Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: The Batman: Part II

  • ‘The Batman-Part II’ Circling Another MCU Star for Its All-Star Cast

    ‘The Batman-Part II’ Circling Another MCU Star for Its All-Star Cast

    It may have taken a little longer than anticipated to get The Batman-Part II ready to roll but it’s beginning to look like it may have been worth the wait.

    According to Deadline, MCU vet Sebastian Stan has entered into talks to join the cast of The Batman-Part II. While the trade report didn’t reveal the nature of the role, it’s believed that Stan will portray Gotham’s White Knight, Harvey Dent.

    Harvey Dent is a prominent character in DC Comics, best known as the tragic hero who transforms into the villainous Two-Face. He first appeared in Detective Comics #66 in 1942, created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Before his descent into crime, Harvey Dent was Gotham City’s youngest and most dedicated District Attorney. Known as the “White Knight” of Gotham, he was a close ally of both Batman and Commissioner James Gordon. Together, the three formed a secret pact to dismantle Gotham’s organized crime families from within the legal system.

    The turning point in Dent’s life occurred during the trial of mob boss Sal Maroni. In an act of desperation, Maroni threw sulfuric acid at Dent, hideously scarring the left side of his face. This physical trauma, combined with repressed mental health struggles (often portrayed as dissociative identity disorder stemming from childhood abuse), caused a total psychological break and turned Dent into Two-Face, a criminal mastermind obsessed with duality.

    News of Stan’s potential casting comes less than a month after fellow longtime MCU star Scarlett Johansson joined Matt Reeves-helmed sequel. Following her casting, industry insider Jeff “The In” Sneider reported that Johansson was set to play Gilda Gold, most famous for her role in Jeph Loeb’s seminal graphic novel The Long Halloween (which heavily influenced Matt Reeves’ first film). In a shocking twist at the end of that story, it is implied (and confessed by her) that she was the original “Holiday” killer.  She is a tragic figure, deeply in love with Harvey but constantly terrified of his dangerous work fighting the mob. In The Long Halloween, she secretly murdered gangsters on holidays to thin out the mob’s ranks. Her goal was not power, but to lighten Harvey’s caseload so he could finally retire, and they could start a family.

    Dent has been a central figure in nearly every Batman film or television series, including Batman: The Animated Series in which he was given a deeply sympathetic backstory that established his “Big Bad Harv” alternate personality before the accident that turned him into Two-Face.

    Following the news of Stan’s casting, social media was abuzz with the possibility that it may portend the demise of Bucky Barnes in either Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. Currently a member of the Thunderbolts/New Avengers, Barnes’ death would serve as a potential catalyst for multiple plot points, including convincing Steve Rogers to get back in action.

    Source: Deadline

  • Scarlett Johansson’s ‘The Batman-Part II’ Role Reportedly Tied to a Major Batman Villain

    Scarlett Johansson’s ‘The Batman-Part II’ Role Reportedly Tied to a Major Batman Villain

    In early December, trades confirmed a report by Nexus Point News that Scarlett Johansson was set to join the cast of the long-awaited sequel to 2022’s The Batman. As further details about the character emerged, fans began to theorize that Johansson would be portraying The Phantasm, an original character created Alan Burnett and Paul Dini for the 1993 animated film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. As exciting as that idea was, it turns out it may not be the case.

    According to a new report from longtime industry scoopster Jeff “The In” Sneider–who first reported that Johansson would be a love interest for Robert Pattinson‘s Bruce Wayne before being revealed as a baddie–ScarJo will be playing a different femme fatale in The Batman-Part II.

    Sneider’s latest claim is that Johansson will be playing Gilda Gold, aka Gilda Dent.

    Gilda is most famous for her role in Jeoh Loeb’s seminal graphic novel The Long Halloween (which heavily influenced Matt Reeves’ first film). In a shocking twist at the end of that story, it is implied (and confessed by her) that she was the original “Holiday” killer.  She is a tragic figure, deeply in love with Harvey but constantly terrified of his dangerous work fighting the mob. In The Long Halloween, she secretly murdered gangsters on holidays to thin out the mob’s ranks. Her goal was not power, but to lighten Harvey’s caseload so he could finally retire, and they could start a family.

    Matt Reeves’ Gotham is grounded, noir-heavy, and focused on detective work. Gilda Gold fits this world perfectly while also allowing for the introduction of Harvey Dent into the Batman Epic Crime Saga. If the sequel leans into the noir genre, as most expect it will, Gilda could play the classic femme fatale—a mysterious woman from Harvey’s past or a socialite with deep secrets who draws Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent into a conflict and, ultimately, serve as a tragic catalyst for the rise of Two-Face.

