Matt Reeves has officially begun shooting "The Batman Part II," slated for an October 2027 release. The ensemble now features Marvel alumni Sebastian Stan and Scarlett Johansson, while Barry Keoghan’s Joker is conspicuously absent, reportedly because of scheduling conflicts with Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopic.

Sebastian Stan and Scarlett Johansson Join Reeves’ Gotham Ensemble

Reeves announced that Sebastian Stan will portray District Attorney Harvey Dent and Scarlett Johansson will play his wife,Gilda Dent, adding a fresh legal‑drama angle to the sequel.. The casting news was confirmed via Reeves’ social‑media posts, which also highlighted newcomers Charles Dance and Brian Tyree Henry. this infusion of talent follows a series of delays that pushed the film’s release to 2027.

Barry Keoghan’s Joker Likely Out Due to Ringo Starr Role

According to the production’s Instagram updates, Keoghan does not appear on the call sheet, suggesting he will not reprise the Joker. The actor is currently filming Sam Mendes’ ambitious four‑part Beatles saga, where he plays Ringo Starr, a commitment that runs through 2028. As the source notes, “Scheduling issues could be the main culprit here.”

Riddler and Joker Team‑Up Hint Remains Unresolved

In the first film, a brief scene placed the Riddler alongside the Joker in Arkham Asylum, sparking fan theories about a future partnership. Reeves’ recent posts, however, omitted any mention of either villain for the sequel, implying that both may be held back for later installments. the absence aligns with the director’s pattern of planting breadcrumbs without immediate payoff.

Potential New Villains: Dent Family and Court of Owls Speculation

While the primary antagonist remains unconfirmed, speculation points to the Dent family’s expanded role, with Stan’s Harvey Dent likely central to the plot. rumors also swirl around the Court of Owls and Two‑Face, though no official sources have validated these ideas... The source emphasizes that “there is still much about the highly anticipated sequel that fans do not know.”

What Remains Unclear About the Sequel’s Villain Line‑up

Two specific uncertainties linger: whether Keoghan might appear in a cameo despite his Beatles shcedule, and which villain will ultimately drive the story forward.. The production has not addressed these points, leaving fans to await further clarification from Reeves or Warner Bros.