Sebastian Stan Joins The Batman 2

The next Marvel star is joining the cast of "The Batman 2". As Deadline magazine reports, Sebastian Stan is in talks for a role in the highly anticipated sequel. Details about his character or the scope of the role are not yet known. Industry insider Jeff Sneider, however, is talking about Harvey Dent aka Two-Face.

This would also fit perfectly with the role of MCU colleague Scarlett Johansson. The actress has been repeatedly linked to Gilda Gold, Harvey Dent's wife, in recent weeks. In addition to the two new additions, fans can also look forward to a familiar face: according to Variety, Barry Keoghan will once again take on the role of the Joker.

Filming on "The Batman 2" is set to begin in spring this year, while the movie is scheduled to be released on October 1, 2027. In addition to Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, other cast returnees have also been confirmed. They include Colin Farrell as Penguin, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth and Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon.

Why is "The Batman 2" taking so long?

"The Batman" was released in cinemas in March 2022. Expectations were high – and at the same time there was a lot of skepticism. Robert Pattinson of all people as the new Bruce Wayne? Despite numerous crazy roles: For many, he was still the glittery vampire from "Twilight". But the result convinced many: director Matt Reeves succeeded in creating a dark reinterpretation and one of the most sophisticated superhero films of recent years.

It quickly became clear that a sequel was coming. But this is not under a good star. "The Batman 2" was actually supposed to be released on October 3, 2025. At least that was the official word in January 2023, but time passed and little was heard. Then came the writers' strike in Hollywood – and with it the standstill for "The Batman 2" for the time being.

However, it seems that good things take time. Matt Reeves is not only the director, but also the screenwriter for part 2 – and the script just wouldn't get finished. And without a script: no production. Backing came from DC boss James Gunn, who expressed his complete confidence in Reeves and his vision. In June 2025, the good news finally came: the script was finished.

The new villain

The question of all questions is: Who is the villain in "The Batman 2"? According to Matt Reeves and screenwriting partner Mattson Tomlin, it was clear from the start that Bruce Wayne would be at the center of the sequel. The pair chose the new antagonist on this basis. The antagonist is to delve deep into Bruce's life and past. So far, Reeves has not revealed exactly who it is. He only revealed this much: it is something that has never been realized in a film before.

That leaves plenty of room for speculation. In our eyes, Hugo Strange would be a suitable candidate. The Professor was one of the first antagonists to reveal Batman's true identity. The character appeared in the comics as early as 1940 and has undergone various transformations since then. In modern stories, Strange is often a famous psychologist who falls under the delusion of taking Batman's place.

The future of Batman

Incidentally, "The Batman 2" is not the only DC project about the Dark Knight. On September 10, 2026, the film "Clayface" about the "Batman" villain of the same name will be released. Bruce Wayne will not play a role in it. Instead, according to the makers, we can expect a body horror film reminiscent of classics such as "The Fly". At the center is an unsuccessful actor. He becomes a monster that can change shape at any time. Unlike "The Batman 2", however, "Clayface" is one of the regular DCU films.

Speaking of which: confusion is inevitable here. Because there is supposed to be a second, separate version of Batman: the film "The Brave and the Bold". Robin is actually set to play a major role in it. Director Andy Muschietti, known for Stephen King's "It" and "The Flash", was originally slated to direct. Since then, however, the project has gone quiet. The film is mainly accompanied by the question of which actors will portray Batman and Robin in the DCU. At times, even "Reacher" actor Alan Ritchson had expressed his interest. However, he has since stated that his future does not lie with Batman. Apart from that, there are still no concrete statements regarding the cast – "The Brave and the Bold" is still at a very early stage of production.