Johansson Describes Role in The Batman Part II
Scarlett Johansson says her Batman Part II character causes existential angst, as Steven Soderbergh helps finish filming while Matt Reeves steps away.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Action/Adventure
Scarlett Johansson described her role in The Batman Part II as causing existential angst and being hard to crack, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. Steven Soderbergh is helping complete principal photography after director Matt Reeves temporarily stepped away from the production.
Why it matters
The sequel to the 2022 film The Batman, which starred Robert Pattinson, is still in production and carries a scheduled theatrical release. Reeves' temporary absence, which he attributed to a private family matter, marks a change in the production's leadership during filming.
The sequel's scheduled theatrical opening is February 18, 2028, roughly six years after the 2022 original. Johansson's character has not been officially confirmed, and the production's completion timeline beyond principal photography has not been announced.
The players
Scarlett Johansson
Johansson is an American actress known for her roles in major Marvel Cinematic Universe films and numerous Hollywood features.
Matt Reeves
Reeves is an American filmmaker who directed The Batman and returns to direct its sequel.
Steven Soderbergh
Soderbergh is an American director known for films such as Ocean's Eleven and Traffic, and he is helping finish principal photography.
The details
Johansson joined the cast alongside Sebastian Stan and Brian Tyree Henry, with returning cast members Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell. Reeves stated on social media that he is not leaving the project, and Soderbergh offered to help complete filming in his absence.
Timeline
2022: The Batman released, starring Robert Pattinson.
February 18, 2028: The Batman Part II is scheduled to open in theaters.
Industry Dynamics
The Batman Part II follows the 2022 film The Batman, which starred Robert Pattinson, extending a franchise reboot built on a darker take on the character. The sequel's roughly six-year gap from the original reflects the longer production cycles common to large studio franchise films.
The sequel's February 18, 2028 theatrical release date means audiences will see it in cinemas rather than on streaming at launch. Ticket availability and pricing will be set closer to that date.
The takeaway
The Batman Part II's production shows how a director's temporary absence can be handled within a studio film without halting principal photography. Readers tracking the franchise should watch for official confirmation of cast roles as the February 2028 release approaches.
What happens next
The Batman Part II is scheduled to open in theaters on February 18, 2028.
Further reading
For more on big-screen superhero and action sequels, see Action/Adventure films.
