Barry Keoghan plays a “pre-Joker Joker” in Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, appearing as an unnamed Arkham inmate in the 2022 film and its deleted scene. Unlike previous versions, his Joker was born with a congenital disease causing a permanent smile. This radical reinterpretation, inspired by the 1928 silent film The Man Who Laughs, positions the character as a tragic figure whose lifelong disfigurement shaped a nihilistic worldview rather than a criminal who fell into chemicals.
The Mysterious Debut in The Batman (2022)
Barry Keoghan’s Joker first appeared at the very end of The Batman in a brief, shadowy cameo. The character was credited only as “Unseen Arkham Prisoner” to preserve secrecy. In the scene, he speaks with the Riddler (Paul Dano) in Arkham State Hospital, laughing in a way that clearly signals his identity to attentive viewers.
Director Matt Reeves later confirmed what fans suspected. “He’s who you think he is,” Reeves said during a Q&A, officially acknowledging Keoghan’s role. The cameo was deliberately obscured, with the character’s face half-covered throughout most of the film. This visual strategy kept the focus on the Riddler as the primary antagonist while planting seeds for future stories.
The theatrical appearance lasted mere seconds, but it generated enormous speculation. Keoghan’s casting had been rumored before release, yet the filmmakers constructed decoy scenes to mislead audiences. The actor himself was told not to reveal his involvement, adding to the air of mystery.
The Five-Minute Deleted Scene That Changed Everything
Three weeks after The Batman’s release, Warner Bros. released a five-minute deleted scene online. This sequence, originally cut from the film’s second act, showed Batman consulting Keoghan’s Joker to profile the Riddler. The scene provided the first extended look at the character’s grotesque appearance and unsettling psychology.
In the deleted scene, Batman hands Joker a case file through a sliding tray. Joker comments that it is “almost our anniversary,” implying a past confrontation between them. This exchange established that Batman had already captured this Joker before the film’s events, a notable departure from traditional origin narratives.
The scene draws direct inspiration from Manhunter (1986), where FBI profiler Will Graham consults Hannibal Lecktor for insight into a serial killer. Like that classic thriller, Batman seeks understanding of one madman through another, creating a morally complex dynamic. Reeves explained that he cut the scene because it revealed too explicitly what motivated the Riddler.
A Radical New Origin: Congenital Disease, Not Chemicals
The defining feature of Keoghan’s Joker is his backstory, which completely discards the traditional chemical vat origin. Matt Reeves revealed that this version was born with a congenital disease that makes him unable to stop smiling. The condition has left his face permanently scarred and grotesque, horrifying people who see him.
“It’s like Phantom of the Opera,” Reeves told Variety. “He has a congenital disease where he can’t stop smiling and it’s horrific”. The director explained that this choice was intentional, distinguishing his Joker from Jack Nicholson’s chemical bath version and Heath Ledger’s mysterious scars.
The inspiration traces back to Conrad Veidt’s performance as Gwynplaine in The Man Who Laughs (1928), a silent film based on Victor Hugo’s novel. Gwynplaine’s face was surgically mutilated into a permanent grin. That character directly influenced Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson when they created the Joker for Batman #1 in 1940. Reeves returned to this foundational source material, creating a version that feels both fresh and historically grounded.
Reeves also cited David Lynch’s The Elephant Man as a reference point. Unlike John Merrick, whose deformed exterior concealed a gentle soul, Keoghan’s Joker developed a dark, nihilistic response to lifelong rejection. “He had this smile that people stared at that was grotesque and terrifying,” Reeves explained. “His response was to say, ‘Okay, so a joke was played on me’”.Quick Bio: Barry Keoghan
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barry Keoghan |
| Age | 33 (born October 17, 1992) |
| Birthplace | Summerhill, Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Height | 172 cm (5 ft 8 in) |
| Education | Left school at 16; trained at The Factory drama school (now Bow Street Academy) |
| Years Active | 2011 – Present |
| Notable Works | The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), Dunkirk (2017), The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), The Batman (2022), Saltburn (2023) |
| Awards | BAFTA Winner – Best Supporting Actor (2023, The Banshees of Inisherin); Oscar Nominee (2023); Golden Globe Nominee (2024) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 million – $17 million |
| Partner/Spouse | Single; previously dated Sabrina Carpenter (2023–2025). Has a son, Brando, with ex-girlfriend Alyson Sandro |
| Social Media | Instagram: @barrykeoghan (deactivated in December 2025); TikTok: @keoghan92 |
Note: Age calculated as of September 26, 2026. Net worth figures are estimates and not officially confirmed. Keoghan deactivated his Instagram account in December 2025 due to online harassment .
The Visual Design: Scars, Staples, and Missing Hair
Keoghan’s Joker looks unlike any previous live-action version. Makeup artist Michael Marino designed prosthetics that create a deeply unsettling appearance. The character’s face features cracked, broken skin with his trademark white makeup barely visible beneath. His head bears only small green tufts scattered across his scalp, a stark departure from the character’s traditional lush green hair.
A large scar runs down the back of his head, crudely held together with what appear to be staples. This detail has prompted speculation that Joker may have attempted self-surgery, echoing the Death of the Family comic storyline where he removes his own face. However, Reeves has only confirmed the congenital disease explanation, leaving other interpretations unverified.
