A fresh wave of casting rumors has exploded across social media and fan circles: Australian actress Samara Weaving is reportedly in talks—or at least strongly rumored—to play a new version of Harley Quinn in The Batman Part II, Matt Reeves’ highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 hit. Even more tantalizing, sources and online speculation suggest her role would carry significant importance, potentially featuring a deep, twisted connection to Barry Keoghan‘s Joker, whose chilling brief appearance in the first film left audiences hungry for more.
The rumor gained traction in late January 2026, circulating on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, with posts claiming Weaving would begin filming her scenes soon. The Batman Part II is scheduled for theatrical release on October 1, 2027, giving the production team a tight but feasible window for principal photography starting in spring 2026. The film is expected to expand the rogues’ gallery, introducing multiple Batman villains in a darker, more grounded story that continues Robert Pattinson’s brooding take on the Caped Crusader.
Weaving, 33, has built a reputation for fearless, chaotic performances in films like Ready or Not, The Babysitter, Guns Akimbo, and Hollywood. Her blend of charm, intensity, and unhinged energy makes her a popular fan-cast for Harley Quinn, especially in Reeves’ grounded, noir-inspired universe. Unlike Margot Robbie’s vibrant, colorful take in the DCEU, a Weaving Harley would likely lean into psychological depth—perhaps as Harleen Quinzel before fully transforming into the Clown Princess of Crime, or a version shaped by Arkham’s horrors and Keoghan’s manipulative Joker.
Keoghan’s Joker appeared in a deleted scene from The Batman (later included as a bonus feature), where he shares a chilling therapy session with Pattinson’s Batman in Arkham Asylum. Reeves has teased that Keoghan will return in an expanded role for the sequel, confirming the character’s ongoing presence in this universe. Rumors suggest Harley’s introduction could tie directly to the Joker—perhaps as his psychiatrist-turned-accomplice, a partner in crime, or a tragic figure caught in his web—creating a dynamic that explores manipulation, obsession, and madness without the cartoonish flair of previous iterations.
The sequel’s plot remains tightly under wraps, but Reeves has hinted at a story involving “several Batman villains” and a broader threat to Gotham. With Colin Farrell’s Penguin already confirmed to return (albeit in a smaller capacity after his spin-off series), the film is poised to escalate the crime war Pattinson’s Batman ignited in the first movie. Other rumored antagonists include Hush, Clayface, or even Mr. Freeze, but Harley’s potential arrival would mark a pivotal shift—introducing a female antagonist with personal ties to the Joker and psychological depth to challenge Batman’s no-kill rule and moral code.
Weaving has addressed Harley fan-casting in interviews, acknowledging the “big shoes to fill” after Robbie’s iconic portrayal while expressing openness to the role in a legacy context. Her physical resemblance to Robbie (both Australian, similar blonde features) fuels comparisons, but Weaving’s edgier, more unpredictable screen presence could bring a fresh, unsettling interpretation suited to Reeves’ darker tone.
The rumor mill has heated up with fan art, tier lists, and discussions on Reddit’s r/TheBatmanFilm and r/DC_Cinematic, where Weaving frequently ranks high alongside names like Mia Goth or Ella Purnell. While no official casting announcement has come from Warner Bros., Reeves, or the production, the timing aligns: pre-production ramps up, and major roles often leak months before filming begins.
If true, Weaving’s Harley could redefine the character in the Reeves-verse—less manic pixie dream girl, more psychologically complex foil to both Batman and Joker. The connection to Keoghan’s version—already praised for its creepy, intimate menace—promises fireworks: a toxic, codependent dynamic that explores how chaos corrupts and how love (or obsession) warps in Gotham’s shadows.
For now, it’s rumor territory—unconfirmed but persistent enough to dominate fan conversations. With The Batman Part II eyeing a massive 2027 release amid DC’s shifting landscape, any Harley casting would be a major headline. Weaving’s star is rising fast; landing the role would cement her as a genre force.
Until official word drops, the speculation continues: Could Samara Weaving be the Harley to match Keoghan’s Joker? The dots are connecting—and they look dangerously intriguing.
