In one of the biggest casting moves of the year, Deadline has confirmed that Scarlett Johansson is in final negotiations to join Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II alongside Robert Pattinson.
It’s the crossover nobody expected—Marvel’s former Black Widow stepping into the gritty, noir-driven Gotham that Warner Bros. and Reeves have built. As the conversation spreads, fans are already wondering what this means for the franchise’s direction, especially now that chatter has intensified about Johansson possibly portraying Andrea Beaumont, better known as the Phantasm.
Scarlett Johansson is rumored to play Andrea Beaumont in ‘THE BATMAN – PART II’ pic.twitter.com/iih71dyqH0
— TheBatPics (@TheBatHome) December 3, 2025
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Deadline reports that Johansson is deep in talks for a new character in the sequel currently set for an October 1, 2027 theatrical release. While no plot details or character names are available, the studio remains tight-lipped with no comment.
Johansson’s would-be arrival marks another major evolution for Reeves’ universe, which launched successfully in 2022. That film—powered by Pattinson’s brooding take on the Dark Knight and supported by Zoë Kravitz’s Selina Kyle—became a surprise post-lockdown hit. It pulled $369.3 million domestically and $772M worldwide, cementing the franchise as one of Warner Bros.’ most valuable grounded properties.
Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) in Marvel Studios’ BLACK WIDOW, in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access. Photo by Jay Maidment. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
But while Pattinson’s return has been assured for years, Kravitz’s status is far less certain. Warner Bros. has not announced her return, and industry insiders increasingly believe that Selina Kyle will not appear in the sequel. With no confirmation and no leaks to suggest a signed deal, it’s becoming widely expected—though not formally stated by the studio—that Kravitz is unlikely to return as Catwoman in The Batman Part II. This shifts the casting landscape dramatically and leaves room for a new central female lead to anchor the sequel.
And that’s where the speculation comes into play.
Fans Think Johansson Is Playing the Phantasm — Here’s Why
Across social media platforms, fan forums, and even in the comments beneath the Deadline article itself, the most consistent theory is that Johansson will portray Andrea Beaumont, the tragic love interest-turned-vigilante introduced in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.
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Fans argue the role requires the kind of emotional depth and commanding presence Johansson brings, and the timeline fits with Reeves’ noir sensibilities.
If true, it’s a bold move. The Phantasm is one of the most revered characters never before adapted into live-action. Reeves’ style—a mixture of detective grit, methodical pacing, and psychological edge—would be an ideal tonal match for a character defined by tragedy, revenge, and moral ambiguity.
A Busy Franchise Future for Johansson
If Scarlett Johansson officially signs on for The Batman Part II, her 2026–2027 schedule becomes even more aggressive. She’s already attached to a new Exorcist film from Mike Flanagan, and has been riding high from headlining Jurassic World: Rebirth, which pulled in $868 million worldwide.
The Batman Confronts The Penguin in The Batman – YouTube, Warner Bros. Pictures
With The Batman Part II slated to begin filming in spring 2026, the timing lines up for a busy year for the former Marvel star who once sued Disney.
What This Means for Reeves’ Gotham
Matt Reeves has always favored character-driven stories over bombastic spectacle, and adding someone of Johansson’s prestige suggests the sequel may double down on emotional stakes. If Kravitz does not return, Johansson’s character—whether Andrea Beaumont or someone entirely new—will likely play a pivotal role in shaping Bruce Wayne’s next chapter.
Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) in Marvel Studios‘ BLACK WIDOW, in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access. Photo by Jay Maidment. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
And while Warner Bros. isn’t saying a word, the online buzz is doing all the heavy lifting.
Johansson joining Pattinson in Gotham would be a reshuffling of the franchise’s core dynamic. Whether she brings the Phantasm’s haunting mask with her or not, one thing is certain: Gotham is about to get far more unpredictable.
Do you think Scarlett Johansson will appear in The Batman Part II? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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