The Batman – Part II is making progress toward an early 2026 production start, beginning with an exciting casting process that has already recruited one Oscar-nominated actor. With Scarlett Johansson poised to join the DC sequel, it was inevitable that another casting name would surface. However, we’re not sure most fans would have guessed that another major movie actor is rumored to form part of the star-studded cast.
According to World of Reel, The Batman – Part II is looking to cast two middle-aged male villain roles, one of which is rumored to have Brad Pitt in talks. It should be stressed that this is only a rumor at the moment, but the report also pointed out how Plan B Entertainment, Pitt’s production company, is involved in the film. In response to MovieWeb’s inquiry, Pitt’s publicist declined to comment on the latest rumor. Like Johansson, it is unknown which character Pitt might be playing, but he appears to be poised to play one of the film’s antagonists.
While the latest casting news from The Batman sequel should be taken lightly, where there is smoke, there is fire. It has long been rumored that the film is looking to cast several Arkham-related characters, including Dr. Arkham. Could Pitt be playing the head of Arkham Asylum? It’s too early to tell, but early signs point to the prison being a key plot point. Meanwhile, other guesses could include Hush or Harvey Dent / Two-Face, some of Batman’s most iconic villains. No matter the case, the F1 star booking his first major superhero movie role (not including Megamind) would be one of the more stunning developments for the veteran actor’s Oscar-winning career.
The Cast of ‘The Batman – Part II’ So Far
© Warner Bros. /Courtesy Everett Collection
As of this writing, the confirmed cast of The Batman – Part II includes Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman, Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb / The Penguin. Scarlett Johansson is in final talks to nab an undisclosed role, but her involvement has not been confirmed just yet. The Batman star Zoë Kravitz is not set to return as Selina Kyle / Catwoman, while The Penguin’s Cristin Milioti will also be absent from the DC sequel. If Brad Pitt were to join the star-studded affair, he would immediately rank among the most high-profile comic book film castings in recent memory.
The Batman – Part II is set to hit theaters on October 1, 2027. Matt Reeves is set to direct based on a script he co-wrote alongside Mattson Tomlin, who did uncredited work on the first film. Most of the crew from the 2022 title are returning for the sequel, except for one major exception. Cinematographer Greig Fraser is not set to return for Part II, which is now being shot by Erik Messerschmidt, known for his past work with David Fincher, including The Killer, Mank, and The Adventures of Cliff Booth. Fraser is instead spending the next few years shooting Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-film event about The Beatles, which hits theaters in 2028.