Matt Reeves’ highly anticipated The Batman – Part II continues to gain momentum, and the latest update has taken fans by surprise. A major Marvel Cinematic Universe star is reportedly in talks to step into the gritty Gotham of Robert Pattinson’s Batman — and all signs point to Scarlett Johansson potentially joining the cast of the 2027 DC sequel.

This unexpected casting rumor has sparked huge interest across social media and Google searches, signaling that Reeves’ Elseworlds franchise may be expanding with powerful new characters, deeper conflicts, and a much darker storyline than the first movie.

Scarlett Johansson Rumored for a Key Role in The Batman – Part II

According to early industry reports, Scarlett Johansson is expected to begin work on The Exorcist before shifting into production for The Batman – Part II, which starts filming in 2026. While the studio has not confirmed her casting, the buzz surrounding her involvement is growing rapidly — especially because her role is being kept strictly confidential.

With the secrecy surrounding this casting, it’s highly likely Johansson would take on a major DC character. However, there’s also one more twist: early reports suggest that Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman may not return for the sequel. This has not been confirmed by Matt Reeves or DC Studios, but it has fueled widespread speculation that Johansson could be stepping into a new female lead role for Gotham.

Most Popular Fan Theories About Who She Might Play

Search trends indicate that fans are speculating Johansson could portray:

• Harvey Dent’s assistant or a GCPD official
• Andrea Beaumont (The Phantasm)
• Poison Ivy in a grounded, realistic form
• A new original character, created by Reeves specifically for the saga

Since Reeves’ universe avoids supernatural elements, the most likely choice is a character that fits the noir, grounded tone of Gotham.

Returning Cast Members and the Tone of the Sequel

The Batman – Part II will see the return of several major characters from the first film, including:

• Colin Farrell as The Penguin
• Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth
• Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon
• Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman

The sequel will follow events taking place shortly after The Penguin HBO spin-off series, continuing Reeves’ grounded, crime-thriller approach.

In a 2025 interview, Reeves revealed that both he and co-writer Mattson Tomlin are pushing the story even deeper into the dark psychology of Bruce Wayne. Reeves teased that the film will explore areas of Batman’s character audiences “haven’t seen before.” According to him, even the script is kept in a locked pouch to maintain secrecy — highlighting just how ambitious this sequel is.

Will Mr. Freeze Be the Main Villain?

Google Trends show that “Mr. Freeze Batman Part II” remains one of the most searched fan theories. The film is set during winter in Gotham, leading many to believe that Mr. Freeze may be the primary antagonist.

While James Gunn has confirmed that characters like Hush won’t appear, he has not ruled out Mr. Freeze. Reeves’ grounded take could translate Freeze into a tragic, realistic villain rather than the sci-fi version traditionally seen in comics.

Possible grounded reinterpretations fans expect include:

• A scientist conducting illegal cryogenic experiments
• A criminal using cold-based weaponry for heists
• A personal tragedy connected to Gotham’s corrupt elite

A Major Year for DC’s Elseworlds Universe

The Batman – Part II is set to release on October 1, 2027, making it one of two major DC films that year. The other is James Gunn’s Superman: Man of Tomorrow, arriving months earlier.

Despite the DCU reboot, Reeves’ Batman universe remains part of the DC Elseworlds label — a separate creative branch where filmmakers can tell darker, standalone stories.

What Scarlett Johansson’s Casting Could Mean for the Franchise

If confirmed, Johansson joining The Batman – Part II would be a massive shift for DC. Not only would it bring one of Marvel’s most iconic stars into a rival franchise, but it could also open doors for:

• New female-led story arcs
• More emotional depth for Bruce Wayne
• A possible trilogy-ending setup
• Higher global box-office projections due to Johansson’s massive fan base

Her involvement would also signal DC’s commitment to elevating quality talent within its darker, more artistic Elseworlds projects.

With production beginning in 2026 and its release date set for 2027, The Batman – Part II is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated superhero films of the decade. Whether Scarlett Johansson is joining the cast or not, Matt Reeves’ sequel promises deeper psychological storytelling, brutal winter-set action, and a continuation of one of the most grounded versions of Batman ever put on screen.

More casting news is expected soon and fans are watching closely, so stay tune wih FilmBuzzr!