When Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson brought The Batman to life, the movie captured fans' attention and received critical acclaim. With the sequel, The Batman: Part II, set to release on October 2, 2026, excitement is building.
Joker has been Batman’s arch-nemesis in countless movies, TV shows, and comics. From Jack Nicholson to Heath Ledger to Joaquin Phoenix, the character has dominated the Batman narrative for decades.
While Barry Keoghan’s brief appearance as Joker in The Batman hinted at his potential, making him the primary villain again risks overexposing the character. Fans crave something new and exciting, and recycling Joker as the main antagonist could feel like retreading old ground.
One of the users on Reddit said,
The Joker’s role in The Batman universe
That’s not to say Joker has no place in the sequel. He can still add depth to the story as a secondary character or someone pulling strings behind the scenes. His role could serve as a setup for future films, allowing Reeves to slowly build toward an epic showdown. This approach keeps the audience intrigued and prevents Joker from overshadowing other characters.
Reeves demonstrated his creativity by reinventing Batman’s world in the first film. From the grounded take on Gotham City to the gritty portrayal of Riddler, Reeves brought a fresh perspective. Giving the spotlight to lesser-known villains allows Reeves to continue this trend, delivering a story that stands apart from previous Batman adaptations.
Fans online have been vocal about their thoughts on Joker’s potential return. Many argue that using Joker as the main villain in The Batman 2 would lead to comparisons with The Dark Knight. Others believe that introducing a new villain is the smarter move. Fans' consensus for Reeves to explore different corners of Batman’s universe could not be more evident.
Batman has one of the richest villain collections in all of the comics. Yet, many of these characters remain underused in live-action adaptations. Hugo Strange, a brilliant and manipulative psychiatrist, could provide an intellectual challenge for Batman.
Similarly, Professor Pyg, with his disturbing and grotesque methods, could bring a terrifying psychological element to the sequel. Focusing on these lesser-known villains would give fans something they haven’t seen before.
By introducing a new villain, Reeves can craft a story that’s unpredictable and unique. Audiences would be more engaged with a narrative that takes them to uncharted territory. Plus, highlighting a new villain could establish them as a significant part of Batman’s cinematic history, much like The Batman did with Riddler.
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While Barry Keoghan’s Joker was a fascinating addition to The Batman, he shouldn’t be the focus of The Batman: Part II. With so many untapped characters and potential storylines, Reeves has the chance to create something groundbreaking. By stepping away from the Joker, the sequel can carve out its own identity and deliver a fresh, innovative take on Gotham’s dark knight.
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