UPDATE: 2026/10/15 21:35 EST — Andy Behbakht
James Gunn Voices Support for The Batman — Part II
After Matt Reeves posted his message on X, James Gunn used Threads to express his backing for the director. Gunn affirmed that Reeves remains the filmmaker in charge of The Batman Part II and thanked Steven Soderbergh for stepping in to assist: he emphasized that Reeves is still the project’s director and expressed deep appreciation for Soderbergh’s offer to help complete Reeves’ creative vision.
UPDATE: 2026/10/15 19:32 EST — Andy Behbakht
Matt Reeves Issues an Update on The Batman — Part II
Following reports that Steven Soderbergh will help finish principal photography on The Batman — Part II, Matt Reeves posted on X to clarify his status. Reeves made clear that he is not leaving the project and said he’s profoundly thankful to Soderbergh for assisting during a difficult personal situation so production can continue. He thanked everyone for their concern and well wishes and reaffirmed his commitment to the film.
Robert Pattinson is set to reprise his role in the DC franchise, but the sequel’s production has seen a notable shift. Since The Batman first premiered in 2022 and established its own distinct corner of the DC universe, plans for a follow-up have been in place. However, principal photography on The Batman — Part II was temporarily halted when Reeves stepped away to handle personal family matters.
Deadline reports that acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh has volunteered to come aboard and oversee the remaining weeks of shooting so the production can move forward. Although Reeves won’t be physically directing on set during this period, the outlets say he and Soderbergh will stay in close contact throughout the shoot. Reeves is expected to resume control during post-production once he is ready to return, with the two directors collaborating to ensure the new footage aligns with what has already been filmed.
The studios released a joint statement explaining the arrangement: while Reeves attends to a family issue, Soderbergh — who admires Reeves’ work — reached out and agreed to step in to complete the final phase of principal photography. The statement stressed that Reeves and Soderbergh will coordinate closely with the cast and crew to realize Reeves’ intended vision for the movie.
Soderbergh himself commented on joining the project, praising Reeves’ original film for its deliberate and coherent cinematic approach. He said his objective is to work hand-in-hand with Reeves’ team to capture material that will integrate smoothly with the existing footage so that Reeves can finish the movie as he intends. The Hollywood Reporter has described the reason for Reeves’ absence as a “sensitive family matter.” At the time of reporting, Reeves had not issued a formal public explanation beyond his social post.
News of Soderbergh stepping in arrived shortly after DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran addressed the temporary production pause. Speaking to IGN, Safran dismissed concerns about audience confusion from having multiple Batman projects in the same year, noting that there will be both The Batman: Part Two and the animated film Dynamic Duo in 2028. He expressed enthusiasm for the studio’s upcoming slate and suggested fans will be pleased with what’s planned, even if not every detail can be revealed yet.
Safran also praised the footage shot so far for the Reeves-directed sequel and reiterated his confidence in Reeves as a gifted filmmaker. When directly asked whether there was any scenario in which the Pattinson-led sequel wouldn’t resume filming, Safran’s response was a straightforward “No,” indicating the studio expects the production to continue.
The Batman — Part II has expanded its cast with several notable additions. Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, Charles Dance, Sebastian Koch, and Brian Tyree Henry are all reported to have joined the sequel, though the specifics of their characters have been kept under wraps. Returning players from the first film include Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, and Colin Farrell reprising his role as the Penguin.
Sources close to Deadline say production will pick back up, but it’s still too early to confirm whether this temporary directorial adjustment will affect the movie’s planned release date. As of now, The Batman — Part II is scheduled to open in theaters on February 18, 2028.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
