Hollywood actor Scarlett Johansson has revealed that preparing for her role in the upcoming superhero film The Batman: Part II was an unexpectedly challenging experience, leaving her grappling with what she described as "a lot of existential angst".
The 41-year-old actor, who is widely recognised for portraying Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, spoke about the difficulties of understanding her new character during an interview with Entertainment Tonight while promoting her upcoming film Paper Tiger.
"It was very hard to figure out. I don't know why, whether it was just the role or it was just where I am in my life, but it was just hard to crack it. And that's all I can say about it," Johansson said.
The actor did not disclose details about her character or explain the specific aspects of the role that proved challenging.
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Johansson joined the cast of The Batman: Part II in May, marking her entry into filmmaker Matt Reeves' interpretation of Gotham City's superhero universe.
Although she has extensive experience in comic-book adaptations through her association with Marvel, her latest role represents a move into a different cinematic setting.
Johansson played Black Widow across several Marvel films, becoming one of the franchise's most recognisable characters before headlining the standalone film Black Widow in 2021.
Her casting in the Batman sequel has generated considerable interest, particularly because the filmmakers have not revealed the identity of her character.
The actor's comments suggest that developing the character required a different creative approach, although she stopped short of elaborating on the nature of the challenge.
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Robert Pattinson will reprise his role as Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman, following his performance in the 2022 film The Batman.
Directed by Reeves, the original film presented a darker, detective-driven interpretation of the DC superhero, focusing on a younger Bruce Wayne navigating corruption and organised crime in Gotham City.
The sequel is expected to explore the character's personal life in greater depth, with Reeves previously indicating that the narrative would place more emphasis on Bruce Wayne beyond his identity as Batman.
The filmmaker has suggested that the next instalment will further examine the relationship between the billionaire's public persona and his responsibilities as Gotham's masked vigilante.
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Alongside Johansson and Pattinson, the film will feature Sebastian Stan and Brian Tyree Henry in undisclosed roles.
Stan is also known for his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he portrayed Bucky Barnes, while Henry has appeared in several major film and television productions.
Details about their characters and how they will figure in the sequel's storyline have been kept under wraps.
The secrecy surrounding the casting and plot has added to anticipation for the follow-up to Reeves' 2022 film.
For Johansson, the project marks another major franchise appearance after years of playing Black Widow, although her latest comments indicate that familiarity with superhero films did not necessarily make the new assignment easier.
Further details about her character and the film's storyline are expected to emerge closer to its release.