Scarlett Johansson Set to Join “The Batman Part II” as Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman Reportedly Bows Out

In a major shake-up for the DC superhero landscape, Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in final negotiations to join the cast of Matt Reeves’ highly anticipated sequel, The Batman Part II. This move marks a significant transition for the A-list actress, who is widely known for her decade-long tenure as Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Johansson is expected to star opposite Robert Pattinson, who will reprise his role as the brooding Bruce Wayne/Batman. While her specific role is being kept tightly under wraps, her involvement adds considerable star power to the gritty crime saga.

The Mystery Role: Friend or Foe?

The secrecy surrounding Johansson’s character has ignited a flurry of speculation among fans and industry insiders. Early reports suggest her role could be a new love interest for Bruce Wayne, filling the void left by the departure of a key character from the first film. However, some rumors indicate a twist, suggesting her character might initially appear as an ally before being revealed as a villain.

Several iconic DC characters have floated in the rumor mill as possibilities for Johansson. Top contenders include Andrea Beaumont, also known as the vigilante The Phantasm, a character with deep emotional ties to Bruce Wayne from the acclaimed animated film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. Other possibilities mentioned include the eco-terrorist Poison Ivy, reporter Vicki Vale, or Bruce Wayne’s classic comic book love interest, Julie Madison. While some reports have downplayed the possibility of her playing Poison Ivy, the exact nature of her role remains one of the sequel’s biggest mysteries.

Catwoman Not Expected to Return

Amidst the excitement of Johansson’s potential casting, reports have also emerged that Zoë Kravitz is not expected to return as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in The Batman Part II. This development is not entirely surprising to those who remember the conclusion of the 2022 film, where Catwoman chose to leave Gotham City behind, riding off on her own path separate from Batman’s crusade. Her absence in the sequel leaves ample narrative space for a new significant female character to enter Bruce Wayne’s life.

Production and Release Details

The Batman Part II is once again directed by Matt Reeves, who co-wrote the script with Mattson Tomlin. The film is scheduled to begin production in the spring of 2026. Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Pattinson and Johansson share the screen, as the movie is currently slated for theatrical release on October 1, 2027.

The addition of a star of Johansson’s caliber signals Warner Bros.’ continued commitment to building out Matt Reeves’ distinct “BatVerse,” which exists separately from the main DC Universe being developed by James Gunn and Peter Safran.

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