The Dark Knight Returns: Sebastian Stan Joins The Batman II Cast, Barry Keoghan Reprising Joker Role

Image courtesy Marvel Studios

While details still remain sparse, Matt Reeves The Batman II is finally ramping up for production. The oft delayed sequel to the theatrical hit has a script ready and the casting is in full swing. Earlier it was announced that Scarlett Johannson had boarded the project in a non-specified role. There are also no details as to who the primary antagonist will be in the feature film. According to Deadline, MCU fav Sebastian Stan is in final negotiations to join the movie. It's not known if he will play the villain this time around. Reeves had previously stated that the next baddie has, "never really been done on film before". Johannson is rumored to play Gilda Dent, Harvey 'Two Face' Dent's significant other. 

In other news related to The Batman II, it looks like Barry Keoghan will also be returning as the Joker. However, he's expected to still be a side character and will not be the central villain in the film. His part in the first movie was nothing more than a teaser for what's to come. He's only briefly shown behind bars in Arkham Asylum. Our best guess is that he won't be fully revealed until The Batman III in which he may finally go toe to toe with The Dark Knight. 

It's said that The Batman II will further evolve the detective elements from the first film. Colin Farrell commented:

"This film, like the first one, works on multiple levels, both as pure entertainment and as an investigation into the psychology of the characters of Bruce Wayne and Batman".

-CG