Batman, Batman, Batman. Jeez, does anyone talk about anything else around here?
Why’s it always gotta be Batman? What about his magnificent gallery of rogues? When are they gonna get a break?!
Oh, wait, they have. Yep, while the Caped Crusader used to get all the headlines, column inches, and attention in these parts, his fiendish foes have started to claw things back.
No longer consigned to bit parts in Bat-movies, some of the Dark Knight’s most iconic enemies now front their own projects. From big budget blockbusters to terrific TV shows, there’s no stopping these bad guys and gals.
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Catwoman
The first Bat-foe to get her own movie was cat burglar and Batman’s on/off love interest, Catwoman. Although, when Catwoman did appear in her own film, it was via a tale which included only a smidgen of burglary and absolutely no participation from the Dark Knight.
Released in 2004, with Halle Berry in the title role, Catwoman instead focused on a former designer named Patience Phillips who is transformed into an anti-hero. In the movie, Patience is left for dead after uncovering a secret her employer does not want exposed, but rather than bite the big one she is instead revived by a cat and given cat-like abilities.
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Harley Quinn
Next up is Harley Quinn – a former girlfriend of the Joker who became so popular with fans she was able to ditch the Clown Prince of Crime to forge her own destiny on film and television.
Initially appearing as part of a villainous ensemble in 2016’s Suicide Squad, alongside the likes of Deadshot and Killer Croc, it quickly became clear to studio execs that Harl was the big draw. As such, Harley – as played by Margot Robbie – became a key figure in 2020’s Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), as well as 2021’s The Suicide Squad.
But it didn’t just stop there. Harley Quinn also jumped over to television for a successful, self-titled animated sitcom. The show saw Harley get caught up in various capers, often with Poison Ivy or Clayface by her side, and usually with hilarious results.
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Joker
Back to movies and in 2019, the Harlequin of Hate, the Jester of Genocide, the Ace of Knaves better known as the Joker took to the big screen for a solo movie detailing his origin. Or one possible origin – there’s no definitive origin for Mr J.
Either way, Joker appeared in his own picture with Joaquin Phoenix taking on the part of Arthur Fleck, aka the eponymous Joker. The role bagged Phoenix an Academy Award and led to a sequel, 2024’s Joker: Folie à Deux, which co-starred Lady Gaga as Harleen ‘Lee’ Quinzel.
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The Penguin
Back to television for this next one, and after playing the role of Oz Cobb, aka the Penguin, in 2022’s The Batman, actor Colin Farrell reprised the role for a limited series. The show – simply titled The Penguin – focused on Oz’s rise to power and explored his role as a powerful player in Gotham City.
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Clayface
And then there was Clayface – a body horror about actor turned monstrous killer, Matt Hagen. In the film, Hagen is disfigured by mobsters, undergoes an experimental treatment to restore his looks, and goes on a killing spree.
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about Batman villains. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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