Scarlett Johansson is reportedly being considered for a significant part in the highly anticipated Batman 2 film, sparking widespread speculation about her potential character in Matt Reeves’ follow-up to the successful 2022 reboot. News of Johansson’s possible casting for an undisclosed role, alongside Robert Pattinson’s return as Bruce Wayne, comes at a time when Zoe Kravitz is not expected to reprise her role as Catwoman, thus opening discussions about which classic or original figures might appear in the next chapter.
Scarlett Johansson’s Possible Shift from Marvel to DC
Johansson, known for her iconic performances as Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is reportedly in negotiations for a role in Batman 2. This move suggests a notable career transition as she departs from her Marvel identity, especially after the apparent conclusion of her character’s storyline in Avengers: Endgame and the prequel film Black Widow. Her recent projects also include a leading role in Jurassic Park Rebirth and an upcoming appearance in Mike Flanagan’s new Exorcist film, underscoring her continued visibility within major film franchises.
Director Matt Reeves, celebrated for revitalizing the Batman series alongside Robert Pattinson, will return to helm the sequel. The decision for Zoe Kravitz not to return as Catwoman has generated further buzz, fueling conversations about the direction the storyline may take and how Johansson’s addition could shape the dynamic within Gotham City. Alongside the headline actors, figures such as Matt Reeves, Mike Flanagan, and Zoe Kravitz remain central to the film’s unfolding narrative.
Widespread Fan Theories Surrounding the Mystery Character
Although no official details have emerged regarding Johansson’s character, social media platforms like X and Reddit have become breeding grounds for speculation and analysis. Enthusiasts have compiled a diverse list of characters from Batman lore—ranging from famous figures to lesser-known deep cuts—who could fit the profile Johansson is being considered for. This uncertainty has only heightened intrigue, with prominent names like Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy), members of the Court of Owls, and others surfacing in countless fan conversations involving key entities such as Samantha Vanaver, Mary Turner, and Lady Arkham.
The Most Popular Fan Predictions for Johansson’s Role
Leading the pack is Andrea Beaumont, also called Phantasm, who first appeared in the 1993 animated film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. As a vigilante targeting crime bosses in Gotham, Beaumont’s storyline intertwines with Bruce Wayne’s, providing an emotionally charged dynamic for the film, although casting Johansson in this dual identity could challenge the secrecy that Phantasm’s character requires.
Pamela Isley, better known as Poison Ivy, is another frequently suggested choice. While fans have expressed a desire to see this character explored beyond Uma Thurman’s 1990s portrayal, Poison Ivy’s supernatural abilities might not align with Reeves’ more realistic and grounded Batman universe. Reports circulating in industry outlets suggest that Johansson is unlikely to take on this botanical villain, prompting speculation toward different figures.
Some theorists have pointed to Samantha Vanaver, introduced in the 2015 animated Batman & Robin movie as the Grandmaster of the criminal Court of Owls organization, as a compelling option. William Cobb, Talon, Cressida Clarke, or Mary Turner—who later becomes a member of the Birds of Prey—are also thought to be contenders. Johansson might embody one of these personalities, each bringing a different dynamic to Gotham and its famed vigilantes.
With the Birds of Prey team featuring names like Batgirl, Black Canary, Huntress, and Harley Quinn, fans have wondered whether Johansson’s role could tie into this ensemble, although introducing another Harley Quinn seems unlikely given Margot Robbie’s and the upcoming Joker 2’s portrayals. Nevertheless, the potential for crossover with established favorites keeps theories lively among those tracking developments around the DC universe and Gotham’s ever-expanding roster of characters.
Vicki Vale, another prominent name from Batman’s extensive history who has previously been portrayed by Kim Basinger, is speculated as a possible new direction. Vale, a journalist and sometimes love interest for Bruce Wayne, might require fresh characterization to match Johansson’s recent filmography, which has leaned toward strong, action-driven figures. An alternative version, Lady Arkham—originally Vicki Vale reborn as Victoria Arkham in the Batman: The Telltale Series games—represents a more radical and antagonistic possibility, expanding the intrigue about how Johansson’s casting could reimagine a previously familiar role.
The notorious League of Assassins and its members have also entered the discussion. Talia al Ghul, daughter of Ra’s al Ghul and a frequent adversary of Batman, carries a legacy of cinematic appearances, most notably by Marion Cotillard in The Dark Knight Rises. Other family members like Nyssa al Ghul, who have appeared in television adaptations such as Arrow and Gotham, further broaden the range of possibilities.
Julie Madison, as Bruce Wayne’s earliest comic book girlfriend, emerges as a blank canvas for fresh storytelling—her relative obscurity could afford Johansson and Matt Reeves creative freedom. Meanwhile, Tommy Elliot, also known as Hush, presents an opportunity for gender-swapped casting, with the supervillain’s deep ties to Bruce Wayne’s past matching early comments about the sequel’s narrative direction. Paul Dano’s Riddler from the first film shares several traits with Hush, which may influence how future plotlines unfold if Johansson were to take on a similarly enigmatic adversary.
What Johansson’s Involvement Could Mean for Batman 2 and the DC Universe
The casting of Scarlett Johansson in Batman 2 would represent a significant addition to the growing interconnected world that DC and director Matt Reeves are striving to build. Her transition from the Marvel universe, particularly after the prominent death of Natasha Romanoff and her work in various blockbuster films, brings both star power and potential for fresh narratives within Gotham City. Johansson’s involvement renews curiosity about Bruce Wayne’s allies and adversaries, as well as the thematic direction the new film may pursue.
As Batman 2 moves closer to production and speculation continues, fans and industry watchers alike remain attentive to further announcements, eager to see which beloved or unexpected characters Johansson may help bring to life. The intersection of legendary figures like supervillains, vigilantes, and reporters promises to reshape the landscape of DC films, setting the stage for future storytelling built around both tradition and surprise in Gotham’s shadowy world.
Won't be Poison Ivy, by the way… https://t.co/TtuJB04XfO
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) December 3, 2025
