Sebastian Stan Wanted Riddler Role Before Batman 2 Talks
The Marvel star previously expressed interest in playing the iconic Batman villain during a 2024 interview, but casting discussions for Matt Reeves' sequel have taken a different direction.
Reports confirm Sebastian Stan entered discussions for Matt Reeves' upcoming Batman sequel. The Marvel actor could join Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in a mystery role, though specifics remain under wraps. Fans quickly recalled Stan's 2024 comments about wanting to play a Batman villain.
During Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast, Stan discussed potential superhero roles outside Marvel. He revealed his fascination with Batman's rogues gallery, specifically mentioning The Riddler as a character that always appealed to him.
"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," Stan explained.
The Thunderbolts actor won't be stepping into Edward Nygma's shoes. Paul Dano already owns The Riddler role in this Batman universe, serving as the primary antagonist in the first film.
Additional Casting Rumors Swirl Around Sequel
Stan isn't the only Marvel veteran linked to the project. Scarlett Johansson reportedly entered similar discussions for a significant role. Tobias Menzies faces consideration for Amadeus Arkham, while Brad Pitt speculation continues despite seeming unlikely for a supporting part.
The sequel faces some departures. Zoë Kravitz apparently won't return as Selina Kyle. Jeffrey Wright and Andy Serkis will reprise Commissioner Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth respectively. Barry Keoghan should expand his Joker presence, while Paul Dano might return as The Riddler.
Colin Farrell definitely returns as Oz Cobb following his HBO Max series The Penguin. Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone status remains uncertain for the film.
Stan's History With Villain Typecasting
Stan debuted as a child in 1994's 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance. His breakthrough came playing a troubled teen terrorizing New York City on NBC's Law & Order. That role launched a pattern of villain casting that frustrated the actor.
He played antagonists in The Covenant and Hot Tub Time Machine. Television brought more bad-boy characters in Gossip Girl and Kings. By his Captain America casting, Stan felt trapped by industry perceptions.
Stan told Flaunt Magazine about his growing frustration with typecasting. He wanted the lovable reputation that actors like Paul Rudd enjoyed in Hollywood.
"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," Stan shared.
His later villain work became more complex. Bucky Barnes offered a layered character arc throughout multiple MCU films. Stan pursued diverse projects including Pam & Tommy, The Martian, Fresh, Sharper, A Different Man, and The Apprentice.
The Batman: Part II arrives in theaters October 1, 2027.