New comments from Batman writers reinforce the theory that combines Riddler with the controversial DC Villain.
The current statement by one of the writers of Batman suggests that Riddler may experience noteworthy changes—one that has been controversial in the past when a different DC adaptation tried to do it. Paul Dano’s Riddler served as Batman’s primary antagonist, but in contrast to the numerous superhero movies, the extraordinary villain meets their first end in their very first appearance, a common issue in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—Dano’s character survived the film’s ending.
This left the door open for his return in future installments. The last time audiences see him, the villainous antagonist is forming an acquaintance with Barry Keoghan’s Joker. However, since director Matt Reeves has yet to complete the script for The Batman: Part II, it remains unclear how the Riddler will fit into the sequel. That said, a new revelation about his origins in the Batman universe hints at a shocking twist that could be met with controversy.
The film explored Thomas Wayne’s past dealings with crime boss Carmine Falcone, revealing that reporter Edward Elliot had uncovered secrets about Martha Wayne’s history of institutionalization. Elliot intended to expose these dark truths, but with Thomas running for mayor, he first attempted to pay off the journalist.
When that failed, Wayne allegedly turned to Falcone to intimidate Elliot—who was ultimately murdered by the mobster. This may have a direct link to the Riddler’s backstory. Edward Nashton (the Riddler’s real name in the film) grew up in an orphanage, and combined with Elliot’s fate, speculation arose that he could be Elliot’s son.
The Batman co-writer Peter Craig addressed this theory in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. When asked if the movie was suggesting that the Riddler was Edward Elliot’s son, Craig responded, “The way that you’re reading it would make some people, including Matt Reeves, very happy.” He declined to reveal further details, adding, “Some of that is going to spoil what I know is continuing forward.” Craig’s comments strongly indicate that Dano’s Riddler could be revealed as Edward Elliot’s son in a future sequel.
This would mirror a controversial decision made in the animated film Batman: Hush, where the villain Hush was not Thomas Elliot (as in the comics) but instead turned out to be Edward Nygma—the Riddler. Since Hush is a fan-favourite villain in the comics, this change was divisive. If The Batman follows a similar path, it might take things even further by making the Riddler Elliot’s son, rather than simply someone adopting the Hush identity, possibly further expanding the lore and world-building for the franchise and other spin-offs.
