Scarlett Johansson in talks to join 'The Batman Part II' opposite Robert Pattinson; Fans predict The Phantasm or Poison Ivy casting

Scarlett Johansson is reportedly leaving her Marvel superhero days far behind her and is now switching over to the DC Universe.

The actress is in negotiations to join the cast of 'The Batman Part II', the highly anticipated sequel to director Matt Reeves’ 2022 noir-inspired superhero hit. The film will reportedly see Johansson taking over the leading lady's role, opposite Robert Pattinson, who returns as Gotham City's vigilante Bruce Wayne, Variety reports.

Fans speculate Scarlett's role

While Johansson’s role remains under wraps, fans have begun speculating that she may portray Andrea Beaumont, a character known in DC lore as a former love interest of Bruce Wayne who becomes a masked vigilante following her father’s murder by the mob. Others have predicted a casting as Pamela Isley aka Poison Ivy, while still others hint at a Vicki Vale, or Julie Madison role. Warner Bros. and DC Studios have not confirmed character details.

Zoe Kravitz not returning

The report also indicates that Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman is not expected to return for the upcoming sequel, slated to begin production next spring, ahead of its October 2027 theatrical release.

The Batman II script kept under wraps

Reeves’ first instalment opened in March 2022 and became a global box office success, grossing $772 million worldwide. The filmmaker and co-writer Mattson Tomlin completed the script for the sequel in June, with the team reportedly implementing extreme security measures to prevent leaks. Reeves told Variety at the Emmys in September, "We put [the script] into a secret pouch that literally has a lock on it with a code. [Robert Pattinson] was in New York at the time, and everything is high security."

Scarlett's next big franchise

Johansson’s potential casting marks another major franchise to her name. She recently headlined Universal’s box office hit 'Jurassic World Rebirth', which crossed $800 million globally, and will next appear in 'The Exorcist' reboot. She previously played the role of Russian assassin turned superhero Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, in the MCU. She last appearance was in the stand-alone 'Black Widow' film, after her role in 'Avengers: Endgame'.

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