Soderbergh joins the London shoot

Steven Soderbergh, the 63-year-old Oscar winner known for Traffic, is stepping in on The Batman Part II, the sequel directed by Matt Reeves, 60, which began filming in June. According to Deadline, Soderbergh will help shoot the final weeks of principal photography in London, while Reeves stays involved from a distance. Reeves is expected to take a more active role in post-production. Die Welt, citing US trade papers, reported that Soderbergh would be on set in London while Reeves remains in Los Angeles, where post-production later takes place. DC Studios backed the arrangement in a statement.

Production pause and the family matter

Production on the sequel was halted in London in October after DC Studios said Reeves had to attend to a family matter. Details about the length of his absence have not been disclosed. At the time, the studio said Reeves had its full support and that it looked forward to continuing the project soon. Reeves has since made clear he is staying on the film, and he thanked Soderbergh in a post on X.

Just to be clear, I am not leaving The Batman Part II

— Matt Reeves

I am profoundly grateful to Steven for coming to my aid during this challenging time to help me finish principal photography.

— Matt Reeves
The Batman Part II production milestones
  1. Matt Reeves announces Sebastian Koch as a new cast member
  2. Filming of The Batman Part II begins under Matt Reeves
  3. Production is paused in London over a family matter
  4. Steven Soderbergh set to step in to help finish principal photography
  5. Film scheduled for cinemas

Soderbergh's approach to the footage

Soderbergh described his role as helping to keep the film's existing visual and creative direction intact. In a statement, he praised Reeves's earlier work and set out what he intends to deliver on set.

I thought Matt Reeves' work on The Batman was stunning; it was intentional, specific, and rigorously coherent.

— Steven Soderbergh

Soderbergh said he would work with Reeves and his team to generate material that fits with what has already been shot, so that Reeves can complete his film. The studio said the two directors would work closely with the actors and crew to realise Reeves's vision. Soderbergh is known for Erin Brockovich, Magic Mike and the Ocean's trilogy, and his involvement is confined to finishing the shoot rather than taking over the project.

Cast, schedule and the 2022 original

The first film, released in March 2022, starred Robert Pattinson and earned $772m worldwide. Pattinson returns for the sequel, alongside Andy Serkis as Alfred and Colin Farrell as Penguin. New cast members include Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan and Charles Dance. Reeves announced German actor Sebastian Koch as a newcomer on X in May. Filming was delayed several times during preparation before it started in June. The film is currently scheduled to reach cinemas in February 2028.