Scarlett Johansson will take on a mysterious new part in The Batman 2, but the Scarlett Johansson Batman 2 role was originally offered to a different Academy Award-winning actress. The upcoming DC Studios film, set for a 2027 release in United States theaters under the direction of Matt Reeves, features Robert Pattinson returning as Bruce Wayne.
Emma Stone Passed on the Key Role Now Headed to Johansson
Before Johansson was announced, Emma Stone reportedly received the first offer for this significant, yet secretive, character in The Batman Part II. According to entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider, Stone declined the opportunity, though her exact motivations remain unconfirmed, raising speculation about possible issues with compensation. Sneider noted that Stone, who has won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performances in both La La Land (2017) and Poor Things (2024), sought competitive pay for high-profile projects, citing her interest in Marvel’s Fantastic Four as an indicator of her financial expectations.
“I know [Stone] wanted a big payday for Marvel’s Fantastic Four movie, and I imagine she’d want the same for The Batman Part II,”
Jeff Sneider, Entertainment Journalist.
“…As a two-time Oscar nominee, Johansson doesn’t exactly come cheap, but I’ve heard whispers that she may have taken a lower salary upfront for The Batman Part II in exchange for points on the backend, ultimately betting on the success of the sequel. It’s unclear whether Stone was willing to make a similar concession or if the role simply didn’t speak to her.”
Jeff Sneider, Entertainment Journalist.
While the official details of Johansson’s character remain undisclosed, speculation points towards her possibly portraying a villainous love interest for Bruce Wayne. There is no confirmation from DC Studios or Warner Bros. Pictures on the nature of the role, and neither Stone nor Johansson have commented publicly on the casting switch.
Returning Cast Members and Production Timeline for The Batman 2
The Batman 2’s creative team includes co-writers Matt Reeves and Mattson Tomlin. The sequel will bring back Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell as the Penguin. However, Zoe Kravitz is not expected to return as Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman. The start of film production is scheduled for this coming spring.
The film is slated to debut in United States on October 1, 2027, continuing the narrative established in Reeves’ original 2023 film. This project reunites several Oscar-recognized talents, prominently featuring Scarlett Johansson following the nearly landed involvement of Emma Stone, both celebrated actresses known for roles in Birdman, La La Land, and other acclaimed performances.
What Johansson’s Casting Means for the Sequel
Scarlett Johansson’s addition to The Batman 2 marks a noteworthy development after Emma Stone’s decision to pass on the role. The behind-the-scenes negotiations, including rumored salary discussions and backend deals, reflect the tense dynamics that can influence high-profile casting choices for major studios like Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios. With a new character introduced by Johansson and key cast members returning under the direction of Matt Reeves, anticipation is building as production draws near for the next chapter in the Batman saga.
