Sebastian Stan Eyes Batman Sequel After Riddler Ambitions

Word has it that Sebastian Stan is currently negotiating a part in Matt Reeves’s follow-up to The Batman, with Deadline suggesting he may appear opposite Robert Pattinson’s brooding vigilante. The precise character remains under wraps, but the rumour mill has been working overtime since the news broke. Fans, ever the detectives, have unearthed a 2024 interview in which Stan confessed a particular fondness for Gotham’s more eccentric antagonists.

Stan’s Villainous Leanings and the Riddler Connection

During a chat with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Stan was quizzed about stepping outside the Marvel universe. He admitted he’d always been drawn to the rogues’ gallery surrounding Batman, singling out the Riddler as a personal favourite. In his own words:

I don’t know if Batman’s for me, but never say never. I don’t know. There’s so many characters — I told you, I always had a soft spot for that Riddler, but that one’s been done.

Despite his interest, it’s clear Stan won’t be donning the Riddler’s trademark green. Paul Dano has already made the role his own in Reeves’s universe, having been the principal adversary in the first instalment. Stan, if cast, will have to find his place among Gotham’s other colourful personalities.

Speculation Swirls Around The Batman: Part II Cast

Stan isn’t the only familiar face being linked to the much-anticipated sequel. Reports have also named Scarlett Johansson as a contender for a significant part, while Tobias Menzies is apparently in the frame to portray Amadeus Arkham. There’s even been idle chatter about Brad Pitt, though the likelihood of him taking on a supporting role seems rather slim.

Meanwhile, Zoë Kravitz, who previously played Selina Kyle, is said to be stepping away from the project. Returning cast members include Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth. Barry Keoghan is tipped to expand his presence as the Joker, and Paul Dano may well reprise his turn as the Riddler. Colin Farrell is set to return as Oz Cobb, following his stint in The Penguin series, though Cristin Milioti’s involvement as Sofia Falcone appears uncertain.

Typecasting Woes: Stan’s Struggle with Villain Roles

Stan’s acting journey began as a child in the 1994 film 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance. His first notable television appearance saw him as a troubled youth in Law & Order, a role that set the tone for a string of antagonistic characters. He went on to play the villain in The Covenant and Hot Tub Time Machine, and took on the mantle of the resident bad boy in both Gossip Girl and Kings. By the time he landed the part of Bucky Barnes, he’d grown weary of being boxed in as the perennial wrong’un.

Speaking to Flaunt Magazine, Stan revealed his frustration, wishing he could be seen more like Paul Rudd, who’s carved out a niche as the industry’s affable everyman. As he put it:

I seem to keep ending up with these bad boy characters. I don’t understand what’s going on. I walk the street in New York feeling like I’m Paul Rudd or something, but apparently no one else sees it that way.

Over time, Stan’s villainous roles have become more nuanced. His portrayal of Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, for instance, offered a complex arc that he navigated with considerable skill. He’s since branched out, taking on a variety of roles in projects such as Pam & Tommy, The Martian, Fresh, Sharper, A Different Man, and The Apprentice.

The Batman: Part II is slated for release on 1 October 2027.