Could Joker Join Matt Reeves’ The Batman? A Rumor Thinks So

Remember when Joaquin Pheonix was cast in the titular role of Joker? Despite some originally mixed feelings, the film went on to win the Best Actor Oscar, a long-overdue award for Pheonix. Despite the highly praised portrayal, it still encouraged Batman fans everywhere to question why the character needed to make a comeback. Haven’t there been enough Jokers yet? Well, some people seem to think that even Pheonix wasn’t the last we’ll see of the character. A rumor has made some folks believe that the Joker could join in on Matt Reeves’ The Batman films.

The Batman Rumor that Joker Could Join Cast

Robert Pattison is taking over the role of Gotham City’s favorite vigilante. The Batman, set to release on October 1st, 2021, will begin Matt Reeves’ trilogy that follows the caped crusader. While we’ve seen plenty of on-screen Bruce Waynes before, this one promises a new story. We’ll get to watch the character before he’s fully formed as his expert crime-fighting self. Characters like Catwoman, the Riddler, and Penguin have all been confirmed. But what about plans for the other two films in the planned trilogy?

A rumor told by Daniel Richtman seems to think that the Joker will be introduced in the second film of the trilogy and take part in the third, too. Now, we do take this rumor with a grain of salt. Richtman, along with many other Batman-rumor-starters, has made some inaccurate predictions and statements in the past. However, it is still early in the development of the trilogy to firmly rule anything out. Could leaks just be a way of feeling out audience reactions before an official decision is made?

Image via Matt Reeves/Warner Bros. Pictures.

Do We Need the Joker in Batman Again?

There have been plenty of adaptations and actors who have played the Joker. Pheonix, Heath Ledger, and Jack Nicholson have been some of the most memorable performances to date. While many of them have done a commendable job at bringing the comic book character to life, others have failed. Jared Leto ended up disappointing many fans for his whacky and overly-method portrayal. The best thing that the version of the character did was inspire Harley Quinn to live her best life.

Sure, Joker’s dramatic backstory is easy to bring to life on the big screen in a variety of ways. But there are so many other villains in the DC universe that have the potential to inspire even more exciting stories. Why do we need the Joker again when we’ve just seen his story over and over again? Could it be time to retire the character for a bit? Sure, we’ve seen tons of versions of other characters, like Spider-Man and even Batman himself. But when it comes to antagonists, the Joker might take the cake for how often we’ve seen him with a new face.

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures.

Who Would Even Play Joker?

Now, if the theories are true, someone has to play Joker. The rumor stated that if the Joker should appear, it will be a new take on him. It also claimed that casting had not even started for the role. Though, since multiple actors have played him so recently, we can’t help but try to imagine them opposite Pattinson.

Could it be Jared Leto? While the actor hasn’t explicitly said he’s done with the role, we doubt that he would join such a highly-anticipated trilogy after his lackluster reviews. Joaquin Pheonix has also pretty much gotten all he needs from the role. Reports have suggested that he may be signed on for a Joker sequel. However, the actor has previously stated that he’s not interested in sequels. So, we can’t imagine him joining even more films as the same character.

Many fans say that their dream casting would be for Willem Dafoe to take over the role. He’s proven that he’s capable of some madness, and would certainly bring some age and experience to the character. Dafoe has also proven that his on-screen chemistry with Pattison is rave-worthy with their film The Lighthouse.

Image via A24.

Will There Really Be A New Joker?

The Joker has been seen so many times that even the non-comic book reading fans have a pretty good understanding of his personality and motivations. This helps get rid of the need for excessive backstories, sure. But it also risks giving us Joker-fatigue. And, after both Ledger and Pheonix won Oscars for the role, any potential actor would have some huge clown shoes to fill. We love the character, but we’ve already had enough changes to love him.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the character of the Joker joining Matt Reeves’ The Batman trilogy. Do you think the rumor is true?

Featured image via Warner Bros. Pictures.

Meghan Hale is the kind of movie lover that has a "must watch" that is a mile long... and growing. When she isn't talking about the latest film and television news she is writing one of her many in-process novels, screaming film trivia at anybody who will listen, and working as a mental health care professional. Follow her on Twitter @meghanrhale for some fun theories and live reactions to all things entertainment.