Matt Reeves has been pretty clear about his intentions for “The Batman” sequel — the filmmaker didn’t simply introduce The Joker to set up a potential second film. When you see the caped crusader’s biggest villain being teased, it’s natural to assume that the character will find its way to a sequel, but that doesn’t seem to be the case this time. Reeves wanted to maintain the idea that Gotham was deeply dangerous, and bringing in The Joker was a way of establishing it. Still, if Reeves wanted to go that way, “The War of Jokes and Riddles” comic book story arc could somehow inspire “The Batman” sequel.
The comics story is set in Bruce Wayne’s second year of being Batman, where The Riddler and Joker both attempt to kill him. Since the first film was influenced by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s “Batman: The Long Halloween” series, it would be interesting to see more comic book influence in a sequel. And who doesn’t want to see two of Batman’s biggest villains battle it out to kill him?
Here’s the official synopsis:
Early in Batman’s career, the Joker and the Riddler would seemingly be natural allies. But each man determined that he and he alone must be the one to kill the Bat… and either would sooner burn down Gotham than be beaten to the punch line. Untold until now, one of the darkest chapters in Batman’s history sees all of Gotham’s villains choosing sides in a battle of wits that soon turns into a full-blown war—complete with civilian casualties. In the War of Jokes and Riddles, only one side can claim victory… but the scars it leaves will shape Batman’s future as he makes the most important decision of his life.