Sebastian Stan is no stranger to the superhero spotlight, having spent over a decade as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But his leap to DC's Gotham City in Matt Reeves' The Batman Part II wasn't just about ticking off another franchise box. In a surprising twist, it was his daring, Oscar-nominated portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice that opened the door to this new chapter.
While promoting his latest film Fjord at the Toronto International Film Festival, Stan sat down with Collider's Perri Nemiroff and revealed the unexpected chain of events. "Matt Reeves, he knows Cristian, and he knew Ali Abbasi. He was a big fan of The Apprentice, and that's how that conversation started," Stan explained. "Not in a million years did I think that doing that movie was going to lead to me having a conversation with that director."
For Stan, the worlds of indie cinema and blockbuster spectacle aren't opposites—they're symbiotic. "These worlds consistently collide," he said, emphasizing that both types of films rely on each other to lure audiences back to theaters. "It's an ecosystem that they all have to thrive in. It's all for the better of getting people to the theater."
Though Stan remained tight-lipped about his mysterious character, he offered a reassuring glimpse into Reeves' approach. "There's real thought behind that movie," he said. "Matt certainly has thought about it for three, four years." That dedication suggests the sequel will honor the gritty, noir-ish tone of its predecessor while expanding the mythos.
The cast for The Batman Part II is shaping up to be a powerhouse, with Robert Pattinson reprising his role as the Dark Knight. Newcomers include Scarlett Johansson, Charles Dance, Brian Tyree Henry, and Sebastian Koch, though their roles remain shrouded in secrecy. Reeves co-wrote the script with Mattson Tomlin, promising a story that's been carefully crafted.
Stan's journey from indie darling to superhero veteran mirrors the fluid nature of Hollywood today. His performance in The Apprentice not only earned critical acclaim but also proved that taking risks can lead to unexpected opportunities. As he put it, "These movies need those movies, and those movies, to some extent, need these."
Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Stan's Gotham debut—The Batman Part II is slated for a February 18, 2028 release. Until then, they can catch him in Fjord, a poignant drama about a Romanian family in Norway, which is generating buzz on the festival circuit.
For more on Stan's career and the upcoming sequel, stay tuned to Collider for the full interview with Stan and Mungiu. And if you're craving more Batman content, check out our ranking of the top animated series villains to tide you over.
