Scarlett Johansson seems intent on adding more franchises to her resume. After playing Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade, the actress also joined Jurassic World Rebirth earlier this year and has a voice role in Transformers One. So joining the DC Universe is a big move for her, and it seems like it's about to happen as the star is reportedly in talks to join The Batman Part II.
Matt Reeves is planning this huge sequel to his 2022 film with Robert Pattinson reprising his role as the Dark Knight, trying to save a ravaged Gotham City. Notably, Zoë Kravitz will not be reprising her role as Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman, so Johansson coming on to the project is a major addition.
There’s no word yet on who the MCU star will play, which is a reason fans are so excited. There are scores of options, but these rank as the ten best Batman roles Johansson could take on to spark this sequel!
Poison Ivy
If Johansson is playing a villain, this is the best option. The red-haired eco-terrorist has been portrayed on screen by Uma Thurman in Batman and Robin and Bridget Regan in Batwoman (among others) and could fit into this story. With Gotham half-flooded, Ivy can see this as an opportunity for nature to reclaim the Earth and try to finish the job of wiping out the city.
The film may not use the full run of Ivy’s powers yet Johansson would be excellent showcasing Ivy’s twisted mentality, use of poisons and could very easily play this beautiful seductress. The actress may be swapping red for green to fit this sultry role.
Vicki Vale
Actually a relatively minor character in the Batman comics, Vicki Vale was boosted to fame thanks to Kim Basinger’s portrayal of her in the 1989 Batman movie. Bringing her back may be tricky, but it would appeal to fans of that film, and the character can work into this story as a reporter trying to uncover Batman’s secret identity while stumbling onto a criminal plot.
Johansson can bring some experience and grit to the part, with this Vale capable of handling herself better. A possible romance with Bruce Wayne would be nice yet Johansson can make Vicki more than a Lois Lane clone and a top starring character in this current Batman franchise.
Talia al Ghul
Would this Batman film jump to the complex world of Ra’s al Ghul and the League of Shadows? It’s tricky, yet Johansson would be a fine choice for the role of Ra’s’ daughter, the alluring warrior whose love for Bruce Wayne borders on obsession. While the portrayal of the character in The Dark Knight Rises was criticized, Johansson can bring new life to the character - perhaps by playing a more comic-accurate version.
We know she can mimic a lush and alluring accent and obviously handle herself in action scenes. We don’t need to see Ra’s yet, just Talia “testing” Batman both as a fighter and potential mate. It’s a role Johansson would be able to handle with great ease and build on the mythos of the Reeves movies.
Batwoman
A quirky choice, yet one that’s doable. Having Barbara Gordon as Batgirl may be a bridge too far for Reeves. However, a Batwoman inspired by Batman to try and clean up Gotham on her own can be a better idea. The Kate Kane version would fit into this universe as a former soldier making her own path and using her own fortune for her suit and battles.
The story can play on Batman at first wanting to shut her down, only to decide to help train her. Jumping into this part of the Batman mythos may be a huge move, yet Johansson is no stranger to superhero roles with her Marvel experience. She knows how to make a supersuit - and all the action that comes along with wearing it - work.
Andrea Beaumont a.k.a. The Phantasm
This sounds like a very likely choice that’s building on fan theories that have been going around for a while. 1993’s Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was sadly ignored in theaters of the time, but it is now seen as one of the best Batman films ever. Set in the same universe as the beloved 1990s Batman: The Animated Series, Bruce Wayne is thrown when former love Andrea Beaumont returns to Gotham City and they rekindle their romance.
However, Andrea is also the Phantasm, a brutal vigilante seeking justice on her own terms, which includes killing criminals. The movie can be a wonderful live-action adaptation of that story, with Bruce and Andrea unaware that they’re secretly enemies, giving pathos to this troubled romance. If nothing else, it’s a reminder of just how brilliant a film Mask of the Phantasm is.
Silver St. Cloud
This is a deep cut in Batman lore, yet it would fit this tale. Silver St. Cloud was a socialite who was in love with Bruce Wayne. Their relationship ended when she discovered his secret and how it was too dangerous to be around him. Johansson could handle the role (down to the silver hair) with this Silver possibly helping Bruce Wayne navigate the life mingling among the elite of Gotham.
There could also be a fun montage of Silver teaching Bruce how to dress and behave in high society so that he takes on his playboy persona. A romance is obvious and Johansson may enjoy taking on a less action-oriented but still pivotal part.
Black Canary
Another wild idea, as it’s unclear how this Batman movie connects to James Gunn’s cinematic universe. However, bringing in Black Canary would be a way to build on this world of street-level heroes. It can be a classic bit of her helping Batman out before revealing herself as Dinah Lance, whose costume is quite practical in a fight.
She may not have the “canary cry” of the comics, yet Johansson could handle the action scenes and some grit in the role of Dinah surviving a harsh Gotham. She’s already been Black Widow, so why not Canary too?
Huntress
Originally the daughter of Batman and Catwoman of an alternate Earth, the Huntress today is a character who’d fit nicely into this world. Helena Bertinelli saw her mafia family massacred by rivals and now seeks revenge. Her crossbow-wielding ways and willingness to kill make her as much an enemy as an ally for Batman.
The film can revolve around Huntress living up to her name, tracking her family’s killers with Batman trying to stop her from starting a gang war. Johansson could be fun using that weapon while also introducing the Huntress to a wider audience, perhaps even showcasing her as someone worthy of a solo film.
Harley Quinn
The ending of the first The Batman film hinted at the debut of The Joker (Barry Keoghan). If the Clown Prince of Crime is a key part of the second film, then bringing in his lady love is only logical. However, Johansson would undoubtedly play the role differently than we saw from previous DC stars Margot Robbie or Lady Gaga to better suit this more grounded take on the mythos.
This wouldn’t be the madcap loon of other movies, but darker, more serious, and perhaps even showing herself just as much of a psychotic killer as the Joker is. Johansson might want to play the villain for a change and put her own stamp on making Harley as dangerous as “Mr. J”.
Gilda Dent
This may be an odd choice for Scarlett Johansson’s potential role in the Batman sequel. Harvey Dent, of course, is Gotham City’s district attorney who becomes the twisted Two-Face. Gilda, in most stories, is his supportive wife who suffers after his transformation. Sticking Johansson into this stock role may be a waste of her talents.
But as readers of The Long Halloween story know, Gilda has a sinister side herself, becoming a killer in her own right. The idea she’s secretly working against Harvey and perhaps even responsible for his horrific scarring and breakdown is the type of twist Reeves loves. It’s unlikely, but it would be a surprise for fans.
The Batman is currently streaming on HBO Max.