Dwayne Johnson has openly praised Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of the Joker, describing it as phenomenal and highlighting the dedication Keoghan put into the role. This recognition came as a surprise to many fans, especially as Johnson teased the possibility of seeing Keoghan’s Joker in future projects, including a potential crossover with Black Adam.
Dwayne Johnson’s Admiration for Barry Keoghan’s Joker
<pIn an interview, Dwayne Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for Barry Keoghan’s Joker from the 2022 film The Batman. Johnson called Keoghan’s performance “phenomenal” and commended the actor’s effort in bringing the villainous character to life. This praise stood out as Johnson compared Keoghan’s interpretation favorably against other well-known versions of the Joker.
For the record: Barry Keoghan is a buddy of mine, and I thought his Joker was phenomenal. And I know the work that he really put in, so I really look forward to seeing more of that guy! Whether in the Batman series or… hey, you never know, in Black Adam.
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
Keoghan made his first appearance as the Joker during a brief but impactful scene set in Arkham Asylum in The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves. This portrayal was unique for its scarred and disfigured take on the character, shown in more detail through a later-released extended deleted scene by Warner Bros.
The Future of the Joker in the New DC Universe
The Joker remains one of the most iconic villains in comic book lore, but the role’s future in the emerging DC Universe (DCU) remains uncertain. James Gunn and Peter Safran, who are overseeing the DCU, have yet to announce an official actor to embody the Joker in their planned shared cinematic world. Meanwhile, speculation and fan theories continue to spread.
Barry Keoghan’s Joker is anticipated to return in The Batman – Part II, slated for release in 2026, though this film exists outside the current DCU continuity. Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, whose follow-up Joker: Folie à Deux faced mixed reactions, also belongs to an alternative storytelling universe referred to as Elseworlds.
Recently, set rumors regarding the upcoming Clayface movie sparked fan excitement when graffiti reading The Jokers appeared on set, fueling theories about the villain’s potential return or the introduction of a Joker-inspired group. Additionally, these hints suggest the Joker might appear in The Brave and the Bold, a new Batman installment directed by Andy Muschietti.
Among actors strongly linked to portraying the Joker in the DCU, Bill Skarsgård’s name frequently comes up due to his admission of having a “really f–ing cool Joker” within him, as stated on the Happy Sad Confused Podcast. Other favorites within fan circles include David Dastmalchian, Jamie Campbell Bower, Willem Dafoe, and Giovanni Ribisi. Despite all the speculation, official confirmation remains pending.
How the Joker Has Evolved Through Different Actors
The Joker character has undergone numerous transformations since his debut, with each actor shaping the villain’s legacy distinctly. Beginning with Cesar Romero in the 1960s Batman TV series, the Joker was playful and lighthearted. Romero’s refusal to shave his mustache led to its comedic concealment under white makeup, fitting the show’s campy style perfectly.
In 1989, Jack Nicholson’s interpretation brought a stylish and theatrical menace to the big screen, creating a memorable and commercially successful portrayal that remains influential. This version combined danger with dark humor, setting a high bar for future actors.
Mark Hamill revolutionized the Joker’s voice in Batman: The Animated Series starting in the early 1990s. His iconic laugh and vocal performance carried through various animated films and the Arkham video games, becoming definitive in the character’s audio portrayal.
The landscape of Joker portrayals shifted dramatically when Heath Ledger delivered a hauntingly unpredictable version in 2008’s The Dark Knight. Ledger’s Joker became a cultural touchstone, winning him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Following this, Joaquin Phoenix earned another Oscar for his deeply psychological take in 2019’s Joker, exploring the character’s origins in a standalone narrative.
Jared Leto’s Joker in Suicide Squad introduced a flashy, tattooed style, eliciting mixed reviews but carving its own niche among fans. Most recently, Barry Keoghan’s interpretation in The Batman offered a chilling glimpse into a scarred and complex villain, leaving audiences eager for his expanded role in The Batman – Part II.
Each actor has contributed uniquely to the evolution of the Joker, creating a mosaic of interpretations that continue to inspire passionate discussions among fans and critics alike.
Anticipation for the Joker’s Next Chapter
As the DC Universe continues to build toward new stories and crossover possibilities, Dwayne Johnson’s public support for Barry Keoghan’s Joker adds excitement and anticipation around the character’s future. Whether Keoghan’s Joker will transition into more DCU productions or surprise fans alongside Johnson’s Black Adam remains open, but the prospect fuels optimism for fresh takes on this legendary villain.
The role of the Joker remains a coveted and challenging one, as each actor leaves a distinct mark, shaping how audiences perceive Batman’s greatest foe. With Keoghan’s praised performance and ongoing speculation about casting within the DCU, the Joker’s legacy is poised to deepen further in the coming years.