Keoghan made a deliberate choice to preserve his natural blue eyes through the prosthetics. “I wanted some sort of human in there behind the makeup,” he said. “I want people to relate to him… this is a façade he puts on”. The actor described his character as “a broken-down boy,” emphasizing the tragic dimension beneath the horror.
The “Pre-Joker” Concept and Batman’s Early Years
Matt Reeves has repeatedly described Keoghan’s character as a “pre-Joker Joker”. This framing emphasizes that the film takes place during Batman’s second year of crimefighting, when all of Gotham’s rogues are still in their infancy. “Everybody’s in their infancy,” Reeves said. “In the comics, these characters often declare their alter egos in response to the fact that there’s a Batman out there”.
This approach means the Joker has not yet fully embraced his criminal persona. He does not call himself Joker, wears no signature purple suit, and operates from an Arkham cell rather than a criminal hideout. The relationship between Batman and this proto-Joker already exists, however, adding complexity to their dynamic. Batman has defeated him once before, and their encounter in the deleted scene carries the weight of shared history.
Reeves drew a parallel to The Elephant Man to explain the psychological foundation. “Instead of being like the story of the Elephant Man, where his grotesque outward appearance sort of belied the beautiful inside, this would form his nihilistic worldview,” Reeves told Den of Geek. The congenital condition shaped not just his face but his entire understanding of human nature.
Will Barry Keoghan Return in The Batman Part II?
The question of Keoghan’s return has generated intense speculation. The Batman Part II began production in London in July 2026, with Robert Pattinson, Colin Farrell, Jeffrey Wright, and Andy Serkis confirmed to return. Reports from Box Office Pro France indicate Keoghan is expected to reprise his role, though Warner Bros. has not issued official confirmation.
Keoghan himself expressed enthusiasm during an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. “If the opportunity came about, yes, I’d love to explore it,” he said, while noting he had not been contacted at that time. The actor’s schedule presents a logistical challenge, as he is simultaneously filming Sam Mendes’ four-part Beatles biopic project in which he plays Ringo Starr.
Given these constraints, any appearance by Keoghan in the sequel would likely be limited to a cameo rather than a major role. Reeves originally stated that the Joker’s appearance in the first film was “never meant to be an Easter egg scene” setting up a sequel villain. The release date for The Batman Part II has been delayed multiple times and is now scheduled for February 18, 2028.
What Makes This Joker Different
Keoghan’s Joker stands apart from his cinematic predecessors in several fundamental ways. He is the first live-action Joker whose disfigurement stems from congenital disease rather than accident or violence. He is also the first to appear already defeated and imprisoned before the film’s main events, establishing a pre-existing relationship with Batman rather than an origin story.
The design choice to obscure the character visually in his first appearance created a different kind of impact. Rather than relying on a dramatic full reveal, Reeves used shadow and limited visibility to make the audience lean in and pay attention. This restraint made the deleted scene’s fuller look all the more powerful when it arrived.
Barry Keoghan’s background prepared him for this kind of unsettling role. He earned acclaim for The Killing of a Sacred Deer and appeared in Eternals before joining the Batman franchise. His casting brought a distinctive energy to a character who has been portrayed by iconic actors including Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, and Joaquin Phoenix.Frequently Asked Questions About Barry Keoghan’s Joker
How did Barry Keoghan’s Joker get his scars?
Barry Keoghan’s Joker was born with a congenital disease that forces him to smile permanently, according to director Matt Reeves. Reeves explained that the character’s condition is “horrific” and shaped his nihilistic worldview from childhood, as people reacted to his grotesque appearance with horror . This origin deliberately departs from previous versions where the Joker fell into a vat of chemicals (Jack Nicholson) or had mysterious carved scars (Heath Ledger) .
Will Barry Keoghan return as the Joker in The Batman Part II?
Reports indicate Keoghan is expected to return, though Warner Bros. has not issued an official confirmation. Box Office Pro France reported his involvement during a studio presentation . Keoghan himself stated on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that he would “love to explore” the character if given the opportunity, but noted he had not been contacted at that time . The sequel is now scheduled for release on February 18, 2028 .
What happens in the deleted scene between Batman and the Joker?
The five-minute deleted scene shows Batman visiting Joker at Arkham State Hospital to profile the Riddler. Joker comments it is “almost our anniversary,” confirming the two already have a history . The scene drew inspiration from Manhunter (1986), where an FBI profiler consults Hannibal Lecktor . A subtle detail shows a paperclip missing when Joker returns Batman’s file, suggesting he kept it as a potential lockpick .
How does Keoghan’s Joker makeup compare to other actors’?
Keoghan’s prosthetic makeup process took six hours initially, later reduced to five, setting a record for the longest Joker makeup application in a DC film. By comparison, Jared Leto’s took three hours, Heath Ledger’s 30 minutes, and Joaquin Phoenix’s only 15 minutes . The elaborate prosthetics were designed to create the permanent smile and extensive scarring that define this iteration .
Why is this Joker described as a “pre-Joker”?
Matt Reeves describes the character as a “pre-Joker Joker” because The Batman takes place during Batman’s second year, when all of Gotham’s rogues are still in their infancy . This Joker has not yet declared himself, wears no signature purple suit, and operates from an Arkham cell. Reeves explained that in the comics, these characters “often declare their alter egos in response to the fact that there’s a Batman out there” .
