In 2021 we will see the next Batman movie Directed by Matt Reeves. Currently, we do not know who will be the next actor to don the cape and cowl since Ben Affleck’s departure.  

If we are to believe the rumours then there will be four villains appear in the movie. Batman easily has the best rogue’s gallery from all the DC superheroes meaning we are spoilt for choice. Who does Matt Reeves choose? With the tone for the film being described as leaning more into a Detective mystery which villains would suit this? 

For the last two weeks DC World has been running a survey to see who our supporters would like. The results are in and the four most popular choices are below.

Batman

1. DEATHSTROKE 18%

The number 1 choice selected was Slade Wilson, Deathstroke. Interestingly Deathstroke isn’t technically a Batman villain, he is actually classed as a Dick Grayson villain. With Dick being so closely tied to Batman you can see why he would be a popular choice. Deathstroke is a fantastic character and would bring something special to the big screen. I do believe a large portion of the reason he was the highest voted villain was to do with the Joe Manganiello unfinished story from Justice League. We only got a slight glimpse in a post credit scene but it was enough to wet people’s appetite to see more. 

Created all the way back in 1980 by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, first appearing in The New Teen Titans number 2. Having featured heavily through the years fighting with Dick Grayson and the Teen Titans Deathstroke has proved to be a formidable foe. A master marksman, deadly with a sword and in hand to hand combat, super strength and the ability to heal.  

Deathstroke is a character who has graced many different mediums. Having been seen on the TV show Arrow, played by Manu Bennett and has recently been announced to appear in Titans season 2 portrayed by Esai Morales. He has also been seen on multiple animated adventures, including being the main villain in the 2018 animated feature Teen Titans Go to The Movies. 

2. HUSH 14%

An interesting choice at number 2 was Tommy Elliot, Hush. Created in 2003 by Jeph Leob and Jim Lee his first appearance was in Batman number 609. A genius and incredibly skilled surgeon, Hush is also in great physical shape, a skilled fighter and marksman.  

Hush is a character that doesn’t have a huge history in the comics which surprised me when he was voted the second most popular. Best known for the very successful and incredibly popular self-titled story arc Written by Jeph Loeb. This is also the subject for a 2019 DC animated movie release.  

Hush could be a very clever character to include in the movie due to having never been seen on screen before. This would give Matt Reeves complete freedom to explore the character without the risk of previous comparisons. I’m sure fans would agree with me that the thought of Batman going head to head with Deathstroke and Hush in the same movie is very appealing. 

3. POISON IVY 11%

Number 3 choice was the only female on the list Pamela Isley, Poison Ivy. One of Batman’s oldest foes, Poison Ivy was created back in 1966 by Robert Kanigher and Sheldon Moldoff. As a botanist, Ivy has built herself an immunity to Toxins and Pathogen’s, which over the years has often been a weakness to Batman. 

If Ivy was to be included in the movie it would be interesting to see if any other Birds of Prey characters would make an appearance. With that movie currently in production and due for release in 2020 anything is possible. 

When people talk about the 1997 Batman and Robin movie its normally in a negative manner. For me Uma Thurman’s portrayal of Poison Ivy was one of the highlights to that film. The only other live action portrayal has been in the TV series Gotham. This was a very different version who was a young child for most of the 5 series run. 

Ivy was a key character in the Arkham video games who had an unforgettable character design that would steal the show if replicated for the movie. 

4. THE JOKER 10%

Without doubt The Joker is Batman’s number one villain. However, I did not think he would make this list having been used so many times. Batman’s oldest foe was created in 1940 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger who first appeared in Batman number 1. 

People still want to see Joker in the next Batman movie, but which version do people want to see. Jared Leto is technically the active Joker in the DC extended universe following his portrayal in Suicide Squad. Leto received heavy criticism for his version of the Joker so would people be happy with his return? Later this year we have a Joker solo movie being released with Joaquin Phoenix. Jack Nicholson is still acting, so could he dust of his purple suit and return to the role? With the reports of a younger Batman this seems unlikely. Or finally do people want to see someone else take the role and give us a different version to what we already have? 

Whichever direction Matt Reeves takes The Batman I’m sure he will do a great job. His Planet of the Ape’s movies were incredibly well-made pictures with stories and character development that fill me with confidence we will get a fantastic Batman movie. All four villains mentioned have proved themselves either on the page or on screen over the years. I would be happy to see all or any of them in 2021. Also, the three runners up that needs a mention were Riddler, Penguin and Red Hood. Three characters that could work very well in a detective story and all deserve an opportunity on the big screen.