Following the news that Sebastian Stan looks to be joining The Batman – Part II, Variety adds that Barry Keoghan is also expected to return as the Joker.
Keoghan briefly appeared at the end of the first film in a locked cell at Arkham, teasing a twisted friendship with Paul Dano’s Riddler. Now it looks like that storyline will continue.
Joker’s Role Still Unknown
While Keoghan’s return hasn’t been officially confirmed by Warner Bros., Variety is a reliable source, and the report says the Joker is expected to appear once more in the sequel.
It’s unclear how large the role will be. Reeves previously said he views the character as part of Gotham’s long-term decay, not necessarily the main villain. But having the Joker return, even in a limited capacity, adds another layer to the growing world Reeves is building.
Matt Reeves also previously released a deleted scene from The Batman showing Robert Pattinson’s Batman meeting Barry Keoghan’s Joker in Arkham. The chilling five-minute clip revealed more of Keoghan’s disfigured, unhinged take on the character and hinted at a shared history between the two.
Joker, Two-Face, And Gotham’s Criminal Rise
With Sebastian Stan rumored to be playing Harvey Dent and Scarlett Johansson linked to Gilda Dent, The Batman – Part II could see Bruce Wayne surrounded by future threats in their early stages.
Joker, Dent, Riddler, and Penguin are all active in this version of Gotham, setting up a rogues’ gallery that mirrors Bruce’s own psychological descent.
Rumors also offer the main villain could be either Hush or Mr. Freeze.
The Batman – Part II Release Info
Directed by Matt Reeves, The Batman – Part II stars Robert Pattinson and is scheduled to hit theaters on October 1, 2027.
