DC fans eager for updates on The Batman Part II have been hit with a wave of mixed signals this month. While director Matt Reeves continues to work on the script, James Gunn—the co-head of DC Studios—recently stepped in to clarify what’s really happening behind the scenes.
The Script Isn’t In—Despite Rumors
A report from Puck earlier this month stirred buzz by claiming Reeves was set to deliver the script for The Batman Part II today, June 23, 2025. That claim spread quickly, especially within fan circles on Reddit and Twitter—but James Gunn promptly squashed it. On Threads, Gunn flat-out denied the report, stating: “That’s not true.”
This isn’t the first time Gunn has addressed the film’s timeline. Earlier in June, he mentioned that the script was supposed to be delivered this month, but made it clear: as of now, it still hasn’t landed on his desk.
Andy Serkis: “The Script Is Being Finished”
Despite delays, those involved with the project remain confident. Andy Serkis, who plays Alfred Pennyworth in the franchise, confirmed in a recent interview that Reeves is actively finishing the script. “I know the script is being finished at the moment,” Serkis assured fans, adding that he’s excited to return to Gotham and reunite with the cast.
Serkis’s statement provides a bit of relief to fans worried the project might stall. It also reinforces that Reeves is taking the time needed to craft a sequel that lives up to the grounded, noir-infused tone of the 2022 original.
Production Timeline & Release Date
As it stands, The Batman Part 2 is scheduled to begin filming in late 2025, likely sometime between October and December. That timeline fits with the film’s current release date of October 1, 2027, which was already pushed back due to the slow progress on the script.
While some fans are frustrated by the long wait, DC insiders suggest this gap allows Reeves to maintain creative control and develop the story without rushing—something that could differentiate The Batman franchise from the often-fractured timelines of other superhero series.
Who’s Returning to Gotham?
Although casting details haven’t been officially reconfirmed post-delay, all signs point to the return of the film’s core cast:
- Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman
- Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle / Catwoman
- Paul Dano as Edward Nashton / The Riddler
- Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon
- Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot / The Penguin
- Andy Serkis as Alfred
Farrell’s Penguin will also feature in his own Max spinoff series, which could serve as connective tissue between the two films.
James Gunn’s Take
Gunn has made it clear that while he’s excited about Reeves’s Bat-verse, he’s not rushing anything. “Matt is taking his time. We’re not pressuring him,” Gunn said in a recent post, emphasizing the importance of creative autonomy even within DC Studios’ larger reboot under his and Peter Safran’s leadership.
It’s worth noting that The Batman Part II is part of DC’s “Elseworlds” branding—separate from the core DCU projects like Superman (2025) or The Brave and the Bold. That means Reeves has more flexibility, and the film doesn’t need to directly tie into the broader cinematic universe Gunn is constructing.
Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Script | Not delivered as of June 23, 2025. Gunn denied recent reports of completion. |
| Production Start | Expected in Q4 2025. |
| Release Date | Still scheduled for October 1, 2027. |
| Director | Matt Reeves remains in control. |
| Cast | Pattinson, Kravitz, Dano, Wright, Serkis, and Farrell expected to return. |
| DCU Connection | Labeled as an “Elseworlds” project, separate from the main continuity. |
Despite delays, The Batman Part II continues to build anticipation as Reeves and his team refine what’s next for Gotham’s brooding protector. For now, the message from DC Studios is clear: quality over speed.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
Batman: Arkham Shadow is a virtual reality game that puts players in the shoes of the Dark Knight. The game was officially released on October 21, 2024, exclusively for Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S headsets. This release marks an exciting new chapter in the Batman gaming universe, bringing the gritty world of Gotham City to life in immersive VR.
The game, developed by Camouflaj and published by Oculus Studios, has been met with largely positive reviews since its launch. Priced at $49.99 (£38.99), Batman: Arkham Shadow requires approximately 18.3 GB of storage space on your VR headset. Leading up to the release, Meta organized immersive demo experiences that traveled from city to city starting in October 2024, giving fans a taste of what it’s like to become the Caped Crusader.
Key Takeaways
- Batman: Arkham Shadow launched on October 21, 2024, exclusively for Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S VR headsets.
- The game has received positive reviews and offers players the chance to experience Gotham City as the Dark Knight in virtual reality.
- Priced at $49.99/£38.99, the game requires 18.3 GB of storage space and was developed by Camouflaj and published by Oculus Studios.
Game Overview and Release Information
Batman: Arkham Shadow brings the iconic Arkham series into virtual reality, offering players a new way to experience Gotham City. The game combines familiar Arkham mechanics with immersive VR technology to create a unique Batman adventure.
Development and Background
Batman: Arkham Shadow was developed by Camouflaj, working under the umbrella of Oculus Studios (now Meta Studios). While previous Arkham games were created by Rocksteady and WB Games Montreal, Camouflaj took on the challenge of adapting the beloved franchise for virtual reality.
The game maintains the spirit of the Arkham series while creating gameplay specifically designed for VR. Camouflaj focused on making players truly feel like they’ve become Batman, with mechanics that take advantage of VR’s immersive nature.
Unlike the mainline Arkham games, Shadow was built from the ground up for VR headsets, requiring different approaches to combat, stealth, and investigation gameplay elements that fans expect from the series.
