The casting of Sebastian Stan for The Batman: Part II remains one of the most discussed mysteries within the DC universe. Director Matt Reeves has not yet revealed which character the actor will play, sparking theories ranging from Two-Face to Victor Zsasz or Hush. Now, in the midst of promoting other projects, Stan has spoken about the subject again without revealing too much, though he did drop hints about how his involvement in the film came about.
Interest in this announcement has intensified because it coincides with another key moment in the actor's career: his return as Bucky Barnes in Avengers: Doomsday, before making the leap to Gotham. That contrast between two very different roles within rival superhero universes has fueled the curiosity of both Marvel and DC fans.
How Sebastian Stan ended up joining The Batman: Part II
In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Sebastian Stan explained that his arrival at Matt Reeves' project was not entirely planned. According to him, the director had seen his work in The Apprentice and was satisfied with both the film and his performance, which opened the door to a professional conversation.
Interestingly, the actor acknowledged that, in parallel, he had also been pushing James Gunn, the current creative head of DC Studios, to find an opportunity to work together on a superhero project. However, it was ultimately Reeves who made a concrete proposal first.
A character described as very different
Stan avoided giving details about his character's identity, but he did refer to the project's level of ambition. According to his words, the script developed by Matt Reeves over the last three years reflects a very personal and careful vision, something the actor says he especially values.
The actor also stressed that his role in The Batman: Part II will feel like something different from anything he has done before in his career, a comment that has reinforced speculation about a character far removed from the action roles that made him popular in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Sebastian Stan still wants to be Captain America
Before his arrival in Gotham, Stan will reprise his usual role as Bucky Barnes in Avengers: Doomsday. The actor has been linked to this character for over 15 years and continues to insist that there is still history to explore, including the possibility of Bucky finally taking up the mantle of Captain America, as happened in the comics.
Stan assured that he regularly mentions this possibility in conversations with Marvel Studios and that he feels he is in a good physical state to take on that type of role. He also highlighted his emotional connection to films like The Winter Soldier, Civil War, Infinity War, and Endgame, and defended that Bucky's evolution so far has been the right one.
The role of Sam Wilson in Avengers: Secret Wars
The debate over the future of the shield has also been reactivated thanks to recent statements by Anthony Mackie, who confirmed to Deadline that Sam Wilson will be present in Avengers: Secret Wars. Mackie explained that Chris Evans' return as Steve Rogers does not alter his role as Captain America, and recalled that in the comics both characters have shared that identity at different stages.
According to Mackie, Rogers' return responds to the need to face a greater threat in Avengers: Doomsday, which opens the door for several characters to coexist under the same legacy within the MCU.
Two projects, two different universes
Sebastian Stan now faces two very different commitments within superhero cinema. On one hand, Avengers: Doomsday will allow us to see the continuity of Bucky Barnes within the MCU. On the other, The Batman: Part II could show a completely new facet of the actor within the universe created by Matt Reeves.
Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters on December 18, while The Batman: Part II is scheduled for release on February 18, 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
What character will Sebastian Stan play in The Batman: Part II?
It has not been confirmed yet. Matt Reeves is keeping the character's identity a secret, which has generated theories about potential villains like Two-Face, Victor Zsasz, or Hush.
How did Sebastian Stan join Matt Reeves’ project?
According to the actor himself, Reeves became interested in him after seeing his work in The Apprentice, which led to a conversation that ended with his joining the film.
Will Sebastian Stan continue to play Bucky Barnes?
Yes. Before joining The Batman: Part II, the actor will reprise the role of Bucky Barnes in Avengers: Doomsday.
Could Sebastian Stan become Captain America?
The actor himself has publicly insisted on his interest in taking on that role if Marvel Studios decides to adapt that stage of the character from the comics.
When are Avengers: Doomsday and The Batman: Part II released?
Avengers: Doomsday will hit theaters on December 18, while The Batman: Part II is scheduled for February 18, 2028.
What did Anthony Mackie say about Steve Rogers’ return?
Mackie assured that he will continue to be Captain America in Avengers: Secret Wars, even with Chris Evans' return as Steve Rogers, recalling that in the comics both characters have shared that role.
