Why 'The Batman 2' Needs to Take Fan-Favorite Characters to the Next Level
Jeffrey Wright's portrayal of GCPD Lieutenant Jim Gordon in The Batman 2 has fans eager to see more of his character But how can Gordon evolve and strengthen his bond with the Dark Knight in Matt Reeves' upcoming film?
In Matt Reeves' The Batman, alongside the dynamic performances of the Caped Crusader, Catwoman, Riddler, and Oswald Cobblepot, Jeffrey Wright's portrayal of Jim Gordon was a standout with his understated yet commanding presence. Like previous interpretations, Gordon's partnership with Batman and their joint efforts in solving crimes was a key aspect of his character.
Throughout the Batman franchise, various actors have taken on the role of Gordon, from Pat Hingle's comedic portrayal in Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's films to Gary Oldman's emotionally charged performance in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. In The Batman, Wright effectively showcased Gordon's dedication and professionalism as a Lieutenant in the GCPD, but there is room for even further exploration in the sequel.
Jim Gordon should have a bigger story
In The Batman, Wright's portrayal of Gordon draws similarities to The Dark Knight Trilogy, portraying him as a seasoned veteran of the GCPD who shares a strong bond with Batman due to his unwavering commitment to bringing Gotham City's criminals to justice. However, their relationship is not without its challenges, as Gordon must navigate the corrupt nature of his fellow police officers who are either against Batman's vigilantism or are dirty cops themselves. Despite these obstacles, Gordon remains a central figure in the film due to his unique detective skills that are unmatched by anyone else. Through their partnership, Gordon and Batman work together to unravel the mysteries behind The Riddler's cryptic clues and his selection of victims, resulting in some compelling scenes that highlight their effective teamwork. Additionally, the film provides some comic relief in the form of Gordon's witty humor, such as when he persuades Batman to punch him in the face to create a diversion and escape from the police.
The Batman's latest version showcases the main character as a rising hero in his second year on the job, portraying him as already having a strong and effective partnership with Gordon. In the upcoming sequel, there is potential to delve into the backstory of how the two met and began working together, possibly through flashbacks or subtle hints. Additionally, there is room to expand on Gordon's story by exploring his past experiences, such as his start in the military, his early days as a cop in the GCPD, and the criminals he has pursued and apprehended. The sequel could draw inspiration from the television series Gotham, which focused on a young Jim Gordon navigating his way through the GCPD and facing off against notorious villains like Riddler and Penguin. Reeves could develop Wright's Gordon as a morally sound police officer who has had past run-ins with some of the most dangerous foes, including those incarcerated in Arkham Asylum. Gordon's personal relationships, such as those with Barbara Kean and Lee Thompkins from Gotham, as well as his daughter Barbara Gordon and son James Gordon Jr. (who becomes a sociopathic serial killer in Batman: Year One), could all add complexity to his role in the GCPD within Reeves' film series.
Give Jeffrey Wright more to do
In The Batman, Jeffrey Wright's portrayal of Gordon was impressive, showcasing his signature calm demeanor and balanced mix of humor, intelligence, and seriousness. However, his character could have been given more to do in the sequel, including action sequences that would highlight his strength and toughness as a cop, as well as his combat and marksmanship skills from his military experience. Additionally, his confrontations with criminals and key villains at Arkham Asylum would be crucial in demonstrating Gordon's interrogation tactics. While Wright's role as Leiter in the 007 movies was admirable, he could have been given more screen time to further develop his companionship with James Bond. The Batman series has a unique opportunity to make Wright's Gordon a pivotal franchise character, impactful towards Batman's journey but also a key player with an essential backstory.
Further develop Gordon and Batman's friendship
The dynamic between Wright's Gordon and Pattinson's Batman was a standout element of the first film, akin to the partnership between Pitt and Freeman's detectives in Se7en. The duo's different yet complementary approaches to fighting crime make for an intriguing relationship, as they learn from each other and rely on their respective strengths. This bond is reminiscent of Bale's Batman and Oldman's Jim Gordon, who also developed a close relationship over time. However, in order to set itself apart from Nolan's films, The Batman sequel could explore the challenges and ethical dilemmas that arise when two crime-fighters with differing methods team up in a corrupt city. Despite the formidable foes that Batman will face in Gotham, Gordon will undoubtedly remain a trusted ally.
