The Batman 2 Writer Teases The Franchise's Riskiest Sequel Yet
The Batman Part 2 is set to push into fresh, dangerous territory, writer Mattson Tomlin teases, stoking anticipation and raising the bar after the first film’s reinvention of the Dark Knight.
The Batman Part II just got a rare, spicy tease from one of its writers, and it sounds like Gotham is in for a shake-up. Mattson Tomlin hopped on social media to talk about the sequel, and he did not undersell it.
It started when a fan on X (formerly Twitter) raved about the first movie, calling it a shockingly well-executed win at a time when plenty of big franchises are wobbling. Tomlin jumped in to say he and director Matt Reeves have been grinding on the script and aiming high.
We worked exceptionally hard to tell a story worthy of the character.
Something that feels new and dangerous. The bar couldn't be higher.
He added that he can't wait for people to see it and actually dig into it at length, and that the film means a lot to him personally. This was posted on February 15, 2026, so it's not some ancient promise.
The comments also dovetail with the current rumor mill, which is unusually lively. The big one: Sebastian Stan has reportedly been tapped to play Harvey Dent, with Scarlett Johansson rumored as Gilda. One well-connected reporter has even suggested Gilda could have a larger role than Harvey this time, and that the script blends elements from multiple Batman arcs rather than sticking to a single, obvious inspiration. If that sticks, expect a twisty, character-forward take on the Dent storyline instead of a straight retread.
Meanwhile, Colin Farrell, who plays Penguin in this continuity, recently praised the sequel's script in an interview. Not exactly a neutral source, but still good to hear.
What we know right now
- Writer: Mattson Tomlin is co-writing The Batman Part II with director Matt Reeves.
- Tone and promise: Tomlin calls it "new and dangerous" and says "the bar couldn't be higher."
- Rumored casting: Sebastian Stan as Harvey Dent and Scarlett Johansson as Gilda, with chatter that Gilda's role is substantial.
- Schedule: Cameras are expected to roll in late April or early May 2026.
- Release date: October 1, 2027, in theaters.
All in, it sounds like Reeves and Tomlin aren't interested in playing it safe. New and dangerous is a bold promise for a franchise that already reworked the Dark Knight in sharp, moody ways. No pressure.