Scarlett Johansson may be trading her Marvel black suit for something entirely different in Gotham City.
Multiple industry trades are reporting that the Oscar-nominated actress is in talks to join The Batman Part II, director Matt Reeves’ highly anticipated sequel now slated for October 1, 2027.
But here’s where things get interesting: nobody knows what role she’s playing.
With Zoe Kravitz reportedly not returning as Catwoman and Reeves promising a villain never before seen on screen, speculation is running wild about which iconic character Johansson might embody.
A Major Casting Coup With Zero Details
Johansson’s potential addition to The Batman Part II represents a massive get for DC and Warner Bros. Fresh off her run launching a new Jurassic World era and starring in Mike Flanagan’s upcoming Exorcist film, she’s riding an impressive career wave.
After spending over a decade as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, crossing over to DC would mark a significant shift. Yet the complete silence surrounding her character has sparked intense debate among fans and industry insiders alike.
Insider Jeff Sneider suggested Johansson “could very well” play a love interest for Bruce Wayne, though he’s also heard she’ll ultimately be revealed as a villain. That duality—romantic interest turned antagonist—opens up several intriguing possibilities within Batman’s extensive rogues gallery.
The Obvious Suspects That Don’t Quite Fit
Poison Ivy keeps getting mentioned, partly because many outlets are using Johansson’s red-haired Black Widow photos to illustrate the story. She ranks among Batman’s most iconic female villains alongside Catwoman and Harley Quinn.
But Poison Ivy presents problems for Reeves’ grounded Gotham. Her plant-controlling powers and eco-terrorist motivations would require substantial reimagining to fit the realistic tone established in the first film.
Harley Quinn seems even more unlikely. Margot Robbie just concluded an extensive run as the character across multiple DCEU films. Warner Bros. would probably prefer letting that version rest before introducing another iteration so soon.
Beyond practical concerns, Harley doesn’t feel like natural casting for Johansson’s typical roles.
Talia al Ghul can essentially be ruled out entirely. Matt Reeves seems determined to avoid retreading Christopher Nolan’s territory, and casting choices would likely reflect Talia’s Middle Eastern heritage more authentically.
Characters With Slightly Better Odds
Huntress represents a more interesting possibility as a vigilante operating in Gotham who frequently crosses paths with Batman. However, Mary Elizabeth Winstead portrayed her just a few years ago in Birds of Prey, which might discourage Reeves from revisiting that character.
Vicki Vale, the intrepid reporter from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman, fits the love interest description perfectly. As a journalist investigating Bruce Wayne and uncovering his secrets, she provides built-in conflict and chemistry.
But would Reeves dedicate major star power to what could feel like a somewhat conventional supporting role?
Silver St. Cloud delves deeper into Batman lore as a socialite love interest who deduces Bruce’s secret identity. She appeared prominently in classic comics from the 1970s and 80s but has never made it to live-action film.
Physically, Johansson could match Silver’s appearance from the comics. The character also brings sophisticated Gotham high society drama that aligns with Reeves’ stated themes about corruption among elites.
What Matt Reeves Has Actually Said
Reeves has dropped several hints about The Batman Part II that help narrow the field. He’s confirmed the film will feature a villain who has never appeared in live-action Batman films before—though Johansson likely wouldn’t play the primary antagonist.
He’s also indicated the villain has connections to Bruce Wayne’s past, and the broader story will explore corruption within Gotham’s wealthy elite.
Those clues point toward two specific comic storylines that fans have been speculating about for months.
The Hush Theory
The Hush storyline centers on Tommy Elliot, a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne who becomes a bandaged villain seeking revenge. Female characters in that arc include Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Huntress, Oracle, Talia al Ghul, and Lady Shiva.
Most have already been ruled out or seem unlikely. Lady Shiva, a master assassin and one of the world’s deadliest martial artists, presents an intriguing option as someone who could challenge Batman physically while maintaining the grounded tone Reeves prefers.
The Court of Owls Theory
Many consider The Court of Owls the most likely adaptation for Part II. This acclaimed storyline involves a secret society of Gotham’s elite families manipulating the city for centuries using trained assassins called Talons.
It checks every box Reeves mentioned: never filmed before, ties to Bruce’s past through the Wayne family legacy, and corruption among Gotham’s upper class.
Female characters from that storyline include:
- Harper Row (Bluebird) – A young electrical engineer who becomes a vigilante ally
- Julia Pennyworth – Alfred’s daughter and a Special Reconnaissance Regiment operative
- Mary Turner/Strix – A female Talon with a tragic backstory
- Martha Wayne – Bruce’s mother, who could appear in flashbacks revealing Wayne family connections to the Court
Julia Pennyworth stands out as particularly compelling casting for Johansson. She’s sophisticated, dangerous, connected to Bruce through Alfred, and could easily serve as both love interest and antagonist depending on her loyalties.
Mary Turner/Strix offers another fascinating angle—a nearly immortal assassin who eventually breaks free from the Court’s control. That gives Johansson meaty dramatic material while keeping action sequences grounded in martial arts rather than superpowers.
The Wildcard Possibility
There remains one other option: Reeves could be creating an entirely original character or substantially reimagining an obscure one. He demonstrated willingness to surprise audiences with his Riddler interpretation, transforming the character into a Zodiac Killer-inspired terrorist.
Johansson’s star power would certainly justify building a unique role specifically for her talents. An original character embedded within Gotham’s elite society who gradually reveals darker connections would align with everything Reeves has teased.
With The Batman Part II still over two years away and filming details tightly guarded, fans face a long wait before learning which mask—or persona—Scarlett Johansson will ultimately wear in Gotham City.