In a major casting development that has sent shockwaves through the superhero film community, acclaimed actor Sebastian Stan is reportedly in advanced talks to join the cast of The Batman Part II. The sequel, directed by Matt Reeves, is one of the most anticipated films in the DC Studios pipeline.
From Marvel's Winter Soldier to Gotham City?
According to an exclusive report from the industry publication Deadline, negotiations are underway that could see Stan join the gritty world of Gotham. If successful, he would star alongside Robert Pattinson, who is returning as Bruce Wayne/Batman, and fellow Marvel alum Scarlett Johansson.
Stan is globally recognised for his long-running role as Bucky Barnes, also known as The Winter Soldier, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His potential move to a major DC project marks a rare cross-franchise leap for an actor of his calibre. While DC Studios has not officially commented, the news has ignited intense speculation about his possible role.
Who Will Sebastian Stan Play?
The character Stan is being considered for remains a closely guarded secret. However, strong industry speculation points towards Harvey Dent, the idealistic Gotham City District Attorney who eventually transforms into the scarred villain Two-Face. This iconic role has not been officially verified but would represent a substantial and central part in the film's narrative.
Stan's casting, alongside Johansson's, represents a significant shift. It brings performers who defined the recent era of Marvel superhero cinema into a DC franchise that has so far maintained a distinct, separate identity. The Batman Part II is classified as an "Elseworlds" project, operating with creative autonomy outside the main DC Universe being built by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Details of The Batman Sequel
Matt Reeves returns to write and direct the sequel, which continues the grounded, noir-inspired tone of the 2022 original. That film was a massive commercial success, earning over $770 million worldwide and cementing Pattinson's version of the Dark Knight as a fan favourite.
Warner Bros. has scheduled the film for a theatrical release on October 1, 2027. Production is slated to begin in the spring of 2026. The returning cast from the first film is expected to include:
- Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot/The Penguin
- Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner James Gordon
- Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth
Barry Keoghan's Joker may also make an appearance, though his involvement is not yet confirmed. Johansson's role, announced last year, is also undisclosed, with rumours suggesting a character connected to Gotham's legal or political circles, potentially intersecting with Harvey Dent's story.
A Strategic Casting Trend
Industry analysts see Stan's potential casting as part of a broader trend where studios leverage actors with massive, established fan bases from rival franchises to elevate their tentpole projects. Stan's critically praised work beyond superhero films, in movies like I, Tonya and A Different Man, also showcases the versatility he could bring to the darker, complex themes Reeves is expected to explore.
As fans eagerly await official confirmation, the mere possibility of Sebastian Stan entering the shadowy realm of The Batman Part II has already made it one of the most talked-about films in development.
