Joker, Riddler Scene Could Set Up Barry Keoghan Sequel – The Hollywood Reporter
[This story contains spoilers for The Batman.]
“One day you are at the top. Next, you are a clown. ” Those words, spoken by a figure known as Arkham State Hospital (Barry Keoghan) in the closing minutes of Batman, fans are speculating about a sequel to the series. Filmmaker Matt Reeves has confirmed the character is none other than the Joker himself, who has an unlikely friendship with Edward Nashton/the Riddler (Paul Dano).
Reeves has said that it’s unclear if the Joker will appear in the sequel, and that the scene is intended to illustrate how unstable Gotham will become in the face of a power vacuum following the demise of Carmine Falcone. (John Turturro). However, there is evidence Reeves did not perform with Riddler. The combination of the Riddler and the Joker has been fertile ground in recent comic book history and can provide a guide to Batman 2.
The two villains have shared any stories during their lengthy comic book careers, but until recently, it was relatively rare to see the two share significant story length. Sure, they worked together to turn Bruce Wayne into a Bat-Hulk in 1966 Brave and daring 68, and yes, they worked together as part of a grand scheme in 1983 Comic detective story Issue 526, celebrates Batman’s 500th appearance in that comic. But they weren’t always best friends during that time. (Well, maybe in the 1960s TV series, but who Not best friend back then?)
In recent years, the connection between them has become less and less as both characters have become so iconic that their appearance will be a separate event and the creators will shy away from it. overcome both for fear of overshadowing one or the other. The credit then goes to writer Tom King and artist Mikel Janin, who managed to turn that situation in their favor with the 2017 storyline in DC’s main. Batman comic book series, “The War of Jokes and Puzzles” — a run that feels like the perfect sequel to Matt Reeves’ first visit to Gotham City.
As the title suggests, “War of Jokes and Puzzles” revolves around a conflict between two villains, as they battle for control of Gotham after forming a working relationship that becomes more bad. It is Riddler who promotes a potential friendship, suggesting that the two might kill Batman together to seal the deal; The Joker, disinterested and distracted by what appears to be losing his sense of humor, responds by shooting Riddler and walking away.
As conflict intensifies, “The War” abandons the idea that Batman is really at the center of everything. At one point, he even took a side in the war, which has expanded to include many super criminals and is rapidly destroying Gotham City in the process. Batman himself is so driven that he tries to kill at one point to end the conflict. (Thankfully, he failed.)
It To be This killing attempt ends the war. Seeing Batman fall to such a low made the Joker laugh, breaking the tension that threatened to destroy everything. As explained in the story’s framing sequence, the entire period represents Batman at his peak, early in his career: “I have the lines, don’t I? I can stop. I have Level. They cannot control themselves. I maybe. I’m fine. They’re bad. They kill. I do not. That’s what people think. But it is not true.” (Notably he said this to Selina Kyle, in the sequel to Batman and Catwoman’s intense romance that was the focus of Tom King’s larger narrative during his time on the show. In that way, it also fits with what Reeves is doing in the movie.)
Batman featured in “The War of Jokes and Puzzles” is an early stage in his career, much like the new incarnation of Robert Pattinson; he’s neither as highly skilled nor as psychologically shielded as the character traditionally portrayed, and that’s ultimately the crux of the story: the hero’s failure and how it determines picture of him moving forward. Add to that the two iconic villains plunging into each other without seeming to care much for the story’s hero, the ongoing romance between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle, and a psychological focus. uses fireworks to fuel the emotional and intellectual story being told, and it feels like the ideal follow-up for BatmanAn introduction to Gotham and its very special nightlife.
While we wait for a Batman 2It should be pointed out that “The War of Jokes and Riddles” is available to read digitally – it’s in Batman (2016) From 25 to 32 on the DC Universe Infinite service – or in collected form as Batman: A War of Jokes and Puzzles. Even if it’s not the basis for a big-screen sequel, it’s still well worth a look for those who already enjoy the new movie.
