Created by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli for the classic Batman: Year One storyline in 1987, Falcone was a crime lord known as “The Roman” who’d turn out to be an inspiration to both Batman and Catwoman early in their careers. He has reappeared in recent years, and was embroiled in a plot to reclaim his criminal empire by framing Commissioner Gordon for murder and taking down Batman at the same time. But he had no idea who was actually behind the plot, which seems a reasonable summation of his position in the Bat-mythos: a true threat, but rarely the brains behind any given operation.

Reeves has assembled a sprawling cast for The Batman, which will be led by Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne. Zoe Kravitz is set to play Catwoman, Paul Dano is playing Riddler and Colin Farrell is on board as the Penguin. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Wright will play Batman ally Commissioner Gordon, while Andy Serkis is appearing as his trusted butler, Alfred.

Warner Bros. is set to open The Batman on June 25, 2021.

—Graeme McMillan contributed to this story.