Los Angeles: Fresh reports surrounding the cast of The Batman Part II suggest that fans may have been wrong about which iconic Gotham character Sebastian Stan is set to portray in the highly anticipated sequel.

Ever since writer-director Matt Reeves announced several new additions to the film’s cast, speculation has been rampant regarding the roles of the newcomers. Stan, in particular, had been widely rumoured to be playing Harvey Dent, the Gotham district attorney who eventually becomes the infamous villain Two-Face.

However, a new report claims that another actor has been cast as Harvey Dent, while Stan is set to portray a different Batman adversary altogether.

Sebastian Stan reportedly cast as Victor Zsasz

According to reports from entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider, Sebastian Stan will not be playing Harvey Dent in the sequel.

Instead, the actor is reportedly taking on the role of Victor Zsasz, one of Batman’s most notorious and psychologically disturbing villains.

Victor Zsasz is a serial killer known for keeping a tally of his victims by carving marks into his own skin after each murder. The character has appeared in various Batman comics, television series and films over the years and is considered one of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals.

If the report proves accurate, Stan’s portrayal would mark the first appearance of Victor Zsasz in Matt Reeves’ version of Gotham.

The casting would also align with Reeves’ previous comments suggesting that the sequel would feature villains not previously seen in his Batman universe.

Brian Tyree Henry reportedly set to play Harvey Dent

The report further claims that Brian Tyree Henry has been cast as Harvey Dent.

Dent is one of Batman’s most iconic allies-turned-enemies, serving as Gotham City’s district attorney before a tragic incident transforms him into the villain Two-Face.

The character was famously portrayed by Aaron Eckhart in The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan.

The new report has also cast doubt on previous fan theories regarding other cast members.

Earlier speculation suggested that Scarlett Johansson could portray Gilda Dent, Harvey Dent’s wife, while Charles Dance was rumoured to be playing Dent’s father. However, those assumptions now appear less certain.

Court of Owls storyline may be included

Another intriguing claim from the report is that The Batman Part II could introduce the Court of Owls storyline.

The Court of Owls is a secret society composed of Gotham’s wealthiest and most influential families. In the comics, the organisation has secretly manipulated Gotham’s politics, economy and institutions for generations.

The storyline has become one of the most acclaimed Batman narratives of the past decade and has long been considered a strong fit for Reeves’ darker and more grounded Gotham universe.

If included, the Court of Owls could significantly expand the scope of the franchise beyond the street-level corruption explored in the first film.

Filming already underway

Production on The Batman Part II is reportedly underway at several locations across the United Kingdom, including facilities at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden.

The sequel will see the return of Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne and Batman. Returning cast members also include Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb, Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth.

Actors Jayme Lawson and Gil Perez-Abraham are also expected to reprise their roles.

Reports indicate that Pattinson’s Dark Knight will investigate deeper layers of corruption and power struggles within Gotham City as new threats emerge.

Release date set for 2027

Warner Bros. has scheduled The Batman Part II for a theatrical release on October 1, 2027.

The sequel follows the success of 2022’s The Batman and the critically acclaimed spin-off series The Penguin, which starred Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb and Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone.

While the latest casting details remain unconfirmed by the studio, the report has generated significant excitement among Batman fans eager to discover which villains will challenge Gotham’s Caped Crusader in his next cinematic outing.