Scarlett Johansson in negotiations to star in 'The Batman 2': All you need to know about the Robert Pattinson sequel

Matt Reeves 2022 adaptation of The Batman brought audiences a darker, noir-inspired take on Gothams vigilante, earning $369 million domestically and $772 million globally. Robert Pattinson's portrayal of the brooding superhero received strong critical acclaim, scoring 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic, marking a notable success for a character who has patrolled Gotham since 1939.

Following the success of the first film, Warner Bros. greenlit a sequel. However, production has faced several setbacks, pushing back the release schedule by at least a year. Fans are now eagerly awaiting updates on The Batman 2, including reports that Scarlett Johansson is in preliminary discussions to join the cast.

The sequel was officially announced at CinemaCon in April 2022, shortly after the first films release. Pattinson is set to return as Bruce Wayne/Batman, with Reeves co-writing the script alongside Mattson Tomlin and directing. Toby Emmerich, former head of Warner Bros., praised the teams vision, stating that audiences would be taken back to Gotham in a fresh, compelling way.

Other returning cast members include Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner James Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell reprising his role as the Penguin. Wright and Serkis have expressed excitement about returning, while Farrells involvement was confirmed at a 2024 Comic-Con panel for the HBO spin-off The Penguin.

On December 3, 2025, reports emerged that Johansson may join the sequel, marking her first major comic-book role since Black Widow (2021) and her appearances in the Avengers franchise. Details about her character remain undisclosed, though speculation suggests she could be a new love interest for Bruce Wayne.

Filming for the sequel was initially slated to begin in November 2023 but was delayed due to Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Pattinson has indicated that production will likely start in late 2025. Shooting is planned to take place at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England, the same location used for parts of the first film.

There were additional rumors linking Pattinson to Dune: Part Three, but sources clarified that his involvement in Dune will not interfere with the Batman sequels schedule. Originally set for an October 2, 2026 release, The Batman 2 was postponed to October 1, 2027, allowing more time for preparation and filming. Alejandro Gonzlez Irritus untitled project with Tom Cruise will occupy the 2026 release slot.

The sequel, temporarily referred to as The Batman: Part II, is now untitled, as Reeves continues refining the script. Previous Batman films avoided numbered titles, following a tradition seen in Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), Batman & Robin (1997), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).

In June 2025, Reeves and Tomlin shared a blurred title page of the script on social media with the caption "Partners in Crime (Fighters)," confirming that the screenplay is complete. Pattinson joins the legacy of actors who have portrayed Batman on the big screen, including Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowery, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck.

Analysis: The Long-Awaited Sequel to "The Batman" Faces Multiple Challenges

Matt Reeves’ 2022 adaptation of "The Batman" was a major success, redefining Gotham's vigilante through a darker, more noir-inspired lens. However, as anticipation builds for the sequel, the production journey has been anything but smooth. Despite positive reception and solid box office earnings, the follow-up has encountered several obstacles, including delays and potential cast changes. These factors contribute to an increasingly complex roadmap for what many hope will continue the franchise's success.

The sequel, initially slated for November 2023, was postponed due to the impact of both the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes. These labor disputes disrupted production schedules across Hollywood, and “The Batman 2” was no exception. Robert Pattinson, who continues to captivate audiences as Bruce Wayne, has indicated that filming is now likely to begin in late 2025. As a result, the anticipated release date has shifted from October 2026 to October 2027, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the film's timeline.

Adding to the intrigue, Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to join the cast, marking her first major comic-book role since her iconic portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While details of her character remain under wraps, speculation about her role, potentially as a love interest for Bruce Wayne, has sparked significant interest. Yet, with Johansson’s involvement still unofficial, and no further details on her character’s development, it’s difficult to predict the impact she will have on the film's narrative.

Despite these challenges, there’s no denying the potential of "The Batman 2." With Reeves at the helm, Pattinson reprising his role, and a talented supporting cast including Colin Farrell, Jeffrey Wright, and Andy Serkis, the film remains one of the most highly anticipated projects in the superhero genre. As the script reaches its final stages, and production begins to take shape, all eyes will be on the next chapter in this reinvented Batman saga.

Sources:

• Scarlett Johansson ‘in talks’ to join ‘The Batman 2’: Everything to know about the Robert Pattinson sequel

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.