After months of speculation and limited information following Warner Bros.’ restructuring and James Gunn’s DC Universe plans, The Batman Part II is steadily coming into focus. While specific plot details remain under wraps, and the primary villain Robert Pattinson’s Batman will face remains undisclosed, one exciting casting rumor has captured fans’ attention: the involvement of Scarlett Johansson in a major role.
Scarlett Johansson Linked to The Batman Part II
Reports have surfaced linking Scarlett Johansson to a prominent role in The Batman Part II. Although the exact character she might portray is still a mystery, logical speculation suggests that Johansson would likely play a well-known figure from the DC Comics canon, rather than an entirely new character, given her star power and legacy in superhero films.
Why Scarlett Johansson Should Play Poison Ivy in The Batman Part II
Among the many iconic DC characters, Poison Ivy stands out as the perfect fit for Scarlett Johansson’s talents. Traditionally depicted as a seductive and dangerous villain, Poison Ivy’s character aligns well with Johansson’s experience portraying complex, multifaceted roles like Marvel’s Black Widow. However, it’s highly unlikely that the sequel would replicate the classic Poison Ivy portrayal.
Director Matt Reeves took a bold, realistic approach with the Riddler in the first Batman movie—transforming him from a comic book mastermind into a chilling, methodical urban terrorist. Poison Ivy offers a similar opportunity for reinvention. Instead of the usual villainous botanist with plant-based superpowers, Johansson’s Poison Ivy could be reimagined as a covert eco-warrior, a brilliant scientist who resorts to extreme and violent measures to combat environmental degradation.
Within the dark, gritty world of Matt Reeves’ Gotham City, this version of Dr. Pamela Isley could reflect a morally grey antagonist who genuinely cares about her cause but has become dangerous through disillusionment and radical tactics. Much like Paul Dano’s terrifying Riddler, Poison Ivy would be a villain with a compelling and valid message, delivered through brutal and unforgiving methods.
Scarlett Johansson’s skill at navigating complex roles — portraying both heroic and morally ambiguous characters — makes her ideally suited to bring this darker, more nuanced Poison Ivy to life. Audiences are familiar with Johansson’s heroic superhero roles, so seeing her as a formidable villain would be a refreshing and thrilling subversion of expectations.
Furthermore, Johansson’s previous performances reveal a knack for embodying chilling and enigmatic personas. For example, her role as Silken Floss in the 2008 movie The Spirit exhibited subtle yet menacing undertones reminiscent of Poison Ivy’s cold and detached nature. More strikingly, her lead in the psychological thriller Under the Skin — where she plays an alien luring and killing unsuspecting men — showcases her ability to balance menace with a deceptive facade, much like Poison Ivy’s seductive but dangerous nature.
This combination of subtle threat and emotional complexity could transform Poison Ivy into one of the most memorable villains in The Batman Part II. While Paul Dano’s Riddler set a high bar as a terrifying antagonist, Scarlett Johansson’s eco-terrorist Poison Ivy could raise the stakes, delivering a chilling performance that resonates with modern themes of environmental activism gone awry.
The One DC Character Scarlett Johansson Should Avoid Playing
Despite the speculation, some characters just might not be the right fit for Johansson in this particular cinematic universe. Naturally, rumors have also pegged her as a possible Harley Quinn, given her visual similarity to previous live-action portrayals and Harley’s relationships with the Joker.
While Scarlett Johansson could undoubtedly deliver a compelling Harley Quinn — a character known for her chaotic energy and complex psychology — the problem lies in saturation. DC has released four live-action Harley Quinn-centric films over the past eight years, with Margot Robbie’s portrayal dominating this era. Adding yet another Harley Quinn so soon risks fatigue among fans and dilutes distinctiveness.
Moreover, introducing Harley Quinn before fully establishing the Joker’s role in this new Batman universe might feel premature. Barry Keoghan’s Joker remains a largely enigmatic figure with a deliberately slow reveal in the ongoing storyline. Giving that character space to develop before bringing in his infamous partner-in-crime makes narrative sense for studio and fans alike.
The Batman Part II: What to Expect
Set for release on October 1, 2027, The Batman Part II is helmed by director Matt Reeves, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Mattson Tomlin, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane. The film continues the story of Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne / Batman, with returning cast members including Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon.
The movie promises to blend action, crime, and thriller elements, staying true to the dark and intense tone established by Reeves’ first Batman film. Introducing a revamped Poison Ivy played by Scarlett Johansson could deepen the film’s exploration of Gotham’s gritty underbelly, adding fresh tension and complexity to the Batman universe.
Conclusion
Scarlett Johansson’s rumored involvement in The Batman Part II raises exciting possibilities for the franchise’s direction. Her potential casting as a reimagined Poison Ivy—an eco-warrior driven by desperation and determination—fits perfectly within Matt Reeves’ grounded and psychologically rich Gotham. Not only would this role showcase Johansson’s acting range, but it could also provide a timely and thought-provoking villain reflective of contemporary issues.
Meanwhile, the idea of Johansson as Harley Quinn feels redundant and narratively premature given the recent prominence of the character within the DC cinematic landscape.
As fans eagerly await more details about the sequel and its intriguing new cast members, the prospect of a dark, complex Poison Ivy portrayed by Scarlett Johansson stands out as a genuinely thrilling development for the Batman saga. Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more at keeperfacts.com.
