Court of Owls Theories
New Batman Part II Set Photos Fuel Speculation About Court of Owls
Anonymous
Key Points
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The protest scene underscores the contrast between Bruce Wayne’s public image and Batman’s reputation: demonstrators treat Gotham’s wealthiest man as an enemy while displaying Batman imagery and apparently viewing the vigilante as a symbol of resistance against corruption.
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Andy Serkis was not present on set because he was in New Zealand directing and starring in “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum”; a double portrayed Alfred Pennyworth instead.
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The sequel’s reported working title, “Semper Vigilans”—Latin for “always vigilant”—has also been linked to the Court of Owls because it echoes the group’s comic-book nursery rhyme about watching Gotham from a shadowed perch.
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Anarky, whose real name is Lonnie Machin, is described in the comics as Batman’s politically motivated adversary who attacks state and corporate institutions in pursuit of social justice; the character has appeared in television and animation but has never appeared in a Batman feature film.
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Director Matt Reeves has said the villain in “The Batman: Part II” is a character who has “never really been done in a movie before,” a comment that has intensified speculation about Anarky while the production imagery remains unconfirmed.
Set photos from London reveal BroBible that The Batman: Part II is filming a major protest scene outside what appears to be Gotham's courthouse. Robert Pattinson's Bruce Wayne is escorted by police through angry demonstrators, while some wear pale masks and carry signs attacking wealthy elites. The imagery has sparked fan theories about the Court of Owls, a secretive organization of Gotham's richest and most powerful figures, becoming the sequel's central villain.
Director Matt Reeves has previously hinted ComingSoon.net that the villain in Part II is "a character who has never really been done in a movie before." The 2028 film's reported working title, "Semper Vigilans" (Latin for "always vigilant"), echoes the Court of Owls' comic-book mythology. Speculation also surrounds the political anti-hero Anarky, though AOL notes Warner Bros. has confirmed no plot details.
Protest Scene Casts Bruce Wayne as Public Enemy
The set photos show a striking reversal of status. ComicBookMovie reports that Bruce Wayne is treated as an enemy by Gotham's masses, while Batman—typically viewed as a vigilante—appears to be a symbol of resistance against corruption and wealth. Demonstrators carry anarchy symbols and signs referencing a "Court of Fowls," suggesting the story will pit the city's poorest against its oligarchy.
This thematic shift marks a departure from typical Batman films. Rather than focusing solely on masked crime-fighting, the sequel seems to explore class conflict and institutional corruption. The protest imagery suggests Bruce Wayne's private identity and his public reputation as a vigilante will collide in explosive ways.
Court of Owls Emerges as Leading Villain Theory
SuperHeroHype reports that the Court of Owls—Gotham's wealthiest and most elite power players—is now the leading theory among fans. The group operates from the shadows in DC comics, controlling city politics and institutions. The filming locations, including St. Paul's Cathedral and Freemasons' Hall, have fueled theories about secret societies pulling Gotham's strings.
The working title "Semper Vigilans" directly connects to the Court of Owls' nursery rhyme mythology: "Beware the Court of Owls, that watches all the time, ruling Gotham from a shadowed perch, behind a hundred guises and lies." If confirmed, this villain choice would introduce an enemy Batman has faced in modern comics but never in live-action film.
Anarky's Possible Role Adds Political Layer
Set photos showing anarchy symbols have sparked theories that Anarky—the politically motivated anti-hero—could appear alongside or instead of the Court of Owls. In DC comics, Anarky (Lonnie Machin) attacks state and corporate institutions in pursuit of social justice. The character has appeared in TV and animation but has never been featured in a Batman film.
The masked demonstrators in London could be background extras or hints at Anarky's role. ComingSoon.net notes that Matt Reeves' comment about an unprecedented villain keeps speculation open. Until Warner Bros. releases official confirmation, fans are reading deep meaning into every protest sign and pale mask visible in the set photos.
Alfred's Absence Points to Serkis' Other Project
Observant fans noticed that Andy Serkis, who plays Alfred Pennyworth, was not on the London set. A double stood in for the character during the protest scene. ComingSoon.net confirms that Serkis is currently in New Zealand directing and starring in "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," keeping him away from the Batman production.
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