The Batman Part II Set Photos Hint at Court of Owls and Anarky

Leaked set photos and videos from the production of The Batman Part II have revealed a high-tension sequence suggesting a shift toward Gotham's deep-state conspiracies. The footage, captured during filming in London, shows Robert Pattinson's Bruce Wayne being escorted by the GCPD through a hostile crowd of protesters as he exits the Gotham Bar Association and is ushered into a Bentley.

The surrounding crowd is armed with placards featuring slogans such as "Eat the Rich," "Oligarchs Gotta Go!," "The Richer Get Richer," and "Your Greed is Killin Us." Other signs include "Re$i$t" and "One Day The Poor Will Have Nothing." Notably, some protesters carry signs that read "Court of Oligarchs" and "Court of Fouls," while others hold "Save Us" and "I'm coming for you next" placards featuring imagery of the Batman mask.

The Secret Society Theory

The appearance of the "Court of Fouls" sign, combined with the use of owl-like masks among the crowd, has led fans to conclude that the Court of Owls will debut in the sequel. In DC Comics, the Court of Owls is a secret cabal of wealthy Gotham aristocrats who have quietly controlled the city's infrastructure and politics for centuries, utilizing a group of elite assassins known as the Talons.

This theory aligns with previous comments from director Matt Reeves, who teased that the sequel's primary antagonist has "never really been done in a movie before." While the Court of Owls fits this description, the production has not officially confirmed the group's involvement. The scene's cinematography was handled by Erik Messerschmidt, maintaining the visual continuity of the first film.

Political Unrest and Anarky

Beyond the secret society theories, the footage highlights a growing divide in Gotham's social fabric. The sequence depicts a sharp contrast in public perception: protesters view Bruce Wayne as an enemy of the people and a symbol of corporate greed, while simultaneously viewing Batman as a symbol of resistance against the establishment.

Adding to the speculation, several protesters were seen wearing white masks, with one individual sporting a white anarchy symbol on their jacket. This has sparked rumors regarding the inclusion of Anarky (Lonnie Machin), a political adversary of Batman who targets state and corporate institutions in the name of social justice. Although Anarky has appeared in Arrow and Beware the Batman, the character has never appeared in a live-action Batman feature film.

Production Status

On-set sightings confirmed the return of Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon. Due to Andy Serkis currently being in New Zealand, a body double was utilized for his role as Alfred Pennyworth during the London shoot.

Fans will have to wait longer than originally anticipated to see these theories play out on screen. The film has been delayed and is now scheduled for release on February 18, 2028.