Warner Bros. is reportedly eyeing Scarlett Johansson to step into the role of Selina Kyle/Catwoman in The Batman Part II, the highly anticipated sequel to Matt Reeves’ 2022 hit. According to Variety’s exclusive report on December 3, 2025, Johansson is in early negotiations to join the DC film opposite Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight, marking her first major foray into the DC Universe after wrapping up her nine-film run as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The development comes amid news that Zoë Kravitz, who brought a sultry, enigmatic edge to Catwoman in the original, is not expected to reprise the role, creating an opening for a fresh take on the iconic character.
From Reeves’ Script to Johansson’s Jump
The Batman Part II, set for release on October 1, 2027, picks up the gritty, noir-inspired world Reeves established in the 2022 film, which grossed $772 million worldwide and earned three Oscar nominations. Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin completed the screenplay in June 2025, keeping details tightly under wraps amid high security. Pattinson returns as Bruce Wayne/Batman, with the story exploring his evolution as Gotham’s vigilante. Johansson’s potential involvement, confirmed by sources close to the production, would represent a seismic shift from Marvel to DC, following her recent box-office successes in Jurassic World Rebirth ($800 million+) and her upcoming role in The Exorcist reboot.
Johansson as Catwoman: A Fresh Prowl
While specifics on her role remain classified, Johansson’s casting aligns with rumors of a reimagined Selina Kyle—perhaps a more layered, morally ambiguous thief navigating Gotham’s underbelly. Kravitz’s departure, first reported by Nexus Point News, stems from scheduling conflicts and creative differences, though sources insist it’s amicable. “Zoë doesn’t know anything about the sequel yet,” a production insider noted, emphasizing the film’s focus on Pattinson’s Batman. Johansson, 41, brings her proven action chops from Black Widow and dramatic depth from Marriage Story, making her a versatile pick to redefine Catwoman for a new era. The film also boasts a stacked supporting cast, including Barry Keoghan as the Joker and potential returns for Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon.
Fan Frenzy: Johansson’s DC Leap Ignites Debate
Social media erupted with mixed reactions: “Scarlett as Catwoman? Black Widow’s claws in Gotham—yes!” One fan cheered, while others mourned Kravitz: “Zoe’s was perfection—why replace her?” The news has trended with over 1 million mentions, fueling speculation on Johansson’s arc—could she be a Poison Ivy variant or a reimagined Talia al Ghul? In a post-The Batman’s success, the sequel eyes $1 billion globally, with Johansson’s star power amplifying its appeal.
A Prowl into New Territory
Scarlett Johansson’s potential Catwoman role isn’t recast—it’s reinvented. As Kravitz bows out and Pattinson prowls on, it thunders: Can fresh felines forge feline fire? The DC dare affirms yes, scripting a saga where claws conquer capes in cinema’s ceaseless clash.
-By Manoj H