Sebastian Stan in Talks for ‘The Batman Part II’: Winter Soldier to Gotham’s Complex Figures?

Gotham City might soon welcome a familiar face from another cinematic universe. Sebastian Stan, widely recognized for his decade-long portrayal of Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is reportedly in advanced talks to join the cast of DC Studios’ highly anticipated sequel, ‘The Batman Part II.’ This news, first reported by Deadline and corroborated by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, has sent ripples through the superhero film landscape, sparking immediate speculation about which iconic character Stan might bring to life alongside Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader.

While official details surrounding Stan’s potential role remain tightly under wraps – DC Studios has offered no comment on the casting – the industry whispers are loud and clear. Many believe Stan is being eyed for a significant, complex character: Harvey Dent, the district attorney who famously descends into madness to become the villainous Two-Face. This speculation gains further traction with recent rumors suggesting that Academy Award nominee Scarlett Johansson, another MCU veteran, is also in talks to join the sequel, potentially as Gilda Dent, Harvey’s wife. If these rumors hold true, it would mark a significant reunion for Stan and Johansson, who have shared the screen in multiple ‘Avengers’ adventures.

Sebastian Stan: A Proven Track Record for Complex Roles

Sebastian Stan’s career trajectory showcases a remarkable versatility that extends far beyond his superhero origins. From the morally ambiguous Winter Soldier to his critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated performance as a young Donald Trump in ‘The Apprentice,’ Stan has consistently demonstrated an ability to inhabit characters with deep psychological layers and internal conflict. This particular skill set makes him an ideal candidate for a role like Harvey Dent, a character whose tragic transformation from a beacon of justice to a symbol of duality requires a performer capable of conveying both charisma and profound unraveling.

Director Matt Reeves’ vision for Gotham is notably grounded, gritty, and psychologically intense, a style that perfectly aligns with Stan’s strengths. In ‘The Batman,’ Reeves delved into the psyche of his characters, exploring the motivations and vulnerabilities beneath the surface. Should Stan take on the mantle of Harvey Dent, it would allow Reeves to meticulously chart the character’s descent, offering audiences a nuanced and perhaps prolonged exploration of how a pillar of society can crumble under the weight of Gotham’s pervasive corruption. Stan’s prior collaboration with Pattinson in the 2020 Netflix film ‘The Devil All the Time’ also hints at a comfortable on-screen dynamic, suggesting a natural chemistry that could elevate their interactions in the sequel.

The Dark Knight’s Expanding World and Production Timeline

‘The Batman Part II’ has been a long time coming, with director Matt Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin meticulously crafting a script designed to build upon the critical and commercial success of its predecessor. The first film, released in March 2022, garnered widespread acclaim for its dark, detective-noir tone and grossed an impressive $772 million worldwide. Reeves himself has spoken about the intense secrecy surrounding the script, telling Variety at the Emmys in September 2026, ‘We put [the script] into a secret pouch that literally has a lock on it with a code. [Pattinson] was in New York at the time, and everything is high security.’

Production for the sequel is slated to commence in the spring of 2026, with Warner Bros. eyeing an October 1, 2027 theatrical release. Robert Pattinson is, of course, set to return as Bruce Wayne/Batman, anchoring the new installment. The film will also see the return of several fan-favorite cast members, including Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb (aka The Penguin), Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner James Gordon, and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth. Barry Keoghan is also expected to reprise his chilling, albeit brief, role as the Joker, further expanding the rogues’ gallery. The potential addition of Stan and Johansson would undoubtedly inject fresh energy and star power into an already formidable ensemble.

Navigating the Evolving DC Cinematic Landscape

It’s important to note that ‘The Batman Part II,’ while developed under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Studios banner, is not officially part of the newly relaunched DC Universe (DCU). This particular iteration of Batman exists as a standalone narrative, allowing Reeves to maintain his distinct artistic vision without being constrained by the broader continuity of films like ‘Superman,’ which kicked off the new DCU last summer, or upcoming projects such as ‘Supergirl’ and ‘Clayface.’ This distinction gives ‘The Batman’ series a unique creative freedom, enabling it to explore its characters and themes with a singular focus.

Stan’s extensive experience in the comic book genre, having played Bucky Barnes for over a decade across multiple films and a Disney+ series, makes his transition to the DC universe particularly intriguing. His recent appearances include ‘Thunderbolts*,’ an MCU feature, and he is slated to appear in the upcoming ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’ This deep familiarity with the demands of superhero filmmaking, coupled with his dramatic chops, positions him as a compelling choice for a pivotal role in Gotham’s unfolding narrative.

Sebastian Stan’s potential casting in ‘The Batman Part II’ feels less like a simple addition and more like a strategic move to deepen the thematic complexity of Matt Reeves’ Gotham. His proven ability to embody characters wrestling with internal demons and moral ambiguity makes him an almost tailor-made fit for a character as pivotal and tragic as Harvey Dent. If confirmed, Stan’s presence could elevate the sequel, promising not just another superhero film, but a compelling character study at the heart of a city perpetually on the brink.