The Joker’s Role in ‘The Batman Part II’: Everything We Know So Far

The Batman universe, crafted by director Matt Reeves, has distinguished itself with a gritty, noir-detective tone that sets it apart from other superhero franchises. With The Batman Part II now officially slated for October 1, 2027, speculation is rampant regarding which rogues will populate this expanding Gotham.

At the center of this storm is Barry Keoghan’s Joker. While his screen time in the first film was minimal (a brief cameo and a widely circulated deleted scene), his presence looms large over the sequel.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of everything we know and the leading theories regarding the Joker in The Batman Part II.

1. Will the Joker Be the Main Villain?

The Short Answer: Unlikely.

While Barry Keoghan is widely expected to return, credible reports and industry insiders suggest he will not be the primary antagonist of The Batman Part II.

• The "Hannibal Lecter" Role: Matt Reeves has consistently described this version of the Joker as a "pre-Joker" figure—a serial killer who has already been apprehended by Batman during his first year of vigilantism. Reeves has expressed interest in using the Joker not as a physical threat to be punched, but as a psychological resource. Think Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs: a terrified Batman visiting Arkham Asylum to gain insight into the mind of a new killer.

• Avoiding Repetition: Reeves has gone on record stating he wants to avoid retelling the "Batman vs. Joker" story that has been done famously by Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan. Instead, he wants the Joker to be part of the fabric of Gotham’s criminal underworld, simmering in the background.

2. Barry Keoghan’s Status

Barry Keoghan has played his cards close to the chest. In recent interviews (late 2024/2025), he has often used the standard "I haven't heard anything" defense, though his enthusiasm for the role is evident.

• The Deleted Scene Clue: The famous deleted scene from the first movie, where Batman hands Joker a file on the Riddler, ends with the Joker stealing a paperclip. Fans have theorized this "Chekhov’s paperclip" implies an escape is inevitable. However, whether that escape happens in Part II or is saved for a potential third film remains to be seen.

READ MORE: MCU to DCU: Scarlett Johansson Eyes Major Role in The Batman Part II

3. Breaking News: The Scarlett Johansson Rumor

As of late 2025, the biggest news surrounding The Batman Part II isn't about the Joker, but a potential new player. Reports have surfaced that Scarlett Johansson is in final talks for a major role. This has sparked wild theories that could directly impact the Joker's screen time:

• The Phantasm (Andrea Beaumont): The leading theory is that Johansson could play Andrea Beaumont from the animated classic Mask of the Phantasm. This character is both a former lover of Bruce Wayne and a lethal vigilante. In the original animated film, her story is deeply tied to the Joker, potentially giving Keoghan a pivotal role in her origin or downfall without him being the main bad guy.

• Poison Ivy: Another possibility is a grounded version of Poison Ivy. Reeves has hinted that he is open to fantastical characters if they can be adapted realistically (e.g., an eco-terrorist using biological warfare rather than magic plants).

• A New Love Interest/Villain: There is also speculation she could play a gender-flipped version of a classic rogue or a completely original character who fills the void left by Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman (who is rumored to have a reduced role or be absent in the sequel).

4. Other Potential Villains

With the Joker likely in a supporting role, who is the main threat?

• Hush (Tommy Elliott): The first film dropped an explicit Easter egg referencing "Edward Elliott," a reporter killed by Falcone to protect the Wayne family secrets. This sets the stage perfectly for Hush, a villain with a personal vendetta against Bruce Wayne.

• Clayface: Rumors of Clayface have persisted for years. In Reeves’ world, this wouldn't be a giant mud-monster, but likely a master of disguise and makeup—an actor driven mad, perhaps connected to the corrupt underbelly of Gotham's elite.

• Doctor Arkham: Recent whispers have also pointed to a "Doctor Arkham" figure, potentially bridging the gap between the Asylum's inmates and the city's corruption.

Summary: What to Expect

• Release Date: October 1, 2027.

• Filming: Expected to begin in Spring 2026.

• Joker's Role: Expect Barry Keoghan to appear, likely still behind bars or in a "consultant" capacity, manipulating events from the shadows rather than leading the main plot.

• The Vibe: Matt Reeves is doubling down on the detective noir genre. If the Joker appears, it will be to challenge Batman's mind, not just his fists.