Robert Pattinson Joker speculation has arrived from an unlikely place: his performance as Chris Hansen in A24’s Primetime. Fans have seized on the actor’s unnerving stare and clipped delivery, but Pattinson is pointing them towards the Joker already played by his The Batman co-star Barry Keoghan.
Robert Pattinson Joker talk started with Primetime
Pattinson plays Hansen, the former To Catch a Predator host, in Lance Oppenheim’s film. A line from the trailer — “You see how this looks, right?” — has become a meme, while clips of his intense performance have prompted fans to imagine him in the clown’s make-up.
One post said Pattinson’s Joker “would’ve been generational”. Another argued that the only downside to him playing Batman was that he could also make a good Joker. The speculation concerns James Gunn’s separate DC universe, rather than Matt Reeves’ Batman films, where Pattinson remains Bruce Wayne.
Entertainment Weekly asked Pattinson about the comparisons during an interview ahead of Primetime’s 25 September cinema release.
“Oh, Jesus. I mean, it’s such a great part… but Barry’s the man.”
Robert Pattinson, speaking to Entertainment Weekly
He then praised Keoghan, recalling the deleted Arkham scene they filmed together for The Batman. “I loved doing that scene with him so much,” Pattinson said. “I think he’s such a phenomenal actor.” He added that he wants Keoghan to continue as the character and is “much more interested in that”.
What happens to the Joker in The Batman: Part II?
Keoghan’s return for The Batman: Part II has not been confirmed. The actor appeared briefly in the 2022 film, and the deleted Arkham scene gave audiences a fuller look at his version of the character. Pattinson is due back as Batman in the sequel, which is scheduled for 18 February 2028.
That leaves the viral comparison where it belongs: as praise for Pattinson’s performance, not evidence of a new casting plan. For more on the sequel, see our coverage of The Batman Part II’s Court of Owls rumours and the latest Batman Part II set footage.
Read the original reports from IGN and Entertainment Weekly.
Is Robert Pattinson playing the Joker?
No. Pattinson’s comments were a response to fan speculation, and no casting announcement has linked him to the role.
Will Barry Keoghan return as the Joker?
Keoghan’s return in The Batman: Part II has not been confirmed, so Pattinson’s support is not confirmation of his casting.
When is The Batman: Part II due?
The sequel is currently scheduled for 18 February 2028, with Robert Pattinson returning as Batman.
