The Red Herring: How a Parody Tweet About ‘The Batman Part II’ Delay Fooled Thousands and Sparked Outrage
Introduction: When Gotham Fell for a Tweet
In the unpredictable world of social media, truth and fiction often blur beyond recognition. On November 7, 2025, a viral tweet claimed that The Batman: Part II had been delayed to October 1, 2028—sending shockwaves through the DC fandom.
The post originated from @DiscussingFish, a satirical X account known for fake film “announcements.” Within hours, it amassed over 4.5 million views and 53,000 likes, leaving thousands of fans confused, angry, and—eventually—laughing.
'THE BATMAN: PART II' has been delayed to October 1st, 2028.
— DiscussingFish (@DiscussingFish) November 7, 2025
(Source: https://t.co/noKP61nu17) pic.twitter.com/zZAWtXNsuG
The Viral Tweet That Triggered Panic
“‘THE BATMAN: PART II’ has been delayed to October 1st, 2028.”
It even linked to a Deadline article for credibility. However, that link led to an authentic story confirming the real release date as October 1, 2027. The parody post slyly added a single year to the date—just enough to sound believable.
The attached image showed Robert Pattinson’s Batman emerging from red mist—a dramatic, fear-inducing visual that helped the misinformation spread like wildfire.
Within minutes, fans flooded the thread with disbelief and anger, proving how quickly fake news can travel when emotion overrides verification.
Fan Reactions: Confusion, Rage, and Relief
The fandom’s reaction was a chaotic mix of rage, humor, and exhaustion. Some users vented frustration:
- “You almost gave me a heart attack,” wrote @TheBatmanSagaNW.
- Another fan joked, “We ain’t getting Batman Part II, GTA 6, or the Epstein files… damn.”
As the joke unfolded, others recognized the satire and joined in with memes. Even Opera GX, the gaming browser, commented humorously: “First GTA VI and now this,” attaching a despair GIF.
Eventually, when @DiscussingFish confessed it was a parody, many responded with reluctant admiration for how realistic the prank felt. The tweet became a perfect example of how satirical content can momentarily hijack fan emotions.
Why It Worked: The Psychology Behind the Prank
This prank succeeded because it was close enough to the truth. The Batman: Part II has already faced real delays—originally expected in 2025, now officially set for 2027 due to industry strikes and DC’s internal reorganization.
That context made the fake 2028 delay seem credible. Combined with cinematic visuals and a credible fake source, the prank weaponized the audience’s confirmation bias. Fans already anxious about another delay instantly believed it.
This demonstrates how misinformation thrives on emotional timing—especially in fandoms where anticipation runs high.
The Broader Context: Parody in the Post-Truth Era
The DiscussingFish incident raises serious questions about online culture. Parody accounts have always existed, but in 2025’s information landscape—where AI-generated visuals, clickbait headlines, and viral outrage dominate—it’s increasingly difficult to separate satire from deception.
This event also underscores the importance of media literacy. Knowing how to identify parody and verify sources has become essential for navigating platforms like X, where misinformation spreads faster than ever.
Even the account’s operator admitted feeling conflicted, writing, “The first time I’ve felt an internal moral debate posting one of these. It feels evil. But funny.”
That admission highlights how even creators of misinformation sometimes grapple with the ethical impact of their jokes.
What’s Next for ‘The Batman: Part II’?
Despite the confusion, fans can relax—The Batman: Part II remains scheduled for October 1, 2027. Directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson, the film will continue Gotham’s dark, noir-style storytelling. Rumors suggest the villain Hush may play a central role, with deeper exploration of Bruce Wayne’s fractured psyche.
Production is set to begin in early 2026, promising more updates and likely some official teasers by mid-2026.
FAQs
Q1. Was the delay of The Batman: Part II real?
No. The tweet claiming a 2028 delay was a parody. The official release date is October 1, 2027.
Q2. Who posted the viral fake tweet?
The parody account @DiscussingFish, known for humorous and fake movie updates.
Q3. Why did people believe the tweet?
Because the post looked professional, linked to a real article, and reflected fans’ existing fears about another delay.
Q4. How should fans verify movie news?
Always check official studio accounts and trusted entertainment outlets, and avoid believing viral posts without verification.
Neutral Opinion (Deep, Intellectual Closing Thought)
In the end, this incident is more than a prank—it’s a mirror held up to our digital reality. In an age where the internet rewards speed over accuracy, even intelligent audiences can be misled by a single convincing post. What started as satire revealed the fragility of truth in online spaces, and how emotion often eclipses evidence.
Perhaps the real “villain” here isn’t a Joker-like prankster—but the collective rush to believe before thinking. As Gotham’s Dark Knight reminds us: “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” The same applies to how we share, react, and verify information in a world where every tweet can become tomorrow’s headline.
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