If you’re even remotely familiar with the Batman mythos, then you’re well aware of how the Dark Knight and his allies boast what is arguably the deepest rogues gallery in all of comics. Fortunately for fans of animation and the Gotham TV series, we’ve seen many of the villains making it up, yet the film franchise hasn’t really gotten past the usual suspects.
Thankfully, Birds of Prey will chart some new territory in a big way, as The Wrap has just revealed that none other than Black Mask will be the primary threat in the team-up flick set to unite the likes of Black Canary, Huntress and Rene Montoya with Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn.
What’s interesting about this situation is that diehards have been calling for Roman Sionis to make his big screen debut since the days of The Dark Knight Trilogy, so I imagine that some of you reading this will feel a sense of vindication at long last. Plus, I actually do notice that whenever stories such as those saying the Penguin will be the chief antagonist in The Batman hit the web, there are invariably a few people demanding Black Mask in the comments sections on social media. Well, rest easy, folks, because you’ve finally won.
For those unfamiliar, this tough customer first arrived on the scene in the pages of Batman #386 back in 1985, and has since gone on to be one of the most ruthless players in Gotham’s underworld. Naturally, he’s appeared in countless comics since, but it’s recommended that you check out the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood for a quick primer, or play through the video game Batman: Arkham Origins, in which he was also prominently featured if you’re looking for something more readily available.
Right now, no actors are circling the part of Black Mask, nor does Birds of Prey have a concrete release date, but we expect to learn much more in the coming months. As always, keep watching this space.