Arguably the biggest genre news of the week hit yesterday when it was revealed Oscar-winning actress Scarlett Johansson was in final talks for a major role in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman: Part II”.
Whose she playing isn’t clear right now, beyond being speculated as a potential villainous love interest for Bruce Wayne.
A follow-up report at The InSneider indicates that none other than “Bugonia” star Emma Stone was originally offered Johansson’s role and turned it down, potentially over pay.
He indicates that after Stone rejected it, Johansson reportedly told her management team to aggressively pursue it:
“I know [Stone] wanted a big payday for Marvel’s Fantastic Four movie, and I imagine she’d want the same for The Batman Part II. As a two-time Oscar nominee, Johansson doesn’t exactly come cheap, but I’ve heard whispers that she may have taken a lower salary upfront for The Batman Part II in exchange for points on the backend, ultimately betting on the success of the sequel. It’s unclear whether Stone was willing to make a similar concession or if the role simply didn’t speak to her.”
Stone has won the Oscar for Best Actress twice for her work in “Poor Things” and “La La Land”.
The new film will see Robert Pattinson reprise his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne in the film with Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell all returning. Shooting begins in the Spring ahead of an opening on October 1st 2027.
