The DCU’s First Joker Tease Hints at the Fresh Take That Fans Deserve

by

In various film adaptations throughout pop culture, The Joker stands as an unforgettable villain, and it’s no wonder that multiple actors have taken on this iconic role. Actors like Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, Jared Leto, Joaquin Phoenix, and Barry Keoghan have each given their unique interpretations to the character, making their versions memorable. Given the extensive history of The Joker on screen, James Gunn and his team face a challenging task in determining the DC Universe’s interpretation of the villain. As fans eagerly anticipate who will portray the shared universe’s Clown Prince of Crime, a hint dropped on the Clayface set offers insight into how the DCU’s take on the Joker might differ from previous incarnations.

On Twitter (previously known as X), the account DC Film News posted a fresh photo from the Clayface production set. The snapshot showcases a flyer advertising a demonstration aimed at the Gotham City Police Department, scheduled to take place at Park Row. Notably, the bottom text suggests “JOIN THE JOKER,” hinting that the Joker is orchestrating this event and rallying Gotham’s citizens against widespread corruption in the city. You can find the image displayed below:

On Twitter, the account DC Film News recently shared an intriguing picture from the Clayface set. It’s a flyer advertising a protest against the Gotham City Police Department happening at Park Row. What catches my eye is that it says “JOIN THE JOKER,” which makes me think the Joker himself has organized this event and might be rallying people against city-wide corruption in Gotham! Take a look at the image below:

The Joker is once again teased on the set of ‘CLAYFACE’.

( @whitewidow616)

— DC Film News (@DCFilmNews) September 9, 2025

The DCU’s Joker Could Put a Fresh Spin on a Classic Character

In the upcoming movie titled Clayface, we’ll delve into the sorrowful tale of Matt Hagen, an actor grappling with his career, who inexplicably transforms into Clayface after using a mysterious concoction. The film will be rich with Easter eggs and nods to the DC Universe’s depiction of Gotham City. Previous set photos have revealed a map of Gotham that highlights key locations like Arkham Asylum, Wayne Tower, and Blackgate Penitentiary. Furthermore, hints of the Joker’s presence can be seen in graffiti proclaiming “The Jokers,” suggesting a group backing the villainous character.

In various Batman-themed productions, the Joker is often accompanied by a large number of devoted henchmen. However, the portrayal in the series Clayface appears to depict the Joker as more than just common criminals, with ambitions that extend beyond simple lawlessness. The graffiti and flyers suggest that the DC Universe’s Joker may be transforming into a public or political figure with significant influence. He seems to be actively rallying supporters for his cause, using his platform to expose the rampant corruption in Gotham City. Given the moral ambiguity of the GCPD (with the exception of Jim Gordon), it’s plausible that there is some truth to the Joker’s allegations about Gotham’s corruption.

This new portrayal of Joker on screen promises a refreshing shift from previous depictions. Unlike Heath Ledger’s Joker in “The Dark Knight,” who aimed to reveal the potential for evil within even an upright man like Harvey Dent, this version seems to have loftier goals. Instead of being anarchistic and intent on causing chaos, he appears to be working towards what he believes is the greater good for Gotham City, by unifying its citizens against corrupt institutions. Other portrayals have also focused on mayhem, but this one seems to differ significantly.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I must admit that the Joker we’re discussing here isn’t your average bad guy. He’s got this dark charm that always manages to put him squarely in Batman’s line of sight. Now, even if he continues down the villainous path, the unique take on the character in the DCU could be a breath of fresh air. Picture him as the captivating figurehead of a rebellious movement – now that sounds intriguing! This spin on the Joker could help distinguish the DCU’s version from the beloved and award-winning ones we’ve seen before. With projects like Clayface and Matt Reeves’ Batman Epic Crime Saga launching around the same time, it’s crucial to find a unique way to depict this iconic character. The hints about Joker’s role in Clayface only make a series like The Brave and the Bold even more enticing. I can’t wait to see how much of the Joker’s background is explored in Clayface, but it certainly raises the anticipation for something like The Brave and the Bold!

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/dc-universe-batman-villains-brave-and-bold-james-gunn-creature-commandos-peacemaker/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-09 21:10