Scarlett Johansson Says THE BATMAN: PART II Role Gave Her “Existential Angst” and Was Difficult to Crack
Scarlett Johansson is trading the Marvel Cinematic Universe for Gotham City in The Batman: Part II, but figuring out her mysterious new character turned out to be a bigger challenge than she expected. In fact, the actress admits the role left her dealing with some unexpected “existential angst.”
During a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Johansson discussed her upcoming projects, including The Exorcist: Martyrs and The Batman: Part II. When asked which role pushed her furthest outside her comfort zone, she pointed straight to Gotham.
“Probably the role in The Batman,” Johansson revealed. “Because…it gave me a lot of existential angst for some reason,” she added with a laugh.
She went on to explain just how much trouble she had getting a handle on the character. “It was very hard to figure out. I don’t know why, whether it was just the role or where I’m in my life, or what’s going on.
“But it was hard to crack it,” Johansson shared. She concluded, “That’s all I can say about it,” avoiding any spoilers.
That's an interesting response from an actress who has tackled everything from superhero blockbusters to intense character dramas. Whatever director Matt Reeves has planned for Johansson, it sounds like the role demanded something different from her.
Although her character's identity remains officially under wraps, reports suggest she'll play Gilda Dent, the wife of Gotham City district attorney Harvey Dent, who is rumored to be played by fellow MCU veteran Sebastian Stan.
Comic book fans know Harvey Dent eventually becomes the villain Two-Face, and Gilda has her own complicated history in Batman lore. If those casting reports are accurate, there's plenty of interesting material for Reeves to explore.
The sequel is also bringing in Sebastian Stan and Brian Tyree Henry in undisclosed roles, along with Charles Dance. Of course, Robert Pattinson returns as Bruce Wayne, alongside Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell as The Penguin.
The production has also undergone a major change. Reeves recently stepped away from the film indefinitely due to a family matter, with filmmaker Steven Soderbergh stepping in to help direct the remainder of principal photography on his behalf.
Outside Gotham, Johansson recently appeared in the crime drama Paper Tiger, starring alongside Adam Driver and Miles Teller.
As for The Batman: Part II, Johansson clearly isn't giving away any secrets about her character just yet. But hearing how difficult the role was for her to figure out makes her involvement even more intriguing.
If Johansson really is playing Gilda Dent, it'll be interesting to see how Reeves incorporates her into his darker take on Gotham City, especially with Harvey Dent potentially becoming a major part of the story.