.png){kind=logo}
Kyle is a senior writer at ScreenRant and has been part of the team for over two years. Having led coverage on The Walking Dead projects alongside Rick & Morty, Kyle is well versed in numerous genres.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Kyle is a passionate journalist who has a keen interest in TV and film. He has six years of experience studying journalism including a HND in Practical Journalism and a BA Honours in Journalism, Media and Communication and History. Alongside his love for TV and film, Kyle enjoys video games, football and Formula 1.
The Penguin was an absolute phenomenon when it debuted in late 2024, blowing away critics and viewers alike while also scooping up numerous awards for its fantastic writing and performances. It is easily one of the best superhero masterpieces of the last 10 years on TV, and should be among the greatest comic book-affiliated shows ever made.
Following up directly from the events of 2022's The Batman, The Penguin dove deeper into Oz Cobb's background alongside his rise in the criminal underworld, helping fans understand his ruthless and slimy nature. It felt like the ideal way to expand Matt Reeves' Batman universe, which doesn't directly connect with the DCU, and its undeniable success makes it hard to replicate.
Fortunately, DC may not have to wait long for a replacement though. While the chances of The Penguin season 2 happening remain fairly high, the studio could go down a similar route with another villain instead, and after rumors of Sebastian Stan being in talks to join The Batman Part II, one lucrative spinoff show seems like a no-brainer.
Sebastian Stan’s Rumored The Batman Part II Casting Could See Him Play Two-Face
Although nothing has been confirmed yet, reports suggest that Sebastian Stan is being eyed for The Batman 2, which would be a massive addition to the cast. Given how big this sequel is lining up to be, official confirmation on who will be involved has been kept quiet, but just like Scarlett Johansson was supposedly attached to the project, Stan is too.
Naturally, this has caused instant conversation over which character Sebastian Stan could play in The Batman Part II if the rumors are true, and most people seem unanimous that Two-Face is the logical choice. Alongside having the charisma to play a lovable and honest District Attorney, Stan also has the acting chops to portray Harvey Dent's more unhinged side.
We've seen him play a variety of characters in the past that operate on either side of the law, many of whom are morally flexible. Given that Harvey is also frequently portrayed as a similar age to Bruce Wayne, this makes Stan's potential casting even more rational, given he's just a few years older than Robert Pattinson.
All the signs point towards the Marvel actor being a perfect Two-Face if he does join this DC project, and it would almost feel like a waste to give him a lesser role. Therefore, assuming this dream casting does happen, it could level up Matt Reeves' Batman universe once again while laying the foundation for a new show set in Elseworlds Gotham.
A Harvey Dent Spinoff Makes Perfect Sense Following The Batman Part II
Following numerous delays, The Batman Part II is scheduled for October 1, 2027, but what lies beyond that for Matt Reeves' universe remains unclear. A third movie seems likely, and The Penguin season 2 could be on the cards too, but a Harvey Dent spinoff is perhaps the most exciting option of the lot if DC pursues it.
Not only is Two-Face one of Batman's greatest rogues, but his story from an ambitious Harvey Dent into a bitter criminal is something that could play out perfectly on TV. However, with Barry Keoghan and Colin Farrell set to appear in The Batman Part II alongside Scarlett Johansson rumored to play a villain, it's hard to see Two-Face being a major antagonist immediately.
As a result, this could allow Sebastian Stan to familiarize audiences with his version of Harvey Dent in the upcoming sequel before his character's life-changing injury. This moment happening towards the end of the movie makes sense, if not in this theoretical spinoff show, giving him a more supporting role in The Batman 2, similar to the Penguin in the 2022 flick.
Therefore, a limited series afterward would almost certainly have a big appetite, and despite being a big movie star, Sebastian Stan continues to do plenty of work on TV, making his involvement a likely possibility. This format would also allow DC to focus on the trauma following Harvey's injury in more detail before shining a spotlight on his rise to criminality.
If done right, this could even tie in with The Penguin, setting up a feud between Oz and Harvey's respective gangs. Consequently, this version of Gotham could remain mob-oriented, despite the multitude of antagonists, and given that both the Penguin and Two-Face are among the best Batman villains of all time, this showdown would be a true classic.
A Two-Face Limited Series Could Be Just As Good As The Penguin, If Not Better
Given how well-received The Penguin was, it seems like an almost impossible task to surpass it. Luckily, a Two-Face series would have a lot going for it right from the off. Firstly, Sebastian Stan would give the project a strong lead — just like The Penguin had — while also being able to directly capitalize on its predecessor's success.
Alongside matching the grounded and gritty tone that made the HBO show work so well, a Harvey Dent spinoff could also use these now-established characters to further its narrative, while introducing people close to the protagonist. Seeing Farrell and Stan go toe-to-toe as these iconic villains would be a huge draw as well, while keeping Gotham's mob underworld alive.
Likewise, if this wound up replacing The Penguin season 2, the Two-Face series could even bring back Sofia Falcone as another major player after Cristin Milioti's award-winning performance. Even beyond the potential connections to The Penguin, a story about a good man falling into villainy and corruption has plenty of intrigue, and we already know how good the writing would be.
Often, Harvey Dent's transition can feel rushed or lack the care it needs, but a TV show would allow Matt Reeves' universe to focus on the mental aspects and set up which kind of criminal Harvey will become. Whether he has a personal grudge with Batman, dedicates himself to killing the corrupt, or becomes everything he used to hate, the options are endless.
With all this in mind, it seems like Sebastian Stan could really flourish if given the chance to star as Two-Face, and just like The Penguin, it offers the chance to grow both Gotham and its characters away from the big screen, making these returns all the more desirable.
English (US) ·