The DC Elseworlds is looking more like the golden age of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with every new casting announcement. Deadline exclusively reported on Tuesday that Sebastian Stan was in talks for a role in Matt Reeves’ The Batman: Part II and now rumors claim he could play the villainous Two-Face.
If the deal works out, Stan, who played Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, will likely be reteaming with MCU alum Scarlett Johansson.
Sebastien Stan in Captain America: Civil War – Marvel Entertainment, YouTube
Fan speculation is running high that Reeves’ sequel will draw heavily from The Long Halloween comic series, with Johansson playing Gilda Dent. The InSneider was among the first to claim that the movie will feature Harvey Dent (Two-Face); his wife, Gilda; and Dent’s father. Now Jeff Sneider is suggesting that Stan is up for the role of Harvey Dent, the Gotham City D.A. who is driven mad.
BREAKING: Sebastian Stan joins THE BATMAN PART II! https://t.co/vlioapXaBr
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) January 6, 2026
Last September, Reeves told Variety that The Batman: Part II would probably begin shooting late this spring. However, while Stan is slated to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, which comes out this December, there’s no guarantee that his character will survive the events of that film. If Bucky Barnes isn’t returning in Avengers: Secret Wars, Stan’s schedule may allow him to jump to the other comic book film.
With the casting of Johansson and now the addition of Stan, Reeves is building out his cast with actors who are proven in the genre. But it’s also an implicit critique of how Disney has handled two of the MCU’s more popular characters and the actors who played them.
Unrealized Potential in the MCU
Johansson joined the MCU in 2010’s Iron Man 2. Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, quickly became one of the MCU’s most popular characters. Unfortunately, by the time Marvel was willing to give her a standalone film, the character had already been killed off in Avengers: Endgame. Still, Johansson agreed to return for a prequel.
Black Widow only grossed $379 million worldwide, which Johansson argued was in part because Disney decided to simultaneously release her movie to theaters and streaming on Disney+. Johansson’s contract included a box-office bonus, and she filed a lawsuit against the studio, settling with them for a reported $40 million. Since then, she’s made it clear in interviews that she’s done with the MCU.
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.
Stan has been in the MCU since the first Captain America movie in 2011 and was most recently in last summer’s Thunderbolts*. While the actor hasn’t had contractual battles like Johansson, many fans feel that the Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier character has been similarly mishandled.
Rather than receiving the Captain America shield from Steve Rogers, as the series seemed to be setting up, Anthony’s Mackie’s Sam Wilson was given the shield and title. The Barnes character was made a U.S. senator, which could be argued is incongruous with the Winter Soldier’s past as a brainwashed assassin.
Audiences often felt that neither hero was given the opportunity to reach their full potential. As villains in The Batman: Part II, perhaps Stan and Johansson will have the chance to make an indelible impression.
A Chance for Strong Villains
In The Long Halloween, a series of holiday-themed murders ignite a war between the city’s major gangs. As a consequence, Dent’s mental health begins to deteriorate. After having acid thrown in his face, he finally breaks, becoming Two-Face. It’s later revealed that Dent’s wife began her killing spree in hopes of easing Harvey’s burden and giving them a normal life together.
Cover image from Batman: The Long Halloween – Tim Sale, DC Comics
If this is the direction that Reeves is taking with The Batman: Part II and Stan is cast as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, the actor has the opportunity to give a literally multifaceted performance as one of comics’ most iconic villains. Since the film won’t arrive in theaters until October 1, 2027, fans will likely have to wait until the first trailer to know more.
What would you think of Sebastian Stan playing Harvey Dent/Two-Face in The Batman: Part II? Let us know in the comments!
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This is like the mid to late 90’s when all the WWE superstars showed up in WCW.