7 interesting facts about Mr. Freeze - The Batman 2’s rumored villain
DC fans have been eagerly awaiting news about The Batman 2 which is scheduled to release sometime in 2027. Before the release of The Batman (2022), viewers were unsure whether Robert Pattinson would be able to fill the boots of his predecessors. However, the success of the DC movie showcased that the actor was more than capable of portraying the complex character of the masked superhero.
The Batman 2 has seen multiple delays so far. One of the biggest factors was the Hollywood strikes in 2023. Writers were only allowed to resume work after the same was resolved. Even though there haven't been a lot of official reports about The Batman 2, it is expected that both Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz will reprise their roles from the first movie.
There have also been several rumors about the villains who might make an appearance in The Batman 2 which include Clayface, Scarecrow, and Mr. Freeze. Fans have become particularly invested in Mr. Freeze as the character has not made a feature film comeback since 1997. In this list, we look at some interesting facts about this intimidating DC villain likely to be featured in The Batman 2.
Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
7 things that DC fans should know about Mr. Freeze who might be one of Batman's adversaries in The Batman 2
1) The Batman 2’s rumored villain was created by Sheldon Moldoff and Bob Kane
Hardcore Batman fans will know that Bob Kane is a big deal because he created the popular superhero along with writer Bill Finger. The reputed comic book writer, animator, and artist also created many more characters for DC Comics including Mr. Freeze. Of course, he shares the mantle with Dave Wood and Sheldon Moldoff.
It is interesting to note that Moldoff was one of Bob Kane's primary "ghost artists" who worked on Batman. He is primarily known for his early work on Hawkman and Hawkgirl. As for Wood, he was a comic book writer who worked on several famous titles throughout his career including Batman, Detective Comics, World's Finest Comics, and more.
Seeing how three talented visionaries from the comic book world envisioned Mr. Freeze, fans can expect the villain to give Batman quite a spot of trouble if he makes it to the final screenplay of The Batman 2.
2) The Batman 2’s rumored villain was first known as Mr. Zero
For long-running comics, it is often the case that creators don't get the supervillain names right the first time around. When Mr. Freeze first debuted in Batman #121 (February 1959), he called himself Mr. Zero.
The character was introduced as a mad scientist whose birth name was unknown. He was attempting to create an ice gun and experimenting with a concentrated freezing solution. However, he suffers from an accident that alters his physiology. Because of this, he is forced to live in sub-zero temperatures.
Whenever he has to face his adversary Batman out in the normal environment, he has to wear a special "cryo-suit" that helps keep him cold. Mr. Zero formed a small gang that carries out criminal activities in Gotham City which involves stealing diamonds and other precious jewels. Fans will find it interesting that the Dynamic Duo, Batman, and Robin, had a hard time against his cold weapons in the comic.
3) The Batman 2’s rumored villain was reinvented in 1992
Many characters from DC Comics have evolved with time and Mr. Freeze is no exception. When the DC Universe was rebooted after the Crisis On Infinite Earths crossover event, writer Paul Dini created a revamped version of Mr. Freeze for Batman: The Animated Series (1992).
In this version, the character comes to be known as Dr. Victor Fries, who is an expert in cryogenics in Gotham City. Fries was shown to be fascinated with cryonic preservation from the time he was a young boy. His hobby of freezing animals horrified his parents who sent him to a strict reform school where he became a victim of bullying.
He regained joy in life only after meeting Nora in college who he marries eventually. However, when Nora contracts a fatal disease, he develops a freeze ray to preserve her until a cure is found, but the experiment is interrupted by Ferris Boyle which results in an explosion that kills Nora. He then becomes Mr. Freeze and swears revenge on all those who are responsible for her death.
4) The revamped version of The Batman 2’s rumored villain gained widespread acclaim
Even though the 1959 version of Mr. Freeze laid the foundation for an interesting supervillain, it was the revamped version that appealed to readers more. This is mostly because Dini's Mr. Freeze had a more detailed backstory that helped fans understand the way his powers and abilities are linked to his expertise in cryogenics.
Another reason the 1992 version of Mr. Freeze gained popularity is because it cemented his status as a tragic villain. This is the same reason why fans of the franchise want him to appear in the upcoming The Batman 2.
Both Batman and Mr. Freeze are conflicted with personal grief. While Bruce uses it to fuel his relentless drive to keep Gotham safe, Mr. Freeze represents the other side wherein grief supersedes everything else. And so, putting Batman up against Mr. Freeze can help in building the former's character arc.
5) Arnold Schwarzenegger played Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin
Both The Batman and The Batman 2 by Matt Reeves fall under the Batman franchise that has seen several movie releases starting from 1943. Batman & Robin was part of the 1989–1997 film series. In this installment, George Clooney replaced Val Kilmer in the role of Bruce Wayne aka Batman. He was joined by Chris O'Donnell and Alicia Silverstone who played Robin and Batgirl respectively.
There were two villains that the superhero trio had to face in Batman & Robin - Dr. Victor Fries aka Mr. Freeze and Dr. Pamela Isley aka Poison Ivy. It is definitely hard to imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze but he manages to pull it off with much gusto and enthusiasm.
Even though he doesn't come as particularly intimidating, he does give viewers plenty of hilarious ice-puns that have been turned into some of the most iconic DC memes of all time.
6) Nathan Darrow played The Batman 2’s rumored villain on the small screen
Most people know Nathan Darrow for his role as Secret Service agent Edward Meechum in House of Cards (2013). However, the talented actor from Kansas City has appeared in many reputed shows throughout his career. In fact, he played Mr. Freeze in Gotham (2014).
Helmed by Ben McKenzie who played Jim Gordon, Gotham followed his early days in the Gotham City Police Department and the events that took place after the murder of Bruce's parents. It specifically focussed on the origin stories of some of the most infamous villains that Bruce has had to face after putting on the black cape.
Unlike Schwarzenegger's Mr. Freeze, Darrow's performance showcased the vulnerable and conflicted side of the character which made him much more formidable. And so, if the character does make a comeback in The Batman 2, fans would want the portrayal to stick closer to Darrow's version.
7) The Batman 2’s rumored villain will likely put a good fight
The Batman was interesting to watch because Robert Pattinson's masked crusader went up against intimidating villains who laid down clever plans that were difficult to overcome. DC fans are hoping that the same dynamic will also come across in the anticipated The Batman 2. And Mr. Freeze will certainly fit the criteria as he is credited with genius-level intellect.
Mr. Freeze has plenty of knowledge about physics, chemistry, neurobiology, medicine, and mechanical engineering, which he can use in his fights against Batman. Even though Bruce can rely on his gadgets, it will be quite a task to overpower Mr. Freeze in close combat as his armored suit increases his strength and durability to superhuman levels.
While it is still unsure whether Mr. Freeze will be featured in The Batman 2, it is certain that fans will get a fight worth watching if the two do end up clashing.
These interesting facts make it clear that Mr. Freeze is indeed a good option for Matt Reeves' The Batman 2 but only time will tell if the rumors turn into a reality.
