The shadows of Gotham are deepening, and one of Hollywood’s biggest stars may be stepping into them. Fresh rumors swirling in late 2025 suggest that Scarlett Johansson, the acclaimed actress known for her powerhouse performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and beyond, is in advanced talks to join The Batman Part II as Gilda Gold—the wife of Harvey Dent. If confirmed, this casting coup would mark a major escalation for Matt Reeves’ grounded, noir-infused Batverse, potentially setting the stage for one of DC’s most tragic villains: Two-Face.
The speculation ignited when industry insider Jeff Sneider reported that Reeves is building the sequel around three key new roles: Harvey Dent, his wife Gilda Gold, and Dent’s abusive father, Christopher. Sources indicate actors in their 40s are being sought for Harvey and Gilda, with Johansson—fresh off turning 41—emerging as the frontrunner for the latter. An older actor in his 60s is eyed for Christopher, a character whose toxic influence shapes Harvey’s fractured psyche in the comics.
This isn’t just any supporting part. Gilda Gold holds a pivotal place in Batman lore, most famously in Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s Batman: The Long Halloween—a story that heavily influenced Reeves’ first film. In that acclaimed graphic novel, Gilda is Harvey Dent’s devoted fiancée (later wife), a woman whose desperation to protect her overworked husband leads her down a dark path. Revealed as the elusive Holiday Killer, she commits a series of murders targeting Gotham’s mobsters, hoping to ease Harvey’s burden. Her actions inadvertently trigger the courtroom acid attack that scars him physically and mentally, birthing Two-Face.
Reeves has long drawn from The Long Halloween, incorporating elements like holiday-themed killings and the Falcone crime family into his 2022 blockbuster. Introducing Gilda now feels like a natural progression, allowing the sequel to explore Harvey Dent’s rise as Gotham’s idealistic district attorney before his inevitable fall. With Johansson attached, Gilda could evolve from tragic figure to complex anti-heroine—or even a deceptive force driving the plot’s central mystery.
Johansson’s potential involvement adds star power and nuance. After a decade as Black Widow, she’s proven her range in dramatic roles like Marriage Story (earning an Oscar nomination) and Jojo Rabbit. Her ability to convey intelligence, vulnerability, and hidden steel makes her a perfect fit for Gilda—a woman navigating love, loyalty, and moral compromise in a corrupt city. Imagine Johansson’s sharp intensity in tense courtroom scenes or quiet domestic moments with Harvey, building toward heartbreak as cracks form in their marriage.
The rumor also ties into broader casting searches. Harvey Dent himself remains uncast, with Reeves reportedly seeking a charismatic actor in his 40s to portray the charming yet haunted prosecutor. Early whispers linked Brad Pitt to Christopher Dent, but those were quickly debunked—Pitt passed due to scheduling conflicts with another project. This opens the door for a veteran performer to embody the elder Dent’s volatility, adding generational trauma to Harvey’s backstory.
The Batman Part II, slated for October 1, 2027, continues Robert Pattinson’s brooding take on Bruce Wayne/Batman. Returning cast includes Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin (fresh from his acclaimed spin-off series), Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred, and Barry Keoghan in a likely expanded Joker role. The story picks up in a flooded, post-Riddler Gotham, delving deeper into corruption and vengeance.
Reeves has teased a “serial killer” element without confirming a direct Long Halloween adaptation, emphasizing emotional horror over spectacle. Yet the Gilda rumor fuels theories that Holiday’s murders could form the backbone, with Batman, Gordon, and Dent forming an uneasy alliance against organized crime—only for personal demons to unravel it all.
Fan reactions have been electric. Online forums buzz with excitement over Johansson crossing from Marvel to DC, speculating on her dynamic opposite Pattinson’s isolated vigilante. Some envision romantic tension complicating Bruce’s no-attachments rule, while others predict Gilda’s arc mirroring the first film’s themes of inherited cycles and broken systems. Skeptics question if a high-profile star like Johansson suits a potentially tragic, limited-role character, but most agree her talent could elevate Gilda beyond mere plot device.
This casting aligns with Reeves’ vision of a realistic, character-driven epic crime saga. The first film grossed over $770 million worldwide, praised for its detective noir vibes and Pattinson’s raw portrayal. By introducing Dent’s family early, Part II could humanize one of Batman’s greatest foes, exploring duality through relationships rather than just disfigurement.
Production ramps up in 2026, with filming expected in the UK. Co-written by Reeves and Mattson Tomlin, the sequel promises to expand Gotham’s underworld while staying separate from James Gunn’s main DC Universe.
If Johansson signs on as Gilda Gold, it would be a bold stroke—bringing Oscar-caliber gravitas to a role ripe for reinvention. In Reeves’ dark Gotham, where hope flickers amid despair, Gilda represents the human cost of justice. Her story, intertwined with Harvey’s, could deliver the emotional gut-punch fans crave.
As rumors swirl and anticipation builds, one thing is clear: The Batman Part II is shaping up to be more than a superhero sequel. It’s a psychological thriller poised to redefine iconic characters anew. With Scarlett Johansson potentially at its heart, Gotham’s next chapter looks unforgettable.
