We’re Getting A New Version Of The Joker, And It Sounds Insane

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It’s become a common practice for DC Comics adaptations to hint at The Joker’s appearance as a villain in future projects, usually with a brief, unsettling tease at the end of a movie or show. We saw this happen in Matt Reeves’ *The Batman*, and again at the end of the first season of a recent TV series, where more details about his role have now been shared.

James Tucker, a co-showrunner for *Batman: Caped Crusader*, says the second season will present a unique version of the Joker, different from what audiences have seen before. However, longtime comic book fans might recognize elements of this new Joker as being similar to past interpretations of the character.

In an interview with The Direct, Tucker discussed what viewers can anticipate from The Joker in the show, similar to what they’ve seen with characters like Harley Quinn and The Penguin.

This new version of the Joker will feel fresh for fans of the character as portrayed by Mark Hamill and Jack Nicholson. However, longtime comic book readers will likely recognize the influences and understand the approach. Some viewers will see it as something entirely new, while others will appreciate how it connects to the Joker’s history, but ultimately, it’s still very much the Joker we know.

Movie portrayals of criminals who have a clownish side are usually popular with audiences. For example, Heath Ledger’s unpredictable and chaotic Joker in the 2008 film *The Dark Knight* was critically acclaimed and won him an Academy Award. However, Jared Leto’s take on the Joker in 2016’s *Suicide Squad* – a heavily tattooed and flamboyant crime boss – didn’t resonate with many fans, though some believe the script itself was the bigger problem.

The end of Season 2 of *Batman: Caped Crusader* offered a glimpse of the Joker. Seen mostly in shadow, with only his eyes visible, he calmly approved of the effects of his poison with a simple, chilling “Perfect.” This surprisingly composed version of the Joker has reminded viewers of John DiMaggio’s portrayal in the 2010 film *Batman: Under the Red Hood*, leading to speculation that DiMaggio may be voicing the character in the series, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed.

The Joker Has Always Been A Major Batman Villain

Tucker believes the new version of The Joker in *Batman: Caped Crusader* will feel familiar to longtime DC Comics fans, hinting that the show is drawing inspiration from the villain’s original depictions. This makes sense, as the series is set during the character’s early years. Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, The Joker first appeared in *Batman* #1 in April 1940, about a year after Batman debuted in *Detective Comics* #27.

Inspired by the sinister, smiling character played by Conrad Veidt in the 1928 film *The Man Who Laughs*, the Joker was originally portrayed as a dangerous jewel thief with a habit of killing people. He would force a disturbing smile onto his victims’ faces using a toxin called “Joker venom.” However, in the mid-1950s, restrictions on violent content led to a change in the character, shifting him from a murderer to a more playful trickster, and causing fewer appearances. The 1960s *Batman* television series then revitalized his popularity, eventually leading to a return of his darker, more dangerous side, combined with exaggerated, clownish traits like his flower that squirts acid.

I’m really curious to see how they handle The Joker in Season 2 of *Batman: Caped Crusader*. They’ve hinted at his past, and honestly, I’m a little worried he might go *really* dark. I’m not sure if he’ll actually kill anyone – maybe with something crazy like a joy buzzer – but everything points to this being one of his most dangerous versions yet. It’s both exciting and a bit unsettling as a fan!

Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 is expected to premiere on Amazon Prime in 2026.

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2025-10-14 18:12