The Batman - Part II continues to heat up with some major casting news that is set to shake the superhero movie world. The long-anticipated DC sequel is finally coming together and fans are eagerly awaiting the next adventure featuring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Now, they have even more reason to be excited. Following the casting of Scarlett Johansson in a mystery role, one of her Marvel Cinematic Universe co-stars is also in talks to join the cast.
Deadline reports that Sebastian Stan has been cast in a major role in The Batman - Part II. While there is no confirmation about which character he could be playing, Stan joins an already impressive ensemble. Pattinson is set to return as the Caped Crusader with Jeffrey Wright back as Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis returning as Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell reprising his role as The Penguin (after headlinign the critically-acclaimed HBO Max spinoff series). While Zoë Kravitz will reportedly not be back as Selina Kyle, Johansson and Stan provide some impressive star power.
Stan is, of course, best known for his role as Bucky Barnes, a.k.a. the Winter Soldier, in the MCU. Since his debut appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger, he has appeared in several major MCU movies, including the Captain America sequels and Avengers movies, with his most recent appearance coming in 2025 in Thunderbolts*. That movie also set up his upcoming return in the massive ensemble of Avengers: Doomsday.
Who could Sebastian Stan be playing in The Batman - Part II?
Just like the casting of Scarlett Johansson, there is no official word on who Sebastian Stan will be playing in The Batman sequel as of yet. However, a lot of rumors point to him bringing a beloved Batman villain to this DC project. Two-Face has been rumored to be a main villain in the sequel, and some reports have suggested Stan has landed that role.
That is a character that we could easily see Stan delivering on. Two-Face is a complex villain, starting as the well-meaning District Attorney Harvey Dent, only for an accident to leave him scarred and embracing his violent, darker side. Stan's role as Bucky in the MCU has seen him play the hero and the villain in the same role. Other movies like Fresh, The Apprentice, and A Different Man have showcased his incredible acting chops that would elevate this character.
There are some other terrific villain roles Stan could easily slip into. Mr. Freeze is a character whose depth and tragic story haven't been explored effectively in a live-action movie yet. Hush is a villain who would more easily fit the grounded approach of Matt Reeves' Batman movies, while also being a character never seen in a live-action movie. Whatever the role ends up being, Stan's casting is one more reason to be excited for The Batman - Part II.
The Batman - Part II arrives in movie theaters on October 1, 2027.