The first actor to portray the Joker in the 2022 film The Batman was Barry Keoghan. His rendition of the iconic villain made a brief yet memorable appearance, hinting at a significant role in future installments of this cinematic universe.
While Keoghan marks the introduction of the Clown Prince of Crime in Matt Reeves's The Batman, the character has a rich and varied history across live-action adaptations, brought to life by a diverse range of talented actors over the decades.
Barry Keoghan's Portrayal in The Batman (2022)
Barry Keoghan's take on the Joker in The Batman presents a more disfigured and unsettling version of the character, distinct from previous iterations. Although his appearance was limited to a final scene interaction with Paul Dano's Riddler in Arkham State Hospital, and a subsequent deleted scene, it established a terrifying foundation for this new antagonist. His performance suggested a Joker who is already a long-standing fixture in Gotham's underworld, profoundly impacted by his deformities and criminal psyche.
A Legacy of Laughter: Previous Live-Action Joker Portrayals
The Joker has been a cinematic and television staple for generations, with each actor bringing a unique interpretation to the role. Understanding this lineage provides context for Keoghan's place within the character's storied history.
The character made his live-action debut in the 1966 Batman television series and its accompanying film. In these pioneering appearances, the Joker was brought to life by Cesar Romero. Notably, Romero maintained his distinctive mustache beneath the character's white facial makeup throughout production, a unique detail that eagle-eyed viewers could sometimes spot.
Here's a look at the actors who have famously embodied the Joker in live-action film and television:
| Actor | Film/Series Title | Year(s) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cesar Romero | Batman (1966 TV Series & Movie) | 1966-1968 | The first live-action portrayal; comedic and flamboyant, with his real mustache visible under makeup. |
| Jack Nicholson | Batman | 1989 | Iconic and theatrical; tied to Batman's origin as the killer of his parents. |
| Heath Ledger | The Dark Knight | 2008 | Anarchic, chaotic, and terrifying; a posthumous Academy Award winner for his transformative performance. |
| Jared Leto | Suicide Squad, Zack Snyder's Justice League | 2016, 2021 | A tattooed, gangster-inspired take on the character within the DCEU. |
| Joaquin Phoenix | Joker | 2019 | A standalone origin story depicting a mentally ill aspiring comedian's descent into madness; earned an Academy Award for Best Actor. |
| Barry Keoghan | The Batman | 2022 | Disfigured, unsettling, and established as an existing, terrifying presence in Gotham, poised for future appearances. |
Each actor has left an indelible mark on the character, contributing to the Joker's enduring legacy as one of the most compelling villains in popular culture. Barry Keoghan now steps into this rich history, setting the stage for his own distinct evolution of the character in The Batman's universe.