Plot and Setting
Batman: Arkham Shadow takes place in Gotham City, continuing the dark, atmospheric tone established in previous Arkham titles. The game follows Batman as he confronts various villains from his rogues gallery while exploring the crime-ridden streets of Gotham.
One notable character appearing in the game is Harleen Quinzel, likely before her transformation into Harley Quinn. This suggests the game may be set earlier in the Batman timeline, similar to Arkham Origins.
The story allows players to experience iconic Batman moments from a first-person perspective. Players will use detective skills to solve cases, stealth tactics to surprise enemies, and Batman’s gadgets to navigate Gotham’s dangerous environment.
Release Date and Platforms
Batman: Arkham Shadow was released on October 22, 2024, exclusively for Meta Quest VR headsets. The game works on Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Quest 2 devices, though it’s optimized for the more powerful Quest 3 hardware.
Meta offered a special promotion where new Quest 3 or Quest 3S purchases include a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow until April 30, 2025. For others, the game is priced at $49.99 (or £38.99 in the UK).
The release timing coincided with Meta’s promotional “Become The Knight” demo experience, which traveled to various cities starting in October 2024. These events allowed potential players to try the game before purchasing.
Gameplay and Virtual Reality Experience
Batman: Arkham Shadow brings the iconic Arkham series into virtual reality with immersive first-person gameplay. The VR experience puts players directly into Batman’s cowl as they navigate Gotham City’s dark corners.
VR Integration and Gameplay Mechanics
Batman: Arkham Shadow leverages VR technology to create an immersive Batman experience unlike previous Arkham titles. Players can physically use Batman’s gadgets through intuitive motion controls, including the iconic grappling hook to traverse Gotham. Combat has been redesigned for VR, allowing players to physically punch, dodge, and counter attacks.
Detective Vision returns with new interactive elements where players can scan environments and piece together evidence. The game features the classic Arkham predator sequences, now enhanced by allowing players to physically hide and ambush enemies from different angles.
Players will encounter familiar villains including Scarecrow, Harley Quinn, and the mysterious new antagonist known as the Rat King. Each enemy encounter requires different tactical approaches in VR.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Batman: Arkham Shadow is designed specifically for Meta Quest 3, taking advantage of its improved processing power and display resolution. The game runs at a smooth frame rate to prevent motion sickness while maintaining detailed environments.
The developers have implemented a mixed locomotion system that includes both teleportation and free movement options to accommodate different player preferences and comfort levels. Graphically, the game uses a modified version of the Arkham engine optimized for VR performance.
Battery life testing shows the game runs approximately 2-3 hours on a full charge of the Meta Quest 3. The game requires about 12GB of storage space, with optional high-resolution texture packs available.
Marketing and Promotional Activities
Warner Bros. and Meta have partnered for an extensive marketing campaign including a “Become The Knight” traveling demo experience visiting major cities starting October 2024. The promotional tour offers fans a chance to try demo stations and engage with the Batman VR experience before purchase.
A gameplay trailer revealed during Summer Game Fest showcased the first-person perspective of Batman’s detective work and combat. Pre-order bonuses include exclusive Batman skins and early access to certain challenge maps.
Meta is offering the game for free with new Quest 3 purchases for a limited time, while the standard edition retails for $49.99. The marketing campaign emphasizes how the VR experience differs from Iron Man VR and other superhero VR titles through its focus on the detective and predator elements that define the Arkham series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Batman: Arkham Shadow has generated many questions from fans eager to experience the next chapter in the Arkham series. Here are answers to the most common inquiries about this highly anticipated game.
When is Batman: Arkham Shadow expected to be released?
Batman: Arkham Shadow was released on October 21, 2024, for Meta Quest devices. The game has been available for nearly five months now.
Players who missed the initial launch can still purchase and download the game from the Meta Quest store.
Will Batman: Arkham Shadow be available on PlayStation 5?
Currently, Batman: Arkham Shadow is exclusive to Meta Quest VR platforms. There has been no official announcement regarding a PlayStation 5 version.
The developers have focused on creating a VR-specific Batman experience rather than adapting it for traditional consoles.
What is the price point for Batman: Arkham Shadow at launch?
The exact launch price for Batman: Arkham Shadow has not been directly stated in the search results. However, like most premium VR titles for Meta Quest, it likely launched in the $39.99-$59.99 range.
Players should check the Meta Quest store for current pricing.
Is there a version of Batman: Arkham Shadow being developed for VR platforms?
Batman: Arkham Shadow was specifically designed as a VR game. It was released for Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S headsets on October 21, 2024.
The game was developed by Camouflaj as a VR-exclusive Batman experience.
Can players anticipate a release of Batman: Arkham Shadow for the Nintendo Switch?
There have been no announcements regarding a Nintendo Switch version of Batman: Arkham Shadow. The game was developed specifically for VR technology.
The unique VR gameplay mechanics would require significant redesign to work on the Switch platform.
Has Batman: Arkham Shadow been confirmed for release on Xbox consoles?
Batman: Arkham Shadow has not been confirmed for Xbox consoles. The game remains exclusive to Meta Quest VR headsets at this time.
No plans have been announced by the developers regarding an Xbox port or adaptation.
