Scarlett Johansson in Talks to Join The Batman Part II: A Bold Shift from Marvel to DC

The Former Black Widow Eyes a New Era Opposite Robert Pattinson as Matt Reeves Expands His Dark, Gritty Gotham

Scarlett Johansson may soon be trading the red hourglass for the shadows of Gotham. PEOPLE has confirmed that the Oscar-nominated actress is in talks to join Matt Reeves’ highly anticipated The Batman Part II, starring Robert Pattinson. The film is expected to begin shooting this spring, marking Johansson’s first major leap from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to DC’s ever-expanding film universe.

Johansson, beloved for her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff across numerous MCU films—including The Avengers (2012) and Black Widow (2021)—has made it clear she won’t be returning to the role after her character’s emotional death in Avengers: Endgame. “Natasha is dead. She is dead. She’s dead. Okay?” she emphasized earlier this year, addressing fans who still hope for a comeback.

Her separation from Marvel was further cemented in 2021 after she resolved a high-profile legal dispute with Disney over the hybrid release of Black Widow, which she argued impacted her box-office-linked compensation. Yet, despite closing the door on acting in the MCU, Johansson has expressed openness to returning behind the camera for Marvel if the right opportunity arises.

Now, she may be stepping into a new universe entirely. Details of her potential role in The Batman Part II remain tightly under wraps, but the casting conversation alone signals a major crossover moment for superhero cinema. Johansson would join a darker, more grounded Gotham crafted by Reeves—one that captivated audiences in 2022 with its noir-driven storytelling and Pattinson’s brooding take on the Caped Crusader.

Reeves announced in June that the script—co-written with Mattson Tomlin—was complete, with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav later confirming filming will begin in spring 2026. The sequel is set for release on October 1, 2027, with Pattinson returning as Batman. Notably, Zoë Kravitz’s Selina Kyle is not expected to appear in the next installment.

Beyond Gotham, Johansson is also diving into horror. Director Mike Flanagan recently announced she will star in his new Exorcist film, marking another major reboot attempt for the iconic franchise. The movie—its seventh in over 50 years—will feature an entirely new storyline within the Exorcist universe and is scheduled to shoot in New York City.

As Johansson explores new horizons—from supernatural horror to potentially donning a role in DC’s darkest narrative—her move signals a transformative new chapter in her already remarkable career. Whether she ultimately steps into Gotham’s shadows remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Scarlett Johansson is far from done making bold cinematic moves.