'Batman 2' brings in Oscar-winning director to help Matt Reeves wrap up filming
The creation of the sequel to „Batman“ from 2022 proved to be a lengthy and difficult process for the director Matt Reeves. After yet another delay of the project, which will bear the title „Batman 2“, the production is facing yet another schedule change. On October 6, 2026, /Film reported that Reeves would be taking a temporary break from filming for personal reasons. This follows a one-year delay announced in 2024, when Warner Bros. was reevaluating its plans for the DC film universe.
According to information from Deadline Steven Soderbergh will take over directing duties for the remaining weeks of principal photography. Matt Reeves will not be on set until the film is finished, but the two directors will remain in contact during that time. Reeves then plans to return to the project during post-production.
In an official statement, Warner Bros. explained that while Reeves is dealing with an ongoing family matter, Soderbergh has offered his assistance out of respect for his colleague's work. With the full support of DC Studios, he will assist in completing the final weeks of filming. The two will work closely with the cast and crew to ensure that the footage is consistent with Reeves' vision.
Soderbergh does not hide his admiration for the director of "Batman", also known for films such as „Monstrous“ (Cloverfield), „Let me in.“ both of their productions from the series „Planet of the Apes“. Reeves himself also posted a message on social media, emphasizing that he is not leaving the project. He expressed his deep gratitude to Soderbergh for his support during a difficult time and for helping to complete principal photography.
In a statement to Deadline, Soderbergh described Reeves' work on the first Batman as impressive — purposeful, precise, and consistent. He said his job wasn't to change the style of the film, but to work with Reeves and his team to make the new footage fit naturally into the footage that had already been shot. That way, the director could finish the film according to his own vision.
Currently the premiere of „"Batman: Part II"“ is scheduled for February 18, 2028. Robert Pattinson will once again play the lead role of Bruce Wayne, and Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell will return as Alfred Pennyworth and the Penguin, respectively.
Steven Soderbergh is known for his productivity, fast-paced work, and ability to craft films with a clear concept and tight visual style. In recent years, he directed the cyberthriller „Kimi“, the drama „Occupation: Stripper 3“, the supernatural thriller „Presence“, the spy movie „Black Bag“ and black comedy „The Christophers“ с Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel. His filmography also includes large-scale Hollywood productions such as „Ocean's Gang“, the Oscar winners„ „"Traffic"“ and „Erin Brockovich“, as well as his version of „Solaris“.
Although Soderbergh has not directed a superhero film before, the style of "„Batman“" is more restrained and closer to a crime thriller than many other productions in the genre. In addition, he already has experience in assisting colleagues during filming: he worked as a director of the second camera crew on „The Hunger Games“, to help his friend and director Gary Ross. His professional experience should allow him to adhere to Reeves' established visual style and rhythm as he shoots the remaining scenes.
