The Batman 2 Casting Shake-Up Ignites Fan Backlash

Well, that escalated quickly. The Batman Part 2 fans are melting down online over reports that Zoe Kravitz will not be back as Selina Kyle/Catwoman — and at the same time, there is chatter that Scarlett Johansson might be joining the sequel. Here is what is actually solid, what is not, and why the timeline on this one is going to feel long.

The Catwoman situation

Multiple outlets say Zoe Kravitz is not expected to return for The Batman Part 2. Variety reports she will not be back, citing sources close to the production. Nexus Point News also says Kravitz is out and adds that, as of now, she has been kept out of the loop on the follow-up.

Kravitz, per Nexus Point News, "doesn't know anything" about The Batman 2.

Translation: if you were hoping for a clean, early confirmation that she was still in, that is not happening. And yes, losing her version of Selina changes the vibe — she was a major part of what made the first movie feel specific and lived-in.

So who might be in?

Scarlett Johansson is in talks to join Matt Reeves' sequel. Nothing is signed, and no role is confirmed. Nexus Point News floated that she could be a new love interest, with possibilities including Andrea Beaumont, Pamela Isley, Vicki Vale, or Julie Madison. That is a wide spread of character types, so take it as a sign the door is open rather than locked on any one choice. The studio has not confirmed character details.

What fans are saying

The internet is doing what the internet does. Reactions ranged from simple disbelief to full-on theatrical despair. A bunch of fans are just flat-out bummed that Kravitz won't be back. One person called Johansson joining a big swing but said losing Kravitz still stings. Another said to cancel the whole movie. Someone else claimed they smashed their 4K TV in front of party guests over the news. Is that last one real? Unclear. The mood is real, though.

Who's back, who's making it, and when it shoots

• Robert Pattinson returns as Bruce Wayne/Batman.
• Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell are back as well.
• Matt Reeves directs and co-writes with Mattson Tomlin.
• Erik Messerschmidt will be the cinematographer, taking over for Oscar-winner Greig Fraser.
• Warner Bros. is targeting a late April 2026 production start at Leavesden.
• DC Studios has the film dated for October 1, 2027.

The read

This is one of those behind-the-scenes shakeups that will make the sequel feel different no matter how they frame it. Johansson, if she signs on, would be a headline grabber and a tonal choice — but Kravitz not returning is the part fans are reacting to right now. With cameras not rolling until late April 2026 and release set for October 1, 2027, expect a long runway of casting updates and clarifications ahead.