announcements so far have (understandably) neglected to mention any ties to the feathered protectors.

But that's not all. Others have taken 8:12 as a nod to Detective Comics #812, an issue taking place in the final third of the City of Crime arc.

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There, Batman contends against a drug ring and the misappropriated funds of the Gotham Waterfront Project. Perfect fodder, then, for Robert Pattinson's Caped Crusader to help step up and save the day.

Franchise newcomer Sebastian Stan has already teased he has "many roles" in The Batman sequel. Meanwhile, Penguin actor Colin Farrell has described the script's contents as "terrifying."

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So, in Matt Reeves we trust, even if he's turned into The Riddler for a brief moment.

The Batman 2, starring Robert Pattinson, Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis, Scarlett Johansson, and Sebastian Stan, hits cinemas on October 1, 2027.

For more, check out the rest of the upcoming DC movies in the works.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell
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Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

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