The DC Universe is undergoing a major transformation under James Gunn’s leadership, and one of the most exciting aspects is the arrival of a new Batman in The Brave and the Bold. While we’re all eager to see who dons the cape and cowl, it’s just as thrilling to speculate which villains could be coming to Gotham’s dark streets.
Batman’s rogues’ gallery is legendary, but with a fresh cinematic universe, it’s the perfect time to introduce villains we haven’t seen much — or at all — on the big screen.
Here are 10 villains we want in the new DCU’s Batman movies:
Hush (Thomas Elliot)
Hush is a master of psychological warfare. A childhood friend of Bruce Wayne turned bitter enemy, Thomas Elliot is a surgeon who fakes his own death and orchestrates a brutal assault on Batman’s mind and body.
The Brave and the Bold could use Hush to explore Bruce’s personal relationships and dig deeper into the Wayne family legacy, offering a dark, emotional storyline we haven’t fully seen in theaters.
Professor Pyg
One of the newer entries to the Rogues Gallery, Professor Pyg has quickly become one of Batman’s most disturbing foes. A grotesque villain obsessed with “perfecting” people through horrific surgeries.
Bringing Pyg into the DCU would add a horror-thriller tone perfect for a darker Batman film. His psychological and body-horror elements would set a chilling atmosphere not seen even in Matt Reeves’ The Batman.
Calendar Man
No, not the cheesy version from the 60s. The modern Calendar Man as he was portrayed in The Long Halloween: A calculating serial killer who commits crimes tied to holidays.
A gritty detective story featuring Calendar Man could finally showcase Batman’s skills as “The World’s Greatest Detective,” aligning perfectly with the noir style fans crave.
While the original version was briefly glimpsed in The Suicide Squad, it would be easy to work around and use the villain once again.
The Court of Owls
Secret societies, hidden history, and political manipulation, the Court of Owls could easily serve as a multi-movie overarching threat.
Introducing the Court early would also allow the DCU to connect Batman’s battles to Gotham’s deeper corruption, moving beyond standard crime lords, while also allowing the better known members of the Gallery to also be easily integrated as working with the Court.
Black Mask
Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, is a brutal Gotham crime boss obsessed with power and control.
While Ewan McGregor played a flamboyant version in Birds of Prey, a new DCU portrayal could bring a darker, more terrifying Black Mask to life, one that truly tests Batman’s limits against organized crime.
Anarky
Anarky is a teenage genius who believes in tearing down corrupt governments. His ideology-based villainy could serve as a topical, thought-provoking challenge for Batman, especially if the DCU aims for a more socially aware storytelling angle.
Man-Bat
Kirk Langstrom’s tragic transformation into the monstrous Man-Bat offers a rare opportunity: a villain who isn’t evil, but whose existence threatens Gotham nonetheless.
A visual spectacle, Man-Bat would bring a science twist to Batman’s largely grounded world while still keeping the character sympathetic.
The Ventriloquist and Scarface
The bizarre duo of a timid man and his gangster puppet is pure Gotham weirdness.
Done right, this pairing could blend black comedy with horror, giving the DCU a unique tonal experiment while diving deep into Gotham’s madness. It would also allow for another opportunity to explore the gang and mafia aspects of the city, providing for an opportunity to truly mix all of the elements that make Gotham the notorious city that it is.
Killer Moth
Long mocked as a “joke villain,” Killer Moth has serious potential if reimagined. As an anti-Batman hired by criminals, he can evolve into a deadly rival.
With the right design and a more grounded backstory, Killer Moth could be a breakout star in much the same way Peacemaker turned obscure characters into household names.
Deathstroke
Few adversaries can challenge Batman physically, mentally, and tactically like Deathstroke. Slade Wilson’s presence could elevate the action to new heights and lay the foundation for larger DCU crossovers, especially if the Bat-Family becomes a core part of the story.
Final Thoughts: Why It’s Time for New Faces in Gotham
Batman’s most iconic villains have had their time in the spotlight — it’s time to explore Gotham’s darker, lesser-known corners.
Characters like Hush, the Court of Owls, and Deathstroke bring unique storytelling opportunities to the new DC Universe. With a new Batman on the way, these villains could define the tone and legacy of the DCU for years to come.
What do you think?
Which villain do you want to see in the DCU’s Batman movies? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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