Erik Messerschmidt chosen as cinematographer for Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II

Following Greig Fraser’s departure from The Batman: Part II due to his commitment to shooting all four of Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles films, Matt Reeves’ sequel has officially secured a new cinematographer. As reported by The InSneider, Oscar-winning director of photography Erik Messerschmidt has been selected to take over duties on the highly anticipated sequel.

Messerschmidt is expected to wrap production on David Fincher’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth by January before transitioning directly into Reeves’ project, with filming planned to begin between February and March 2026. His previous collaborations with Fincher — including Mindhunter, Mank, and The Killer — along with his work on Michael Mann’s Ferrari, have cemented his reputation for meticulous, atmospheric, and visually controlled filmmaking. Industry observers note that his style aligns well with the grounded, noir-driven aesthetic established in Reeves’ 2022 film.

Ruimy described the choice as “inspired,” noting that Messerschmidt’s precision and tonal command should complement the cinematic foundation laid by Fraser, whose visual work on The Batman was widely acclaimed. Fraser’s original cinematography received strong praise from peers, including legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins. In a 2023 interview, Deakins remarked that The Batman featured “the best cinematography of 2022,” expressing surprise that the film was overlooked for Oscar recognition, which he attributed to “snobbery” toward major franchise films.

Fraser’s departure marks a shift for the sequel, though his extensive credits — Dune, Dune: Part Two, Zero Dark Thirty, Foxcatcher, and Vice, among others — attest to the high bar set for the franchise’s visual identity. Messerschmidt’s arrival suggests Reeves intends to maintain the stylistic rigor and shadow-heavy mood that characterized the first installment.

Production on The Batman: Part II is expected to begin in early 2026, with Robert Pattinson returning as Bruce Wayne. Official casting announcements, plot details, and confirmation of the film’s central villain have yet to be revealed, though updates are anticipated in the coming weeks.