After a decade defending the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson may soon swap her superhero suit for Gotham’s shadows. Sources indicate that the Oscar-nominated actress is in final negotiations to join ‘The Batman Part II’, directed by Matt Reeves, opposite Robert Pattinson, who will reprise his role as the Caped Crusader.
While details of her character remain tightly under wraps, insiders suggest that Johansson is considering one of the “new roles” crafted for the sequel. Production is slated to begin in spring, with the film scheduled for release on October 1, 2027. Neither DC Studios nor Warner Bros. have commented on the negotiations.
Johansson has been carefully planning her 2026 schedule to accommodate multiple high-profile projects. Alongside The Batman Part II, she is set to star in Blumhouse’s upcoming ‘Exorcist’ reboot under director Mike Flanagan. Sources confirm that her team has successfully navigated potential scheduling conflicts, allowing her to pursue both franchises simultaneously.
This would mark a significant shift for Johansson, who has spent years at the centre of the Marvel Universe. Yet her post-MCU career has been anything but quiet. She recently appeared in ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’, which grossed $868 million worldwide, and has a sequel already in development. She also made her directorial debut with the Sony Pictures Classics drama ‘Eleanor the Great’, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Later this year, she will be seen in James Gray’s ‘Paper Tiger’, co-starring Miles Teller and Adam Driver.
‘The Batman’, Reeves’ first instalment, was Warner Bros’ post-Covid theatrical flagship, grossing $369 million domestically and $772 million worldwide. Johansson’s addition to the sequel adds yet another layer of anticipation for audiences, who are eager to see how her star power will intersect with Gotham’s dark, gritty world.
