James Gunn Shuts Down Rumors Of Barry Keoghan "Joker" Series

DC Studios Chief Clears The Air On “Joker” Spinoff And Confirms No Plans For Joker-Centric TV Series

The ever-expanding world of comic book adaptations saw fresh waves of speculation when a rumor suggested Barry Keoghan might reprise his brief but chilling role as The Joker in an upcoming Max series. Initially reported on the Marvel Vision podcast, the claim was that Keoghan could helm a series focused on Joker—akin to the Max show "The Penguin," which dives into the backstory of Oswald Cobblepot following his role in The Batman. However, DC Studios co-head James Gunn quickly shut down the speculation, confirming that there is no Joker series in the works.

The Rumor Mill: Origins and Context

The rumor stemmed from a report on Marvel Vision, which claimed Keoghan’s Joker could headline a new series. Following his mysterious appearance in Matt Reeves' The Batman, many fans have been eager for more insight into Keoghan’s take on Gotham’s notorious villain. With Reeves actively expanding his cinematic universe with character-driven spinoffs like The Penguin, the idea of a Joker-centric series seemed plausible. According to Marvel Vision, this series would serve as a prelude to The Batman Part III, with Keoghan’s Joker ultimately positioned as the final film’s main antagonist.

Yet while this concept sparked excitement among fans, it also stirred skepticism within the industry, leading to immediate scrutiny.

James Gunn Sets the Record Straight

In response to the swirling rumors, James Gunn addressed the matter directly on Threads, the emerging platform by Meta that he frequently uses to communicate with fans. Gunn’s response was unequivocal:

“Turn on Threads and everyone is asking me about this. No there is absolutely no truth to this. A Joker series is not being discussed nor has even come up at this time. Sorry.”

Not only did Gunn deny the Joker series, but he also urged fans not to direct frustration at the outlets reporting the story. “They’re just one of many many places reporting this,” Gunn added, reflecting the challenge of managing fan expectations amidst a highly active rumor mill. His response was clear, cutting through any ambiguity and reminding fans that while many projects are in development, this one isn’t among them.

Expanding the World of The Batman: Reeves’ Plans

Although a Joker series is off the table, Reeves’ Gotham is still set to grow. Reeves completed the script for The Batman: Part II in September, and the film is anticipated to start filming in early 2025, with a likely release window in late 2026. The trilogy format has already been mapped out, with a vision that includes not just films but additional series that dive into the lives and backstories of Gotham’s most infamous characters.

One addition to this universe is the smash hit series The Penguin, starring Colin Farrell, which has explored Oswald Cobblepot’s rise to power and airs its first season series finale tomorrow. Reeves has confirmed that further spinoffs are being planned, which aligns with his aim to flesh out Gotham City and its complex inhabitants. This model allows Reeves to explore the motivations, power struggles, and moral ambiguities of Gotham’s underworld, creating a richer, more layered storytelling experience that goes beyond the central Batman narrative.

What This Means for DC’s Streaming Strategy

While no Joker series is on the horizon, the speculation reflects the heightened interest in DC's new approach to streaming and cinematic tie-ins. Following the reorganization of DC Studios under Gunn and Peter Safran, the studio has aimed to bring coherence to the DC Universe, blending cinematic releases with streaming projects on platforms like Max. With The Penguin marking the beginning of this character-centric approach, fans can likely expect other iconic Gotham residents to receive similar treatment.

This news does underscore an important point about DC’s current direction: the studio is focusing on a clear plan that doesn’t rely on reactive decisions. Gunn and Safran's team appears intent on maintaining a curated approach, avoiding impulsive greenlighting of projects based solely on fan speculation or high-profile cameos. This deliberate strategy may help prevent some of the pitfalls faced in previous years when DC’s slate felt disjointed.

The Future of Joker and Other Iconic Villains in the DC Universe

Keoghan’s Joker, albeit briefly seen in The Batman, left a lasting impact that fans are eager to explore further. While a dedicated series may not be in the cards, it remains likely that he will reprise his role in future films, potentially as the primary antagonist in The Batman Part III. Reeves' commitment to a trilogy format suggests that characters like Joker will still have ample opportunity to shine in the films.

For now, Gunn’s confirmation that no Joker series is being considered signals a more focused, intentional approach to developing DC's projects. Instead of creating new content on speculation, the studio seems dedicated to a structured expansion of the Batman universe and other core franchises within DC.

Though fans might be disappointed by the lack of a Joker spinoff, the confirmation from Gunn ensures that expectations align more closely with reality. As The Batman trilogy unfolds, there will still be opportunities for the story of Keoghan’s Joker to develop, especially as Reeves crafts a Gotham that’s equal parts thrilling and morally complex.

With DC Studios’ leadership bringing transparency and clarity to the franchise’s direction, fans can look forward to a more cohesive universe, even if that means waiting a bit longer for their favorite characters to take center stage.

Visit Dan Lalonde Films For All Technology And Entertainment News

Source: Dark Horizons

Photo Credit: DC