Johansson Says Batman Sequel Role Was Difficult to Solve

Johansson said the role in the upcoming DC film brought her “a lot of existential angst” and took time to work out. She described it as difficult in several ways, while saying she could not explain precisely why: the challenge might have come from the character or from where she was in her life.

The two-time Oscar nominee is joining the sequel to 2022’s The Batman, led by Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne. Johansson is set to play Gilda Dent, married to Harvey Dent, Gotham’s district attorney, played by Sebastian Stan.

Director Matt Reeves confirmed Johansson’s casting in May, but did not then disclose her character. The cast also includes Sebastian Stan and Brian Tyree Henry. Reeves has said the sequel will put more emphasis on Bruce Wayne, after the first film focused heavily on his Batman identity.

Filming is expected to begin in the spring, and the film’s release date has been moved to February 18, 2028. Reeves, who directed the first movie, stepped away temporarily for a personal matter; Steven Soderbergh is leading production on the sequel.