Scarlett Johansson, known for her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is reportedly negotiating for a high-profile part in DC Universe‘s upcoming film The Batman Part II, directed by Matt Reeves. As the buzz continues, this potential move would bring Johansson alongside Robert Pattinson, who returns as the Dark Knight, with filming scheduled to begin in the spring, making the Scarlett Johansson DC Universe role a focal point for fans and industry observers alike.
Johansson’s Marvel Legacy and Her Stance on Returning
Through multiple Marvel films, including the huge box office hits The Avengers in 2012 and Black Widow in 2021, Johansson firmly established herself as Natasha Romanoff. Yet she has consistently emphasized that her chapter as Black Widow is over after the character met a dramatic end during 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. Her words in March added clarity to persistent fan speculation:
“Natasha is dead. She is dead. She’s dead. Okay?”
– Scarlett Johansson
“[Fans] just don’t want to believe it. They’re like, ‘But she could come back!’”
– Scarlett Johansson
Past Legal Disputes with Disney and Marvel
In late 2021, Johansson resolved a widely publicized conflict with Disney, who owns Marvel, after she filed a lawsuit alleging a contract breach. Johansson claimed the simultaneous release of Black Widow in theaters and on Disney+ violated her agreement, arguing her compensation was tied to box office performance and she had been promised a strictly theatrical debut.
Openness to Marvel Work Behind the Scenes
While Johansson has closed the door on returning as an actor within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she has expressed an interest in being involved on the production side. During the Cannes Film Festival, she explained her attraction to stories combining action with emotional connections, referencing both Black Widow and themes from her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great:
“I think the movies that I like, that are big action movies, also have the human connectivity piece,”
– Scarlett Johansson
“Even producing Black Widow and being a part of the production of that, and the development of the story, and the story between Natasha and Yelena [Florence Pugh]… [there is,] I think, a way of doing it, a way of maintaining the integrity of the idea of human connection, family, disappointment, all of the things that were themes in [her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great], and doing it in a giant way in a giant universe — there’s ways of doing that… So, yeah, definitely, it could be, it would be fun.”
– Scarlett Johansson
Inside The Batman Part II: Production and Cast Updates
If confirmed, Johansson’s appearance in The Batman Part II would mark her return to action films, but for the rival comics brand. The script, completed by Matt Reeves and Mattson Tomlin, sets the tone for a new chapter, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav announced that production will get underway in spring 2026. The sequel is targeted for an October 1, 2027 release, with Pattinson starring again as Bruce Wayne, but co-star Zoë Kravitz – known for her role as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in the first film – is anticipated to be absent according to recent Variety reports.
Johansson’s Future Projects and Continuing Influence
Outside the DC Universe, Johansson’s career momentum continues as she leads Mike Flanagan’s fresh take on The Exorcist. The new film, part of Universal and Blumhouse’s attempt to reinvent the franchise after scrapping previous sequel plans, is scheduled to film in New York City. According to Flanagan, this installment will introduce a completely original narrative within The Exorcist universe, further diversifying Johansson’s portfolio.
The Broader Industry Impact and What Lies Ahead
Scarlett Johansson’s potential shift from Marvel to DC marks a significant cultural and industry moment, especially given her history with Marvel, her well-publicized dispute with the Walt Disney Co., and her evolving roles behind and in front of the camera. With influential figures like David Zaslav and creative partners such as Matt Reeves and Mike Flanagan shaping her upcoming projects, Johansson’s decisions may influence casting and production trends across franchises. As anticipation builds for updates on The Batman Part II, fans and industry stakeholders will be watching closely for confirmation of this major development in the superhero film world.
