The Comics That Inspired Matt Reeves' The Batman

The Court Of Owls are a mysterious, powerful, ancient and violent organisation that have been pulling the strings of Gotham City as far back as the 1600s and may make an appearance in The Batman. They first featured in the 2011 run of Batman comics, The New 52, a reboot of the DC comic universe, written by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, making appearances in Night Of The Owls, Forever Evil and Robin War releases.

While this theory is pure speculation and Reeves has not specifically mentioned the involvement of The Court Of Owls in The Batman, internet rumour is gathering steam as there are possible clues hidden in the teaser trailer released in August 2020.

In the opening section of the trailer, Jim Gordon (and possibly Batman) inspect a greeting card, specifically a Halloween (The Long Halloween?) card, with a picture of an owl on the front and featuring the words "From your secret friend... whoo?" - an obvious bad owl pun.

The other major clue can be seen on Batman's new gauntlets, which appear to feature 'quills,' which bear a striking similarity to those worn by William Cobb, one of the 'Talon' assassins used as enforcers for the Court.

The Court spent years establishing themselves with bases of operation hidden within almost every building of importance in Gotham, aided by the Alan Wayne Trust, founded by Bruce's great grandfather. The Court therefore have links to Bruce Wayne/Batman and could be the major players pulling the strings of The Riddler and other high ranking officials within Gotham.