As The Batman: Part II moves forward in development, actor Barry Keoghan addressed recent rumors about a Joker spin-off series, clarifying his involvement and the status of the character’s future. Director Matt Reeves and writer James Gunn also provided updates on the sequel’s progress and the franchise’s evolving plans.
Barry Keoghan would love a Joker series but debunks spin-off rumor
Barry Keoghan, known for his portrayal of the Joker in The Batman (2022), has clarified rumors regarding a spin-off series for his character.
In an interview with Josh Horowitz, Keoghan stated, “Again, you know, it’s iconic and to the people performing it, you know, it’s just iconic performances and it’s a big one. But I am going to say that, you know, if the opportunity came about, yes I’d love to explore and, given that opportunity, really dive into it. But, I’ve not been contacted and I’ve not heard anything so I can’t, yeah.”
Keoghan’s statement confirms there are no current plans for a Joker spin-off series or a larger role for the character. His cameo in The Batman and the release of a deleted scene featuring his Joker sparked speculation. Rumors suggested the Joker could appear in The Batman III or in a series leading into the film. However, Keoghan’s remarks directly refute these claims.
Matt Reeves’ team is focusing on The Batman: Part II, which is set to release on October 2, 2026. James Gunn revealed that the script remains in development, indicating that the franchise’s plans are still evolving. This development timeline suggests that creators have not finalized decisions about Keoghan’s Joker or potential spin-off projects.
The Batman franchise is expanding with upcoming projects like The Penguin series. For now, Keoghan’s Joker remains part of the established storyline, with no further developments confirmed. Both The Batman and The Penguin are available for streaming on Max.
