Batwoman became the latest series to join the ever-growing Arrowverse as Kate Kane (Ruby Rose) brings the Bat-universe to The CW on a full-time basis. As the other shows have previously teased certain Bat-characters or even used some of the villains from the Dark Knight’s rogue’s gallery, it hasn’t been until recently where bigger characters have either been referenced or shown.
As season 1 is underway, the DC TV universe has already started to include many of Batman’s famous baddies, with the majority still not having made their proper on-screen debut. But it’s at least confirmed that many of them are still out there.
As the show progresses, it is only a matter of time until more iconic villains begin getting name-dropped or shown. There may even be a point where we might start seeing some of them in the flesh, but that’s probably a good while from now. With that said, these are the 10 confirmed Batman villains that currently exist in the Arrowverse.
Poison Ivy
During the Elseworlds crossover last year, many baddies from the Batman mythos got name-dropped or showcased, especially during the Arkham Asylum scenes. One of them was “P. Isley,” a.k.a. Pamela Isley, who is the villainous Poison Ivy.
It shouldn’t shock anyone that she has probably been in and out of Arkham countless times at this point. If TPTB ever allows it, having Ivy maybe like a big bad in a future season of Batwoman would be a lot of fun, just to see the contrast between her and Kate compared to when she engages with Batman.
Riddler
Similarly to Isley, “E. Nigma” was another inmate of Arkham that we saw the door to last year. Nygma is none other than the Riddler. Before the show got caught up to the events of Elseworlds, Riddler was alluded to as having helped Tommy Elliot figure out that Bruce is Batman.
It’s probably safe to say that Nygma may still be locked up once the season caught up with the Elseworlds timeline. But knowing Riddler, he is probably bound to break out sooner rather than later and we hope to eventually see him in the flesh.
Jane Doe
This one was just recently referenced during the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths: Jane Doe. When Kate goes to see Bruce (Kevin Conroy) of Earth-99, her cousin mentions Jane Doe as being one of their regular villains.
It’s almost safe to assume that Jane Doe also exists on Earth-1 and is someone we may see on the show sooner compared to some of the other foes that have been name-dropped.
Clayface
Basil Karlo was also another inmate of Arkham that we saw the name of in Elseworlds. The Crisis crossover also referenced his super-villain ego Clayface when Kate went to Earth-99.
This will probably be someone that the show will avoid using given the massive CGI work that would need to be done. The big appeal with Clayface is when he is in his monster-form. But never say never when it comes to the DC TV shows.
Catwoman
Selina Kyle is 100% still active as Catwoman and is also hinted at in the 2018 crossover. Catwoman is probably one that viewers will not see in a long time, if at all.
However, imagine what a clash between Catwoman and Batwoman would look like? Given Selina’s complex role as an on-and-off-again baddie/anti-hero, seeing Kate trying to handle her would be interesting, to say the least.
Scarecrow
Jonathan Crane, a.k.a. Scarecrow, had probably the biggest presence during the Arkham visit, without even being seen. Rather than seeing just a name sign, Oliver (Stephen Amell) and Barry (Grant Gustin) get exposed to his hallucinogenic serum that causes them to see their biggest fears.
Scarecrow is someone that would be neat to see the Arrowverse adapt at some point. Given how many times we have seen fear poison be used on some of these shows, it’s only right that we eventually meet the actual Scarecrow at some point.
Mr. Freeze
Victor Fries is one of the Batman villains whose existence has been referenced outside of Gotham City. During The Flash season 5, Thomas Snow (Kyle Secor) references having worked with Victor.
Whether this was before or after he became Mr. Freeze is still unknown. While Victor’s status is a mystery, we did meet his wife Nora (Cassandra Jean Amell) in Elseworlds as well as his famous ice weapon.
Bane
At one point, Bane’s mask can be seen in Arkham Asylum. However, it’s the same one that Tom Hardy wore in The Dark Knight Rises, which raises some questions about this version of Bane.
Was that just one look he went with or has he had multiple ones, including the famous luchador mask? Bane is definitely someone we want to see appear as it would be one of the more dangerous challenges for Kate.
Penguin
Oswald Cobblepot, a.k.a. the Penguin, has also been referenced but with a big bonus. Not only is he one of the regular Arkham residents, but this Penguin actually ended up being mayor of Gotham City at one point.
That’s something that we deserve to see flashbacks of at some point on this show. If The CW ever wants to introduce the Earth-1 version of Oswald that just happens to be played by Gotham’s Robin Lord Taylor, then that would be one way to do pull off a Gotham/Arrowverse crossover.
Joker
It shouldn’t come as a shocker for anyone that Joker has been referenced several times already since the show started. One big twist, however, is that they actually went ahead and gave this Joker a real name that echoes Jack Nicholson’s Joker from Batman ’89.
In this version, Joker was actually Jack Napier before becoming the famous Clown Prince of Crime. Whether or not this Jack shares anything with the version in Earth-89 will likely remain a mystery. Little is known about this version, but certainly, it can’t be long until he makes his presence on screen in one way or another.
