Scarlett Johansson in early talks to join The Batman 2

Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in advanced negotiations to join the highly anticipated sequel to Matt Reeves’ The Batman, a move that would firmly plant the Marvel veteran in the DC universe.

The discussions are reportedly centered on an unknown but major role opposite Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne. Fans and insiders are already buzzing with speculation about which iconic Gotham character the actress will be bringing to life.

For fans of the 2022 film, The Batman launched an exciting new, gritty corner of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Adding an actress of Johansson’s caliber signals the immense scale and star power Matt Reeves is aiming for in the follow-up. This potential casting is being seen as one of the biggest franchise shifts in recent memory.

Here’s what you need to know about the casting news, the potential roles, and what it means for the franchise.

What is Scarlett Johansson’s Potential Role?

The exact role Scarlett Johansson is in talks for remains a closely guarded secret by Warner Bros. and director Matt Reeves, fueling intense fan theories.

However, multiple sources indicate the role is a major one and is linked to the introduction of a new leading female character in Gotham City. This mystery character is widely speculated to be either a new love interest for Bruce Wayne, a major new antagonist, or potentially both.

The buzz around the new character is intensified by reports that Zoë Kravitz is unlikely to return as Selina Kyle, or Catwoman, for the sequel. That previous dynamic was central to the first film, but her character’s departure from Gotham at the end of The Batman leaves an opening.

Johansson stepping into a leading role would be a natural way to fill the void left by Catwoman’s potential absence.

Which Comic Book Characters Are the Leading Fan Theories?

The most frequent and exciting fan speculation points toward Johansson playing Andrea Beaumont, better known to fans as The Phantasm.

Andrea Beaumont is a character originally created for the beloved 1993 animated film, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, which Matt Reeves is known to be a fan of. In that story, she is Bruce Wayne’s college sweetheart who vanishes from his life, only to return years later as the masked vigilante/assassin, The Phantasm, seeking revenge on Gotham’s crime bosses.

This narrative fits the grounded, dark, and emotionally complex tone Reeves established in the first movie. It would also directly tap into Bruce Wayne’s past, which the director explored through the Wayne family’s complex legacy. The Phantasm would allow Johansson to portray a character with a deep, tragic emotional connection to Bruce Wayne, who ultimately turns into an adversarial force.

Other popular possibilities include the iconic eco-terrorist villain Poison Ivy or a vengeful, revamped version of the reporter Vicki Vale (Lady Arkham).

What Does This Mean for the DC Film Universe?

The potential casting of Scarlett Johansson represents a major strategic win for the DC Studios and Warner Bros., following a period of creative and structural reorganization.

Attracting an A-list, globally recognized star known for anchoring a massive, long-running franchise signals renewed confidence in Matt Reeves’s self-contained Batman universe. The Black Widow star’s move from Marvel to DC is a symbolic passing of the torch in the superhero film landscape.

Johansson’s career following her MCU exit has been focused on critically acclaimed projects and major box office hits like Jurassic World Rebirth. Her decision to sign on for a multi-picture commitment in the DC universe would cement the importance of The Batman series.

The sequel, officially titled The Batman: Part II, is scheduled to begin production in the spring of 2026, targeting an October 1, 2027, release date. Matt Reeves is returning to direct and co-wrote the script with Mattson Tomlin. Returning cast members include Robert Pattinson, Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis, and the highly praised Colin Farrell, who has called the sequel’s script a “masterwork.”

What Other Major Castings are Rumored?

The massive buzz around Johansson’s potential involvement is part of a larger, ongoing effort by Matt Reeves to bring more star power to Gotham City.

Reports also suggest that Matt Reeves is currently looking to cast two “middle-aged male antagonists” for the film. Another huge name circulating in the rumor mill is Brad Pitt, who is reportedly being sought for one of these villain roles.

While these remain unconfirmed rumors, it’s clear that Reeves is aiming for an ensemble cast of high-profile actors to challenge Robert Pattinson’s still-new Caped Crusader. Barry Keoghan is also heavily rumored to return as the Joker, who was briefly introduced at the end of the first film.

Final Thoughts

The combination of Pattinson, Farrell, Keoghan, and potentially Johansson and Pitt promises a sequel with an unparalleled level of star power and dramatic potential.

The new additions suggest a larger, more sprawling conflict for Batman as he tries to maintain order in a post-Riddler Gotham. The focus on introducing new antagonists and a primary female lead strongly suggests that The Batman: Part II will move beyond the core relationships of the first film. It sets the stage for Bruce Wayne to face new emotional and physical challenges.

The studio is likely aiming for a film that feels bigger in scope while retaining the dark, grounded storytelling that made the first installment such a critical and commercial smash hit. This is a casting development that fans on both the Marvel and DC sides of the aisle will be watching closely.

TL;DR

• Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in advanced negotiations to join the cast of The Batman: Part II in a major, currently undisclosed role.
• Her casting would mark a huge jump from her iconic Black Widow role in the MCU to the DC universe.
• The actress’s potential role is speculated to be either a new love interest for Bruce Wayne, a major villain, or a combination of both.
• The leading fan theories for her character include Andrea Beaumont (The Phantasm), Poison Ivy, or a version of Vicki Vale/Lady Arkham.
• Johansson’s entry, alongside rumors of other A-list targets like Brad Pitt, highlights the prestige of Matt Reeves’ Batman universe.
• The sequel, starring Robert Pattinson, is scheduled to start production in spring 2026 for an October 1, 2027, release.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.