Matt Reeves is expected to begin production on “The Batman: Part II” on May 29 in London. Nearly all of the major roles have been cast, with one exception: Christopher Dent, the father of Harvey Dent.
Brad Pitt was initially offered the role but ultimately passed. Recent Oscar nominee Stellan Skarsgård (“Sentimental Value”) also declined the part. As a result, the search to cast Christopher Dent has continued over the last few weeks.
Now, I’m not one to normally source Giant Freaking Robot, which has a wobbly track record, but they did outscoop everyone—including the trades—by being the first outlet to report Scarlett Johansson’s casting as Gilda Dent in Reeves’ sequel.
Their latest ‘Batman’ intel has Daniel Craig having been offered the role of Christopher Dent in “The Batman: Part II.” They claim that Craig currently has the offer, but if he refuses it, Liam Neeson is next in line for the part.
Regardless, the ensemble for this sequel is shaping up quite nicely, loaded with talent and featuring Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Robert Pattinson, Colin Farrell, Jeffrey Wright, and Barry Keoghan. Craig would be a great addition. Neeson? Not so sure about that.
Reeves has previously stated that “The Batman: Part II” will be a “serial killer” movie, but also that its villain has never been portrayed in a live-action movie before. Johansson’s casting as Gilda would make sense in that regard, as the character is revealed in the comic “Batman: The Long Halloween” to be The Holiday Killer.
The current release date—October 1, 2027—does feel intentional, as rumors claim that Reeves is crafting a Halloween-themed movie with his sequel.
According to THR, Paramount has acquired the rights to "Red Rising," Pierce Brown's best-selling dystopian sci-fi saga, and it has handed the keys to a familiar name.