With Matt Reeves’ The Batman 2 officially in the works, fans are now buzzing about which villain might show up next. While names like Hush have been floating around, we think there’s someone even better suited for the sequel: Hugo Strange. After all, just like Ra’s al Ghul, this villain managed to discover Batman’s true identity.
Hugo Strange isn’t your usual muscle-heavy bad guy. He’s a genius, a twisted mind who plays with psychology and fear rather than brute force. Well, that’s exactly how he learned about Batman’s identity in the DC Comics Batman: Strange Apparitions issue number #471, wherein he established a health clinic, and when Batman came to treat his wounds, Strange drugged him and unraveled his true identity.
Thereafter, his obsession with Batman turned him into one of the most dangerous enemies Bruce Wayne could ever face. And that’s why we believe this storyline makes him a perfect match for Matt Reeves’ dark, grounded Gotham. If The Batman 2 really wants to up the stakes, Hugo Strange could be the perfect choice over Hush.
Hush vs. Hugo Strange: Who’s a Better Adversary For Batman
When it comes to Robert Pattinson’s near-perfect depiction of Batman from Elseworlds, we don’t joke around about characters. Which is why we come back with proof as to why Hugo Strange must be cast as the new villain, over Hush. Well, when it comes to villains, Hush is a name fans know well.
After all, he w as closely aligned with Bruce Wayne as his childhood friend. But surprisingly, he tried killing his own parents for their fortune, which was obstructed by Bruce’s father, who saved his mother’s life. That’s what led to his grudge against the Waynes, who then became master planners.
Hush uses manipulation, disguise, and his ties to Gotham’s underworld to strike at Batman. But what makes him useless is his knowledge about Bruce Wayne on an emotional level, but his failure to use it against Batman, because he isn’t aware of the Caped Crusader’s true identity.
Meanwhile, Hugo Strange brings something even scarier to the table. He is not just a criminal mastermind; he’s also a brilliant psychiatrist who studies the human mind. Strange doesn’t need to punch Batman into submission; he holds the power to break him down mentally and emotionally.
In fact, his obsession with Batman grows to such an extreme that he even wishes to become like him, which makes his approach unpredictable and terrifying. Plus, as mentioned earlier, since Strange was aware of Batman’s identity, he didn’t need to attack; he could just threaten to expose him.
The table contains a comparison of Hush and Hugo Strange’s powers:
So, in terms of chaos, Hush creates plots filled with traps and tricks, but Strange pushes the entire city into fear. Strange has transformed people into “Monster Men,” controlled minds, and threatened Gotham with psychological terror. If Hush wants to ruin Bruce’s life, Hugo Strange wants to control it.
That’s what makes Hugo Strange the far bigger threat and a villain who can test Batman on every level.
How Can Matt Reeves Introduce Hugo Strange in The Batman 2
Now, the big question remains: how can Matt Reeves introduce Hugo Strange in The Batman 2? Well, Reeves has built a Gotham that feels gritty and real, where crime is more about corruption than superpower or aliens. And that’s where Hugo Strange fits perfectly. His corrupted idea of looting Gotham’s rich men is what led him to establish his health clinic.
So, Matt Reeves could bring Strange in as a respected doctor who runs a mental health clinic for Gotham’s wealthy and powerful. Because even in the comics, Hugo Strange returned to Gotham City after he initially fled to Europe. So this way, the director can introduce the character in The Batman 2 and slowly unravel his obsession with Batman.
This way, Strange will appear as a savior on the surface, but deep down, he will be running twisted experiments on his patients. And instead of tying Batman to Strange through Doctor Phosphorus’ storyline, Matt Reeves can bring them to cross paths by showing Batman’s investigations surrounding suspicious disappearances linked to the clinic.
And so, Batman could go and uncover the truth, but fall prey to Strange’s sedative injection. Because while Batman can fight punches, he’s surely not immune to drugs. And this way it would give Strange the chance to discover Bruce’s secret identity. Thereafter, watching Batman try to escape the trap of someone who already knows his biggest secret would add a lot of suspense to the story.
Share your thoughts on which other Batman villain could appear in The Batman 2.
The Batman is currently streaming in the US on HBO Max.