  • Scarlett Johansson Joins Robert Pattinson in ‘The Batman-Part II’

    Scarlett Johansson Joins Robert Pattinson in ‘The Batman-Part II’

    As Matt Reeves The Batman sequel prepares to begin principal photography early next year, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars is poised to join the project.

    According to Nexus Point News, Scarlett Johansson will star alongside Robert Pattinson in the 2027 film.

    NPN’s report was confirmed by Deadline, who added that Johansson‘s role in The Exorcist was initially throwing a hitch in the giddy up but is no longer an obstacle. As you might expect, nobody knows who ScarJo will play in the film but Poison Ivy will certainly be the odds on favorite until we learn otherwise. Additional reports have indicated that Johansson will be playing a villain in the film with Andrea Beaumont among fan favorite options.

    Source: NPN

  • ‘The Batman-Part II’ Rumored to Be Moving Ahead without One Major Star

    ‘The Batman-Part II’ Rumored to Be Moving Ahead without One Major Star

    Just as fans finally received a positive update about the highly-anticipated sequel to 2022’s The Batman, along comes a potential downer. With Matt Reeves‘ script having been completed and approved for production by DC Studios co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran, production on the film was confirmed to begin in Spring 2026 ahead of its October 2027 release. However, a new rumor suggests that one key cast member from the first film won’t be on set.

    According to Jeff “The In” Sneider, Zoe Kravitz, who played Bruce Wayne’s love interest, Selena Kyle/Catwoman in 2022′ The Batman, will not be in the sequel.

    “At last week’s Caught Stealing junket, journalists were asked by publicists not to ask Zoe Kravitz any questions about The Batman Part II because ‘she’s not in it and doesn’t know anything,’ per a source,” said Sneider.

    Sneider went on to caution that the rumor should not be taken as gospel given theeas-than-honest reputation of publicists. “No word on whether that’s true, as we all know publicists lie, but that’s the word on the street. Just saying! Don’t shoot the messenger.”

    While Sneider’s warning does ring true, in this particular instance, a publicist lying about an actress returning for a sequel seems like overkill. Given the size of her role in The Batman and the reminder of her character’s importance to Gotham in The Penguin, it would seem as though her return would be LESS surprising than her absence.

  • ‘The Batman Part II’ Finally Gets an Encouraging Update

    ‘The Batman Part II’ Finally Gets an Encouraging Update

    After months of rumors, speculation and non-sensical bullshit, the sequel to Matt Reeves 2022 The Batman finally has been given an official update.

    In a letter to Warner Bros. Discovery’s shareholders, CEO David Zaslav revealed that “The Batman II’ (2027) is preparing to begin shooting next spring,” finally providing some good news about the highly-anticipated sequel, which is slated for an October 1, 2027 release.

    In film, James Gunn is busy preparing the next installments of the DC super family, including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026), Clayface (2026) and the next Wonder Woman. In addition, The Batman II (2027) is preparing to begin shooting next spring, among several other projects in development. The 10-year vision for the DC universe also includes an exciting array of television projects, including The Penguin, the upcoming new season of ‘Peacemaker,’ and the debut of ‘Lanterns’ in 2026. In a precise and measured way, the DC franchise will increasingly overlay across the studio’s broader efforts: from film and TV to consumer products, games, experiences and social.

    -Warner Bros. Discovery shareholder memo

    Originally planned for an October 3, 2025 release, the film’s theatrical debut was delayed until October 2, 2026 in March 2024 and then, in December 2024, was moved again into 2027.

    Source: Deadline

  • Matt Reeves Confirms When ‘The Batman Part II’ Will Begin Production

    Matt Reeves Confirms When ‘The Batman Part II’ Will Begin Production

    Recent news about the state of the sequel to 2022’s The Batman has raised concerns among fans. Direct word from DC Studios’ co-CEO James Gunn indicated that writer/director Matt Reeves had not turned in a complete script yet and with the Gunn having made it clear that projects will not be given the green light to move into production without completed and approved scripts, buzz started to grow that The Batman Part II may not make its 2026 release date.

    That concern was alleviated to some extent when World of Reel shares news that the film was on track for a May 2025 start of principal photography and that the project is expected to “blow away” fans of the Caped Crusader. However, as encouraging as that was, nothing is officially official until it’s official…and now it’s official.

