Batman Officially Casts New Joker With 'House of the Dragon' Favorite

Batman’s future in the greater DC Universe is something of a mystery in some aspects, especially pertaining to the multiple live-action versions of the Dark Knight. Robert Pattinson is busy filming The Batman – Part II with director Matt Reeves ahead of its 2028 release, bringing new cast members like Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan along with him. Outside of that, James Gunn is slowly working to bring Bruce Wayne and the Bat-family to the main DCU timeline in The Brave and the Bold, but development on director Andy Muschietti’s solo movie is slow-going.

Meanwhile, Prime Video stepped in to host one of the most beloved Batman projects in recent memory with the release of Batman: Caped Crusader in August 2024. Showing a version of Bruce Wayne set in the 1940s and 1960s, the series shows a younger Bruce Wayne early in his career as a hero, struggling to take down the corruption and crime raging throughout Gotham. Prime Video released the first trailer for Season 2 in late June, teasing the inclusion of iconic new villains like the Riddler and major returning players like Harley Quinn. Now, the show is confirmed to bring in arguably Batman’s most notable adversary ever.

Deadline reported from a panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 that Matthew Needham is voicing the Joker in Season 2 of Prime Video’s Batman: Caped Crusader series. Needham is best known for his role as Lord Larys “The Clubfoot” Strong in House of the Dragon, a role he has portrayed in 17 episodes across the Game of Thrones prequel’s three seasons. This will be Needham’s first time joining a comic book show, and he also has credits in The Ritual, Napoleon, and Sherlock.

The Joker in 'Batman: Caped Crusader.' — The Joker in ‘Batman: Caped Crusader.’

As of writing, the Joker’s specific role in Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 is still unknown, but he appears to be coming in as some kind of gangster figure in this retro version of Gotham. The article also shared a photo of him sitting at some kind of poker table, possibly working as a dealer, although it is still unclear if he will meet anybody there in this particular scene.

This comes after Prime Video shared an initial look at the Joker in early June, along with other major players like the Riddler, Scarecrow, and the Mad Hatter. Continuing to operate as a spiritual successor to the classic Batman: The Animated Series, a new look at the iconic rivalry between Batman and the Joker is sure to bring plenty of thrilling moments across the new season.

Batman: Caped Crusader begins streaming on Prime Video on Jul. 31, 2026.