Credit: Warner Bros.An upcoming official sequel to Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) is replacing a beloved actor.
If there’s one thing the many Batman movies are best known for besides which actor is playing the iconic hero, whether it’s Michael Keaton, George Clooney, or Christian Bale, it’s the main Rogues Gallery villain (or villains) he’s up against.
Films like Batman Forever (1995) and The Dark Knight (2008), in particular, have been permanently carved into our collective consciousness not only because they’re memorable entries (whether good or bad), but also because of wicked characters like Edward Nygma/The Riddler (Jim Carrey) and The Joker (Heath Ledger) and the mesmerizing portrayals behind them.
When it comes to Batman movie timelines, however, it’s fair to say that the original four-film series is the one that’s teeming with Rogues Gallery icons. Of course, that series holds a great advantage over timelines that followed.
Christopher Nolan’s Christian Bale-led The Dark Knight trilogy (2005 — 2012) might have three films under its utility belt, but its subtle approach to the Rogues Gallery meant that it wasn’t overpopulated with Gotham City bad-guys.
The DC Extended Universe was so preoccupied trying to keep up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe that it forgot to give Ben Affleck’s Bat of Gotham any villains to go up against. And Matt Reeves’ Batman Epic Crime Saga, starring Robert Pattinson, is currently only one film deep.
The four movies that span 1989–1997, on the other hand, are crawling with infamous villains. But when you take Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) out of the equation — seeing as they’re not canon — the two Tim Burton films, Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), have only a few big names between them.
Related: ‘Batman’ (1989) Sequel Confirms That Superman Exists in the Burtonverse
There’s Jack Napier/The Joker (Jack Nicholson), Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin (Danny DeVito), Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), and the lesser-known Max Shreck (Christopher Walken). That’s about it. However, what many fans don’t know is that the Burtonverse doesn’t end with the 1992 sequel — it has since continued in other forms of media.
DC Comics’ “Batman ’89” is an official continuation of the 1989 film and its 1992 sequel, which star Michael Keaton in the title role.
But not only does the 12-issue series reintroduces several characters introduced in those two films, it also gives us the Burtonverse versions of certain characters, such as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl and Dick Grayson/Robin, who were played by Alicia Silverstone and Chris O’Donnell, respectively, in 1997’s Batman & Robin.
More recently, John Jackson Miller’s novel, “Batman: Resurrection,” also an official Burtonverse installment, which follows Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne/Batman as he deals with the aftermath of the events of the 1989 film, introduced characters such as the villain Clayface into the mix (although he was never introduced in the two Joel Schumacher films).
Related: Batman: Every Returning Version of the Dark Knight Explained
“Batman: Revolution”
Now, Miller is returning to pen a brand-new follow-up titled “Batman: Revolution”. Set for release later this year, the new book will take place several weeks after “Resurrection” and will introduce the Burtonverse Edward Nygma/The Riddler, who was famously played by Jim Carrey in Batman Forever, opposite Val Kilmer’s Caped Crusader.
With that said, the Burtonverse has already introduced its own version of this character, with Edward Nigel Maynard making an appearance in the “Batman ’89” comics. While the late Robin Williams (Mrs. Doubtfire, Hook, Aladdin) was touted to play the character on screen in Tim Burton’s canceled Batman 3, in the comics, the character appears to resemble the actor Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building).
However, The Riddler in “Revolution” won’t be the same one from “Batman ’89” — according to the official synopsis for the upcoming book, Norman Pinkus is the new evil, puzzle-making genius.
Fortunately, the “’89” comics remain entirely canon. Taking to X (Twitter), author John Jackson Miller has confirmed that, along with his two books, they are official Burtonverse installments:
“Repeating from earlier: the novels strictly elaborate upon the two Burton films. While the later films share some elements and actors, they have their own aesthetic and were not part of our sandbox. (And yes, REVOLUTION reconciles cleanly with the latest comics arc. You’ll see!)”
Repeating from earlier: the novels strictly elaborate upon the two Burton films. While the later films share some elements and actors, they have their own aesthetic and were not part of our sandbox.
(And yes, REVOLUTION reconciles cleanly with the latest comics arc. You’ll see!) https://t.co/HISCZkyOUI
— John Jackson Miller @ ECCC Writers Block Table 1 (@jjmfaraway) March 7, 2025
“Revolution” will be released on October 28, 2025.
Are you excited to be seeing more of Michael Keaton’s Batman? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!