Speculation is once again intensifying around the future of The Batman franchise, with new insights hinting at a major development for the trilogy’s third installment. Esteemed Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman has indicated that the long-term arc for Gotham’s next significant villain might already be underway, linked to a recent casting announcement for The Batman Part II.
Earlier this month, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that actor Sebastian Stan, known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will portray Harvey Dent, Gotham City’s district attorney, in the next sequel. This casting positions Stan as a pivotal ally for Robert Pattinson’s Batman. However, Richtman speculated on X that Stan’s character might not fully realize his potential until The Batman 3, suggesting Dent could ultimately transform into one of Batman’s most notorious adversaries: Two-Face.
Historically, Harvey Dent has appeared in various film adaptations, played by actors such as Aaron Eckhart, Tommy Lee Jones, Nicholas D’Agosto, and Misha Collins. Previous narratives have often rushed his metamorphosis into Two-Face, but this theory posits that director Matt Reeves may take a more measured approach. By allowing Dent to serve as a moral guide for Gotham, Reeves can enhance the poignancy of his eventual downfall, positioning it as a deeply personal crisis for Bruce Wayne.
The anticipation surrounding The Batman 3 is further fueled by a separate rumor linked to The Batman Part II. Reports have emerged that Scarlett Johansson is in advanced negotiations to take on a yet-to-be-revealed role in the sequel. Many fans speculate she could be cast as Gilda Dent, Harvey’s wife from DC Comics. In her notable comic book storyline, Gilda becomes a serial killer named Holiday in The Long Halloween, which aligns with Reeves’ earlier adaptation that incorporates elements of this narrative. This connection suggests that the director might weave more of The Long Halloween’s themes into the next two chapters, culminating in Harvey’s transformation in the third installment.
These elements lead to the possibility that The Batman 3 might not follow the traditional route of introducing a new villain. Instead, it could serve as a continuation of a narrative arc filled with dramatic tension, focusing on themes of loss, obsession, and the heavy toll of pursuing justice in Gotham. The emotional depth of such a story would not only highlight the talents of both Stan and Johansson but also enrich Batman’s character journey.
Two-Face presents a thematically relevant antagonist to conclude Reeves’ trilogy. Unlike other villains, Dent’s character reflects Bruce Wayne’s own struggles; both are driven by their ideas of justice shaped through trauma, each believing they can save Gotham—albeit at great personal cost.
Highlighting Two-Face as the principal threat in The Batman 3 would allow Reeves to explore a nuanced conflict, pitting Batman against a once-aligned idealist who has succumbed to despair. This emotional complexity resonates with Reeves’ established focus on accountability and consequences in the first installment.
While Richtman’s claims remain unverified and DC Studios has not disclosed plans beyond The Batman Part II, if Richards’ theory proves accurate, Reeves’ trilogy could emerge as one of the most compelling superhero series since Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy wrapped up in 2012. The unfolding narrative surrounding Harvey Dent could captivate audiences and provide a satisfying conclusion to the saga.