Matt Reeves’ 2026 Batman TV Show Confirmed to Include ‘Different’ Joker (Exclusive)

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Matt Reeves, the director behind the 2022 film *The Batman*, is expanding the world of Gotham City with several new projects. A new Batman show, featuring a unique interpretation of the Joker, is planned for release in 2026. Reeves is also producing several other series, including *Clayface*, a horror-focused show, *Dynamic Duo*, an animated series, and *Batman: Caped Crusader*, which aims to capture the spirit of the classic *Batman: The Animated Series*. While continuing to develop a sequel to *The Batman* with Robert Pattinson, Reeves is creating these additional projects as separate stories within the DC Universe.

Gillian Blum from TopMob had an exclusive interview with James Tucker, a co-showrunner for *Batman: Caped Crusader*. Tucker talked about what to expect in Season 2, hinting at a Joker who will be “very different” and cause trouble in Gotham. While the Joker wasn’t a major presence in Season 1—even with the introduction of a new Harley Quinn—the Season 1 finale, “Savage Night,” suggested a bigger role for him in the upcoming season.

The story ended in a creepy, rundown cabin where a group of hostages were hysterically laughing as they met their fate. The Joker, hidden in shadow, held a needle and simply said, “Perfect.”

Tucker said this version of the Joker will feel fresh for viewers who know him from popular portrayals like the ones by Mark Hamill and Jack Nicholson. However, longtime comic book readers might recognize this Joker as being closer to earlier interpretations.

TopMob is wondering if the show will approach the Joker in a similar way to how it reimagined Harley Quinn, given her roots in *Batman: The Animated Series*. They’re especially curious if the show will acknowledge and build upon Mark Hamill’s incredibly popular and definitive portrayal of the Joker.

I believe this Joker will feel fresh for viewers who are only familiar with versions portrayed by Mark Hamill and Jack Nicholson. However, long-time comic book readers will likely recognize the inspiration behind it. Some will understand the approach we’re taking, while others might be surprised by the new take, but ultimately, it’s still fundamentally the Joker.

The co-showrunner of *Caped Crusader* explained that they weren’t asked to align the show with Matt Reeves’ films. They intentionally aimed to create something separate and different.

TopMob asked about how the show’s creators are making it feel different from Matt Reeves’ live-action films, since both share a similar, highly detailed and realistic style. They wanted to know what discussions took place to ensure the show has its own unique identity within that same aesthetic.

You know, it’s interesting. We weren’t told to copy what he’s doing with his films. He’s actually been really cool about it – he totally gets that our show is its own thing, with different inspirations, and he respects that. He’s been very understanding about where we’re coming from, which is great.

According to Tucker, the main things *The Batman* and *Caped Crusader* have in common are their serious mood and focus on detective work. He feels the two projects have largely avoided overlapping or contradicting each other.

Both of our Batman stories are focusing more on the detective side of the character, and they both have a generally dark atmosphere. Beyond that, though, the settings and details are quite different. We’re both drawing from the same Batman source material, but we’re making sure our versions don’t overlap or interfere with each other.

Instead of continuing on HBO Max, the animated series *Batman: Caped Crusader* moved to Amazon Prime Video. While there’s no confirmed release date for Season 2 yet, producer Bruce Tucker mentioned they’re finishing up the episodes and are aiming for a 2026 premiere.

Batman: Caped Crusader’s ‘Very Different’ Joker Should Excite Fans

The Joker is arguably the most frequently portrayed villain in superhero stories, with countless actors taking on the role. That’s why the new take on the character in *Batman: Caped Crusader* promises to be a welcome and unique approach.

The first season of the DC animated series heavily borrowed from the style of Batman comics from the 1930s to 1950s, often called the Golden Age. Creator James Tucker has hinted that this version of the Joker will feel like a classic character, especially for longtime comic book readers.

Mark Hamill, best known as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, has become equally famous for voicing the Joker in numerous projects, including *Batman: The Animated Series* and the *Arkham* video games, often alongside Kevin Conroy as Batman. Following Conroy’s death in November 2022, Hamill suggested he’s retiring from the role, stating he doesn’t feel there’s a Batman partner for him anymore.

With Mark Hamill seemingly no longer in contention, *Batman: Caped Crusader* is expected to reveal a new actor for the role of the Joker soon, joining the already talented cast for Season 1. Just as they did with Batman, choosing Hamish Linklater—a first-time performer of the Dark Knight—the show will probably cast someone new to play The Joker as well.

In Matt Reeves’ *The Batman* films, Barry Keoghan played a version of the Joker, appearing in a scene that was cut from the first movie. While it’s uncertain if Keoghan will reprise the role in *The Batman: Part 2* (scheduled for 2027), Reeves doesn’t seem to be planning the Joker as the primary antagonist for the sequel.

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2025-10-13 05:07