The Batman – Part II, Will Joker Be In The Film? Barry Keoghan's Answer

The Batman – Part II is one of the most highly anticipated superhero sequels, following the success of the 2022 film starring Robert Pattinson as Gotham's dark defender. As excitement builds, many fans are speculating about which iconic villains will appear in the next installment. A key question on everyone's mind is whether Barry Keoghan's Joker, briefly introduced in the first movie, will play a larger role this time.

Barry Keoghan's Joker: A Brief Introduction in The Batman

In The Batman (2022), Keoghan's Joker made a fleeting yet memorable appearance. Toward the end of the film, he was seen having a disturbing conversation with the Riddler, played by Paul Dano, while both characters were locked in neighboring cells. There was also a cut scene where Joker interacted with Batman, which didn’t make it to the final version but was later released online.

Although these brief moments didn’t give much insight into Keoghan's version of the Joker, they sparked considerable interest, with fans eager to see more of the character in future installments.

Barry Keoghan's Response to Rumors About His Return

Recently, during an interview with Variety, Keoghan was asked about his potential return as the Joker in The Batman – Part II. His answer, while cryptic, didn’t rule out the possibility.

“Here we are! I can’t say much. The camera is staring at me... we’ll see how it ends. Once again, it was an incredible experience... and yeah, I can’t say more.”

This statement leaves the door open for Keoghan's Joker to return, as it was neither a confirmation nor a denial. Keoghan has previously shared similar sentiments in interviews, stating that he can't reveal anything but that the idea of the Joker returning would be "exciting."

The Plot of The Batman – Part II: What We Know So Far

Currently, there’s little official information about the plot of The Batman – Part II. However, we know that director Matt Reeves is hard at work on the script alongside screenwriter Mattson Tomlin, who also co-wrote the first film.

One key detail that has been confirmed is that the movie will tie into the events of the upcoming spin-off series The Penguin, which will air on Sky and NOW starting September 20, 2024. The series will focus on Colin Farrell's character, Oswald Cobblepot, as he rises through Gotham's criminal underworld in the wake of the chaos caused in the first film.

Will Other Characters Return in The Batman – Part II?

Several cast members are confirmed to return for the sequel. Robert Pattinson will reprise his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman, while Andy Serkis will return as Alfred Pennyworth. Colin Farrell is also set to return as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin.

However, the return of other characters from the first film, like Selina Kyle (played by Zoë Kravitz) and Paul Dano's Riddler, remains uncertain. With Keoghan’s Joker also in limbo, there’s much speculation about the direction Reeves will take in the next chapter of Gotham’s story.

DC Elseworlds and The Batman Universe

The Batman – Part II is set to continue under the DC Elseworlds label, which includes projects that exist in a separate universe from James Gunn’s new DC Universe. This distinction allows Matt Reeves' Batman saga to develop its own unique storyline, unconnected to other DC films. Reeves’ grounded, gritty interpretation of Gotham stands apart from the larger, interconnected superhero universe.

Release Date and Expectations

Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see what Matt Reeves has in store for Gotham and its iconic characters. The Batman – Part II is scheduled to hit theaters on October 2, 2026. With the success of the first film and the growing anticipation around characters like the Joker, expectations are sky-high for the sequel.