    In an interview with The Batman co-star Zoe Kravitz, Reeves confirmed that while he has not completed the script for The Batman Part II, principal photography remains on track to get underway in 2025.

    “Yeah, we’re finishing the script. We’re going to be shooting next year,” Reeves said in response to Kravitz inquiring as to if he was writing the script for the sequel.

    As World of Reel reported, a May 2025 start of filming would allow for the film’s star, Robert Pattinson, to complete his obligations on Christopher Nolan‘s next project in time to prepare for his return as Vengeance. Should things stay on track, The Batman Part II should have no problem meeting its October 2, 2026 release date.

    Sources: World of Reel, Variety

  • What to Expect from the Future of the DCU and When To Expect It

    What to Expect from the Future of the DCU and When To Expect It

    Beginning in 2024, James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Studios will launch the DC Universe. In an effort to make more cohesive shared universe, the DCU will connect streaming series, video games and films through narrative threads. Though Gunn and Safran are building a new, interconnected continuity, there will still be DC projects produced outside of this continuity (such as Matt Reeves Batman Epic Crime Saga) under the Elseworlds banner.

    What’s next for DC Studios? Who’s recently joined the cast of your most anticipated series or film? Where can you find the teasers and trailers? Look no further, true believers. Everything you need to know about the future of the DCU has been collected for you here. Click on each logo to learn what we currently know about the upcoming DCU projects.

    Chapter One: Gods and Monsters

    Elseworlds

    Projects set outside of the main DCU continuity, the Elseworld projects allow artists to tell stories without attempting to weave them into the DCU’s narrative tapestry.

  • RUMOR: ‘The Batman Part II’ Finds Its Two-Face

    RUMOR: ‘The Batman Part II’ Finds Its Two-Face

    It’s hard to imagine a live-action Batman film franchise without Harvey Dent. Indeed, iterations of the character have already inhabited the Burton-verse and Nolan-verse, helping the charismatic wild card join the Joker, the Riddler, the Penguin and Catwoman as household names among Batman’s rogues gallery. Rumors have persisted that Matt Reeves‘ The Batman Part II might feature the character and given the Gotham created by Reeves in 2022’s The Batman it’s easy to imagine Dent could play an integral role in the sequel. Now a rumor from an unfamiliar and unproven source suggests that DC Studios has found their man to fill the Elseworld’s role.

    A quick check of IMDB shows that a stunt double and a personal assistant for Boyd Holbrook are listed for The Batman Part II. According to Medium’s “source”, Holbrook has joined the cast as Harvey Dent, though they mention that DC has declined to comment. Of course, taken by itself, IMDB can be misleading if not entirely unreliable, and time will bear out the reliability of Medium as a source for breaking news.

    Previously, Josh Hartnett and Joel Edgerton had been rumored to be up for the role of Harvey Dent. With the release date having recently been moved forward a year to October 2, 2026, it’s possible that both of those of actors became unavailable, forcing DC to go looking for someone else to fill the role. According to Medium, that same release date shift allowed Holbrook’s schedule to be cleared up for the role.

    Source: Medium

  • Matt Reeves ‘The Batman: Part II’ Gets Release Date, New Designation

    Matt Reeves ‘The Batman: Part II’ Gets Release Date, New Designation

    As part of DC Studios’ big slate rollout, the sequel to 2022’s The Batman was given an official release date and an interesting new designation. The film, The Batman: Part II, will release in theaters on October 3, 2025 under the banner of DC Elseworlds.

    The new DCU will be a functional multiverse but projects which are not in the same continuity as projects like Superman: Legacy and The Brave and The Bold will be designated as DC Elseworlds stories, a designation taken straight from the comics. DC co-chair Peter Safran explained the concept during a press event in Los Angeles.

    The DCU, as we can see it, is a multiverse. But we’re going to be focusing on one universe within that multiverse. We’ll incorporate, as I said, some of the actors and characters from the past but mostly we’re going to cast new. Now if something is not DCU – if it’s blatantly adult like Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ or Matt Reeves’ ‘Batman’ or ‘Teen Titans Go,’ those properties we’re going to label clearly as DC Elseworlds just like the comics do. We’re going to be very clear. The bar is going to be very high for projects that are going to be outside the DCU, the Elseworlds projects, but every now and again, there’ll be something that lives up to that. And we’ll make that film or television series.

    Peter Safran

    While its likely that most projects approved by Gunn and Safran will fall in the main continuity of the DCU, the Elseworlds designation will provide an interesting path forward for creator driven projects such as Joker and The Batman in the future.

    Source: The Wrap