Scarlett Johansson has joined the cast of The Batman 2, a move that will prevent her from participating in two other previously planned movies. The change in Johansson’s schedule, tied to her new commitment to Matt Reeves’ 2027 sequel, places the Scarlett Johansson The Batman 2 connection at the center of these recent film industry shifts.
Johansson Signs On for Matt Reeves’ The Batman 2
The upcoming film, The Batman Part II, is set to release in United States theaters on October 1, 2027. Johansson’s role is being kept secret for now, but with Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios helming the project and Robert Pattinson returning as Bruce Wayne, her addition has fueled speculation. Many have wondered if Johansson could portray a villainous love interest opposite Bruce Wayne, though this remains unconfirmed. The screenplay is co-written by Matt Reeves and Mattson Tomlin, ensuring continuity with the original film’s style and tone.
Projects Johansson Is Leaving Behind Due to Scheduling Conflicts
Scarlett Johansson’s involvement in both The Batman 2 and director Mike Flanagan’s new Exorcist movie—each set to begin shooting in 2026—means she is unable to work on two other films. Her demanding schedule, impacted by these high-profile commitments, has forced a change of plans for several productions.
According to Jeff Sneider of The InSneider, Johansson will no longer portray Mother Gothel in the live-action Tangled remake. Reports indicated back in October 2025 that she was close to accepting this role, especially as the adaptation—directed by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman and Better Man—returned to active development after an earlier pause. This musical project had been a potential new avenue for Johansson before The Batman 2 schedule solidified.
Moreover, Johansson has exited the indie film Featherwood, in which she had been slated to play a heroin addict turned FBI informant in a true-crime drama. The project, set to be directed by Andrea Arnold, was announced in 2024, but became uncertain after Arnold’s departure from the film in September. As stated by an insider,
“and the chance to work with Arnold was a big reason why Johansson signed on to that project.”
The absence of Arnold effectively ended Johansson’s involvement as well, stripping the movie of both its star and its director.
No Release Dates for Tangled or Featherwood
Neither the live-action Tangled nor Featherwood currently has a set premiere date, leaving both projects in limbo. With Johansson’s departure, casting and development will inevitably face setbacks and some uncertainty about their futures.
As The Batman Part II approaches production, with Robert Pattinson returning and Johansson slated for a major role, the film becomes an increasingly significant focal point for DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. Johansson’s decision to focus on this high-profile project reshapes the landscape for the other films, leaving large roles uncast and impacting schedules for directors like Michael Gracey and, previously, Andrea Arnold. The industry now watches to see which actors might step in and how these projects will evolve without Scarlett Johansson’s star power.
