Greig Fraser, the acclaimed cinematographer known for his work on films like Dune, The Batman, and Rogue One, has decided to embark on a monumental project that will take him away from the Gotham universe. Fraser will join Sam Mendes to work on a series of four films about the Beatles, a commitment that is reportedly expected to take about two years.
Nananana, not Batman!
The news of Fraser’s departure from The Batman II has caused concern among the production team, as his visual vision was fundamental to the success and uniqueness of the first film. His distinctive style, which included the innovative use of LED technology known as the Volume, helped create the unique atmosphere of The Batman. Production of the sequel is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, which means director Matt Reeves will need to find a new director of photography before that date.
Actor Josh Brolin, in a recent appearance on the podcast On Film…, confirmed that Fraser was committed to the Beatles project, which further limits his availability for additional projects, including Dune: Part 3. This commitment suggests that the cinematographer will be completely absent from the superhero world for a considerable time. However, the details of who might succeed Fraser in the cinematography of The Batman II are still uncertain.
Fans of the Batman saga have reasons to feel disappointed, given that Fraser’s involvement was a key factor in the visual style that defined the first installment. With his departure, the aesthetic of the new film may differ from what fans expected. Although Reeves’ talent as a director promises to maintain quality, Fraser’s loss feels like a blow to the creative team that made The Batman such a standout work in the superhero genre.