Joker and Batman: Should They Be Kept Separate?

Director Todd Phillips and Matt Reeves, the filmmaker behind The Batman 2022, have made it clear that Joaquin Phoenix's Joker will not meet Robert Pattinson's Batman. Join us as we explore the implications and personal reasons behind this decision.

Reasons Behind the Separation

Todd Phillips, director of Joker 2019, and Matt Reeves, director of The Batman 2022, have explicitly stated that there won't be a crossover between Joaquin Phoenix's Joker and Robert Pattinson's Batman. Matt Reeves, who worked on The Batman 2022, admitted to Total Film that the decision was made after extensive consideration.

"Reeves mentioned, "I was finishing the Planet of the Apes films when I started working [with The Batman] in 2017. It took five years of production. When I was writing the script and I delved into the plot, Joker hadn't come out yet. I didn't know what Joker was or what it would be like, and I realized that when we were very involved in the movie. The fact that they were grounding the plot in a way that was reminiscent of how we were doing it was unplanned."

Personal Reasons and Artistic Integrity

The separation of these two iconic characters goes beyond just a simple scheduling issue. It's rooted in the distinct artistic visions of the creators and the narrative integrity each character brings to their respective films.

Joaquin Phoenix's Joker as a Unitary Character

Phoenix's portrayal of Joker is deeply rooted in his journey of isolation and personal triumph. Arthur Fleck is a character who finds acceptance in his own humor, rather than seeking it from others. In the final scene of Joker (2019), Arthur, after a discussion with a therapist, decides that he doesn't need to tell the joke. This moment symbolizes his acceptance of his isolation and the beauty of his own comedic life.

Arthur's journey is one of self-acceptance and self-reliance. He doesn't need a Batman to reflect his outer self, as Batman would be a foil that could undermine this self-acceptance. By highlighting his internal struggles and triumphs, Phoenix's Joker creates a character that is uniquely defined by his isolation. Introducing Batman into this narrative would dilute the focus on Arthur's inner struggle and personal journey, making him more of a background character.

Personal Stake and Narrative Focus

Phoenix's Joker plays out of purely personal stakes. The film centers on Arthur's personal transformation and his acceptance of who he is. This narrative structure is different from the more public-oriented superhero narrative that Batman traditionally represents. While an older Bruce Wayne might fit into a more introspective narrative, the current iteration of Batman is more focused on public service and social justice.

Introducing Batman would mean shifting the focus away from Arthur's internal journey and onto a conflict that is perhaps less central to the character's arc. Arthur's story is fundamentally about finding acceptance and joy in his own life, which is accomplished without the need for external validation or a traditional hero's journey.

Possibilities and Future Scenarios

While the current release of The Batman 2022 does not include a crossover with Joaquin Phoenix's Joker, there is always the potential for future collaborations. For Joaquin Phoenix to come back as the Joker and meet Robert Pattinson's Batman, the script would need to offer an opportunity for depth and not just a superficial addition to a franchise. It would also depend on Todd Phillips directing again, as he has stated a preference for the narrative format of Joker over a more typical superhero movie.

Conclusion

The decision to keep Joaquin Phoenix's Joker separate from Robert Pattinson's Batman is a strategic and artistic one. It ensures that each character retains their unique identity and narrative depth. While there may be room for future crossover, the current separation allows for the focused and profound storytelling that both characters are known for.