WARNING: Spoilers for The Batman ahead
The Batman actor Barry Keoghan talks about filming his scene with the Riddler. Previously known for his performances in Yorgos Lanthimos' The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, the Irish actor is coming off a banner year in which he made his debut as Druig in Chloé Zhao's entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Eternals. However, Keoghan's role in Matt Reeves' The Batman has been the source of much speculation, as he initially appeared to be playing GCPD officer Stanley Merkel, which was a smokescreen by the studio to throw fans off the scent.
Later on, Keoghan's role in The Batman was officially revealed to be "Unseen Arkham Prisoner," which is actually much closer to the truth. Now that the movie is playing in theaters, the exact nature of his role has been revealed, with Reeves confirming Keoghan is playing the Joker. Appearing for only one scene towards the end of the film in which his face is largely obscured, Keoghan's character makes a reference to being a clown and can be heard laughing manically in conjunction with Paul Dano's Riddler at Arkham Asylum.
Now, in an interview with Esquire Middle East, Keoghan spoke about his involvement in The Batman. The actor began by praising the film's director, Reeves, whom he compared to Zhao for his ability to make actors feel comfortable on set. Keoghan also spoke about his scene with the Riddler, praising Dano as an actor and recognizing the similar energy the two have on screen. Read what Keoghan had to say below:
He’s brilliant, man. And Matt Reeves and Dylan Clark especially and together were amazing to me– really, really amazing to me. And, you know, getting to be part of the Batman universe is [a huge deal for me]. I’m a fanboy of these movies, and especially the Batman universe. So to be in that world, I’m still pinching myself. He’s a filmmaker I hugely admire as well. And to get to walk alongside him and see how he works, and seeing much like Chloe Zhao, how comfortable he makes you on set, and he gives you the time you need and what you want. I’m in such a blessed position.
Paul is–I’m a huge, huge fan of Paul. He’s such a good dude as well. I’ve watched all of his movies, like Prisoners and stuff like that. People say that we’re kind of alike as well, and I’m like, are we?
While Keoghan did not comment on the identity of his character during the interview, Reeves has confirmed that the unnamed Arkham prisoner is indeed the Joker, if it wasn't apparent already by the content of the scene. Reeves also revealed that some additional scenes were shot, including one of Keoghan as Joker and some fake scenes of him as Merkel to throw fans off. While Keoghan's screen time ended up being quite brief, he might get some more time to shine in The Batman's deleted scenes.
Although a sequel to The Batman hasn't been confirmed by Warner Bros., the movie's big opening weekend likely renders one inevitable. Reeves has been tight-lipped on the subject of Joker in The Batman 2, but the scene in question is likely intended to set up Keoghan's character for a larger role in the sequel. The character is still in his formative days before emerging as Gotham's Clown Prince of Crime. Now that Keoghan has commented on his scene in The Batman, fans can continue speculating about Joker's role in Reeves' flourishing DC universe.
Source: Esquire Middle East
