The Batman's deleted scene where Barry Keoghan's Joker took center stage

The internet buzzed with excitement over the release of a deleted scene from The Batman, featuring Barry Keoghan's portrayal of the Joker. This unique interpretation of the iconic villain offered a stark departure from previous iterations, intriguing fans and critics alike. "It’s like 'Phantom of the Opera,'" director Matt Reeves described Keoghan's Joker in his Variety interview. Unlike the Jokers of the past, Keoghan's version doesn't stem from a chemical accident or cloaked in mystery. Instead, this Joker suffers from a congenital disease that forces a perpetual, grotesque smile, a condition that has shaped his worldview from birth. Reeves's decision to deviate from traditional depictions of the Joker's origin and appearance brings a fresh and horrific dimension to the character.

"What if this guy from birth had this disease and he was cursed?" Reeves pondered, proposing a Joker whose physical deformity and the societal reaction it provokes have defined his nihilistic outlook on life. This backstory added a layer of depth and tragedy to the character, differentiating Keoghan's portrayal from those of Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger.

Also read: Barry Keoghan - Meet the actor who is playing The Joker in Matt Reeves' Batman movie

Future prospects for Keoghan's joker

The five-minute deleted scene provided fans with an extended look at Keoghan's Joker, fuelling speculation about his future in the Batman universe. "There might be places," Reeves hinted about the potential return of this Joker, suggesting possible explorations in an Arkham-centered story for HBO Max. The prospect of further developing this iteration of the Joker, particularly in the context of Gotham's infamous asylum, offers exciting narrative possibilities.

Reeves's reference to David Lynch's The Elephant Man as an inspiration for Keoghan's Joker underlines the aim to evoke both empathy and horror in the audience. This approach to the character challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of the Joker, inviting a more nuanced understanding of one of cinema's most notorious villains.

Also read: The Batman - check out these fans reactions to Barry Keoghan's Joker 

Barry Keoghan's portrayal of the Joker in The Batman stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of the character. By introducing a Joker marked by congenital deformity and a lifetime of societal rejection, Reeves and Keoghan have added a compelling chapter to the villain's cinematic legacy.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)