Although he was teased in the first chapter of The Batman trilogy, Barry Keoghan’s Joker shouldn’t be in The Batman – Part II. After being teased in the first movie from director Matt Reeves and later confirmed via a deleted scene cut due to time constraints, it was revealed that Robert Pattinson’s Batman had already caught an early version of the Joker during his first year as the Caped Crusader. Although it’s evident that this Clown Prince of Crime is just getting started in Reeves’ Gotham, the trilogy will be even better if the Joker isn’t the primary foe in the next movie.
After Paul Dano’s Riddler was put behind bars in Arkham State Hospital and his plans to assassinate mayor-elect Bella Reál were foiled, Gotham’s newest villain befriended his cellmate who’s heavily teased in the film as being an early Joker. In the aforementioned deleted scene and director’s commentary, Reeves confirmed that Keoghan’s Joker had already been caught by Batman and that the pair had already formed a connection during Bruce Wayne’s first year as a vigilante. Although their chemistry as DC Comics’ biggest rivals during their earliest days is quite compelling, there are a few good reasons why Batman’s arch-nemesis needs to be saved for later.
Why Barry Keoghan’s Joker Shouldn’t Be In The Batman Part II
Although the seeds have been sown for the epic debut of a full-fledged Joker in Reeves’ version of Gotham City, the Clown Prince can still evolve. Whether it’s from his padded cell alongside the Riddler or following a breakout in The Batman-Part II, Keoghan’s Joker could and should take the time to grow into a genuine Clown Prince of Crime, just as Pattinson’s Batman is still evolving into Gotham’s true Caped Crusader, having decided to inspire hope beyond pure vengeance. It’s too soon to have Joker and Batman face off, especially not in the next movie.
Likewise, having Joker as the primary villain in The Batman – Part II would mirror the same structure of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. Reeves’s own trilogy would likely want to avoid that kind of comparison as it continues to set itself apart with its own unique narrative and world. Additionally, the majority of what’s been seen thus far from Barry Keoghan’s Joker is from a deleted scene. While it’s safe to say that Batman and this early version of the Joker’s interactions are still part of the continuity, there needs to be more development that actually happens within the released films themselves.
Saving Joker Will Make Matt Reeves’ Batman Trilogy Even Better
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Barry Keoghan’s Joker has incredible potential to be an epic foil for Pattinson’s Batman…eventually. However, both the titular hero and his biggest rival need more time to “cook”. While this early, proto-Joker could have further growth in The Batman – Part II, he shouldn’t be the primary antagonist in the next chapter set to release in 2025. Ultimately, Matt Reeves’ The Batman trilogy will be so much better if Joker’s evolution is allowed to further develop with his full debut being saved for the final chapter of the trilogy (or perhaps beyond).
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