Fans are celebrating the all-star cast reveal for The Batman 2 after director Matt Reeves confirmed the addition of Marvel stars Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan, along with Charles Dance, Brian Tyree Henry, and Sebastian Koch. Reeves made the announcement in a series of posts on X on Thursday, using GIFs to introduce each actor. For Johansson, he posted a clip from her 2013 film Under the Skin with the caption: “Next exit, Gotham… Welcome.” Hours later, he confirmed Stan with another GIF and the words: “In a Gotham state of mind… Welcome.” Dance, Koch, and Henry were similarly announced.
The Batman Sequel Details
The original The Batman, released in March 2022, starred Robert Pattinson as a younger Bruce Wayne and Jeffrey Wright as Gotham City police lieutenant Jim Gordon, investigating murders by the Riddler (Paul Dano). The film received largely positive reviews and earned $772 million worldwide. Little is known about the sequel except its release date, now set for 2027 after an initial 2026 target. The sequel will see Pattinson and Wright reprise their roles, alongside Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb (the Penguin), Jayme Lawson as Mayor Bella Reál, and Gil Perez-Abraham as Officer Martinez.
Casting Rumours and Fan Reactions
In December, Johansson was reported to be in final negotiations, while Stan was reportedly in talks to play Harvey Dent, the Gotham district attorney who becomes the villain Two-Face. Reeves has not confirmed the roles. Fans reacted with excitement, with many calling Stan’s inclusion “generational.” One fan on X said: “DC fans about to witness the greatness of Sebastian Stan Marvel fans have been getting for years.” Another wrote: “Few contemporaries can equal Robert Pattinson’s intensity and range. Sebastian Stan is one of them.” A third added: “One of my favourite DC castings maybe ever. The potential is otherworldly for his character.” Johansson’s casting sparked speculation she might play Gilda Dent, Harvey Dent’s wife in the comics. One fan posted: “Let’s goooooo. Welcome Gilda Dent.” Another joked: “Not Scarlett Johansson collecting franchises like infinity stones,” referencing her roles in Marvel’s Avengers and Jurassic World Rebirth.
Production and Release
Production on The Batman 2 is underway in the UK after several delays to the screenplay. Last week, Reeves shared images on X teasing snow-covered set pieces and the Batmobile driving through winter conditions, captioning one photo “#SnowTires”. The film is scheduled for release on 1 October 2027.
