The Joker is set to return to Gotham City in a new form when Matt Reeves Batman Joker series, Batman: Caped Crusader, launches its second season on Prime Video in 2026. Co-showrunner James Tucker revealed that this iteration of the Clown Prince of Crime will be unlike previous portrayals, bringing a fresh yet familiar take on the iconic villain.
Tucker explained that audiences accustomed to voices like Mark Hamill or Jack Nicholson will notice significant differences, but longtime comic fans will recognize elements that align with the character’s classic roots.
“If Joker begins with Mark Hamill and Jack Nicholson, this take on the Joker will be very different for them. But for people who’ve read comics for a long, long, long, long time, it won’t be. Some people will recognize it and go, ‘Oh, I see what they’re doing.’ And other people will go, ‘Wow, this is different.’ But I think it’s all Joker.” – James Tucker, Co-showrunner
Foreshadowing the Joker’s Arrival in Season One
Although the Joker did not appear in the first season of Caped Crusader, the finale teased the character’s presence with a disturbing scene. The episode titled Savage Night ended with hostages succumbing to uncontrollable laughter while a shadowy figure holding a syringe uttered the word “Perfect,” hinting at the sinister Joker waiting in the wings for Season 2.
Tucker mentioned that the upcoming episodes will explore this new version’s origins, which may trace back to Batman’s Golden Age comics. The series’ distinct noir atmosphere and detective-centric storytelling have strongly distinguished it from many modern Batman adaptations, a creative direction Reeves actively supports.
“We weren’t given a mandate to match what [Matt Reeves] was doing. He understands our show is separate from the movies. The only thing we may have in common is that both versions of Batman come from a more detective angle.” – James Tucker, Co-showrunner
Future Prospects for Batman and The Joker in Caped Crusader
Following the passing of Kevin Conroy and the retirement of Mark Hamill as Joker’s voice, Batman: Caped Crusader will introduce a new actor to portray the villain, although casting details remain under wraps. Hamish Linklater debuted as Batman in this animated series, reflecting the showrunners’ intention to establish a fresh interpretation for each character rather than relying on legacy portrayals.
Matt Reeves is also advancing several Gotham-related projects concurrently, including The Batman: Part II, a horror-themed Clayface film, and the puppet-animation hybrid Dynamic Duo. Meanwhile, production on the second season of Caped Crusader is nearly complete, with Tucker confirming that final adjustments are underway for a 2026 release.
Main Cast of Batman: Caped Crusader
- Hamish Linklater
- Christina Ricci
- Jamie Chung
- Diedrich Bader
