The Batman’s Ending Perfectly Explains Why It’s Too Early For Robin

As speculation builds around the plot of The Batman – Part II, there is some debate over the inclusion of some version of the Caped Crusader’s frequent sidekick, Robin, in the sequel. Director Matt Reeves’ first entry to the franchise was an excellent introduction to this iteration of Batman, but by the time of The Batman‘s ending, Bruce Wayne as a character is still left in need of further development. Robert Pattinson plays a live-action version of Batman that is deeply tortured and has a ways to go as a solo hero before adopting a sidekick like the Boy Wonder.

The Batman (2022) set up a gritty, noir-esque world with a Bruce Wayne that’s a shade darker than the one introduced in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy and an aesthetic that rivals the gothic sensibilities of Tim Burton’s Batman. As its sequel approaches, Matt Reeves needs to focus on developing not just this world, but his title character. Eventually, however, this world might just be the perfect way to explore a fascinating take on a character like Robin — just not yet.

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The Batman – Part II Needs To Focus On Developing Who Bruce Wayne Is Without Allies Or Sidekicks

Robert Pattinson’s performance introduced audiences to a Batman that hides behind the identity of Bruce Wayne, rather than the other way around. The theme of vengeance that pervades the film reveals a deeply damaged man behind the mask, consequently depicting an underdeveloped shell of Bruce Wayne any time he’s out of the suit. The ending of The Batman, however, reveals a changed man: one that embodies hope over vengeance.

It is this new Batman that needs to be the core of The Batman – Part II, the embodiment of hope and perhaps even healing. For the franchise to develop its lead character moving forward, it needs to grapple with just who Bruce Wayne is — alone. Audiences have barely glimpsed the Gotham City philanthropist as a man, rather than a symbol, and bringing in a sidekick or ally into The Batman cast at this juncture in his story would do the character a massive disservice.

A Later Introduction Of Robin Could Be The Best Thing To Happen To This Iteration Of The Caped Crusader

Although bringing Robin into the franchise in The Batman – Part II would be premature, a later introduction of the character could be just what the titular hero needs for his development. With the successful introduction of classic characters like The Penguin, Riddler, James Gordon, and Catwoman in The Batman, it is clear that this adaptation is well-suited to compelling inclusions from the comics. Once the main hero is fully established — both as Batman and Bruce Wayne — the franchise can shake things up with the Boy Wonder.

The idea of this Bruce Wayne adopting and training a protégé for vigilantism seems more fitting than for any of the other recent adaptations of the character — in fact, it’s just the kind of thing that seems in line with his development thus far. Furthermore, the idea of a developing sense of mentorship or even parental love is almost tailor-made to be well-suited to Robert Pattinson’s Batman, allowing him to show his growth through his capacity for compassion. As such, the addition of a Robin would be enthralling to see onscreen; just not in The Batman – Part II.

The Batman – Part II will be released in theaters on October 3, 2025.

The Batman – Part II

The Batman Part II is the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, released in 2022, and will continue where the original film left off. The film shares a universe with the HBO Max original Penguin series and sees the return of the Riddler and a different incarnation of the Joker.