The Batman: Part II Director Matt Reeves Clarifies: Cristin Milioti Not Returning

It’s a bittersweet day in Gotham. While the excitement for The Batman: Part II continues to build, a shadow has been cast with some disappointing news. Cristin Milioti, whose performance as Sofia Falcone in The Penguin absolutely stunned audiences and earned her an Emmy, will not be appearing in the highly anticipated sequel.

Milioti’s portrayal of the vengeful mob heiress was nothing short of astonishing. She brought a raw, electric energy to the role, creating a character who was both terrifying and tragically human. The thought of her bringing that same intensity to the big screen alongside Robert Pattinson’s Batman was a thrilling prospect.

So, what happened? Why leave such a dynamic, fan-favorite character on the cutting room floor before filming even begins? According to director Matt Reeves, it all came down to timing.

Why Isn’t Sofia Falcone in The Batman: Part II?

In a recent interview, Matt Reeves shed some light on the difficult decision. He explained that by the time Milioti’s brilliant performance in The Penguin was fully realized, the script for The Batman: Part II, co-written with Mattson Tomlin, was already deep into development. The story was set, the narrative path chosen.

At the 2025 Emmy Awards, talking to Josh Horowitz of Happy, Sad, Confused, Reeves confirmed, “Cristin’s not in this one, but that’s because we were so deep into the script by the time we were in the show. But we’ll see. I mean, I think what she did in the show is just astonishing. That character, I mean, creating. So it would be really exciting to do something with her.”

It’s a classic case of creative logistics. Trying to shoehorn such a significant character into an already established plot could have done a disservice to both Sofia’s arc and the new film’s core story. Reeves’s comments paint a picture of a filmmaker protective of his vision, unwilling to compromise the integrity of the sequel’s narrative, even for a character he deeply admires. And you have to respect that, even if it hurts.

The Future of Sofia Falcone in Reeves’s Bat-verse

While the news is a letdown, Reeves didn’t completely close the door on Sofia Falcone’s future. He was full of praise for both Milioti and The Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc, who created this specific, unforgettable version of the character.

“I think what she did in the show is just astonishing,” Reeves gushed. “So, it would be really exciting to do something with her.”

That “we’ll see” from Reeves offers a glimmer of hope. The world he’s building is expansive, and the critical acclaim for The Penguin proves there’s a huge appetite for these deep dives into Gotham’s criminal underworld. While Sofia won’t be tangling with the Bat in this next chapter, it’s not impossible to imagine her returning in a potential second season of The Penguin or another spin-off project. Her story feels far from over.

What Does This Mean for The Batman: Part II?

With Sofia out of the picture, speculation about the sequel’s plot intensifies. Reeves has remained tight-lipped, but his focus on a specific, uninterrupted story suggests a focused and deliberate plot. We know Robert Pattinson is donning the cowl again, and while Colin Farrell’s Penguin will reportedly have a minor role, the absence of a major player like Sofia Falcone leaves a power vacuum.

Who will be the primary antagonist? What new threats will emerge from the shadows of a city still reeling from the Riddler’s flood? Fans have thrown out names from Clayface to Hush to the Court of Owls. Whatever direction Reeves and Tomlin have chosen, it’s one they’re committed to fully exploring without distraction.

It’s a tough pill to swallow. The electrifying chemistry between Gotham’s heroes and villains is the lifeblood of this universe. Losing a character as compelling as Milioti’s Sofia Falcone feels like a missed opportunity. But if it’s in service of a stronger, more coherent film, we have to trust the process. For now, we’ll have to be content with re-watching her incredible performance in The Penguin and holding out hope that we haven’t seen the last of Gotham’s Falcone heir.