In a major casting development for the DC Universe, Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in negotiations to join the cast of the highly anticipated sequel, 'The Batman Part II'. If finalised, she would star opposite Robert Pattinson's Caped Crusader, marking a significant crossover for the actor from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Sequel Details and Production Timeline
According to industry reports, the film will once again be directed by Matt Reeves, who helmed the 2022 blockbuster. The sequel is expected to begin principal photography in the spring of next year. Warner Bros. is already eyeing a theatrical release date in October 2027.
Reeves' first film, which introduced Pattinson's darker take on the iconic hero, was a massive commercial success. It opened in March 2022 and went on to earn an impressive USD 772 million at the global box office. The script for the sequel was completed in June by Reeves and his co-writer, Mattson Tomlin.
High Security and Casting Shifts
The director has emphasised extreme secrecy surrounding the project. Speaking at the Emmys in September, Reeves revealed the lengths taken to protect the script. He mentioned it was stored in "a secret pouch that literally has a lock on it with a code... everything is high security." He expressed immense pride and excitement for this new chapter.
While details of Johansson's potential role are being tightly guarded, her entry signals a major move for the franchise. Sources also indicate that Zoe Kravitz's Catwoman is unlikely to return for this instalment, paving the way for new characters.
Johansson's Career Momentum and DC Debut
This potential deal represents a notable shift for Scarlett Johansson across comic-book universes. She is globally renowned for her iconic portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in the Marvel films. Joining the DC slate would be a pivotal moment in her career.
The two-time Oscar nominee is coming off a major box-office win with 'Jurassic World Rebirth', which crossed USD 800 million worldwide. She is also slated to appear in the upcoming reboot of 'The Exorcist'. Beyond franchises, Johansson has expanded her horizons as a director. Her directorial debut, 'Eleanor the Great', premiered at Cannes, and she will next be seen in James Gray's 'Paper Tiger'.
The addition of a star of Johansson's calibre to 'The Batman Part II' is expected to generate tremendous buzz and could significantly shape the future of DC's cinematic projects.
