Unveiling the Myth: Are Bruce Wayne and the Joker Secretly Brothers?

Is it possible that Bruce Wayne and the Joker are brothers? This question is raised in the shocking and chaotic origin story of the iconic villain in Todd Phillips' 2019 smash hit, "Joker."

The movie features Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, a mentally unstable loner and street clown who is mocked by others, takes care of his mother, and aspires to be a stand-up comedian. His life takes a dark turn after an act of violence gives him a dangerous sense of purpose. The film also explores the dynamic between Arthur and Thomas Wayne, leading to intriguing questions about their relationship and the possibility of Bruce Wayne's brother being the Joker.

(This article is solely referring to the story presented in 2019’s Joker and not the wider DC universe or comics.)

Is Bruce Wayne the Joker’s brother?

While Bruce Wayne is not confirmed to be the Joker's brother, there is a possibility that he might be. Arthur discovers a letter from his mother, Penny, which states that he is the illegitimate son of Thomas Wayne. According to her, they had an affair while she was working for him, and he used his wealth and influence to falsify adoption paperwork.

After Arthur flees, he later confronts Thomas in a theater restroom, where Thomas promptly denies any relations with Penny and reveals to Arthur that he was actually adopted. "Your mother took you in while she worked for us. She was apprehended and sent to Arkham State Hospital when you were a young child. She's unstable."

Arthur pays a visit to Arkham and locates Penny’s file. It reveals that his mother had delusional psychosis and narcissistic personality disorder, as well as being found guilty of endangering her child after her ex-boyfriend "repeatedly abused" him. In a flashback, she vehemently denies the accusations and insists that Thomas is his father, but there are also newspaper clippings that document her case. Despite the evidence suggesting that they are not half-brothers, some fans remain convinced. "So I rewatched Joker and I’m pretty sure he is Batman’s brother and Thomas Wayne had his mother institutionalized and faked the adoption," wrote one Redditor.

You can now stream Joker on Netflix. Discover more about its sequel here.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the Joker and Batman, I am intrigued by the theory that they could be long-lost brothers. The movie "Joker" presents a compelling narrative that explores the origins of the iconic villain and raises questions about his relationship with Bruce Wayne. The possibility of such a connection adds a new dimension to their rivalry and provides a deeper understanding of their motivations and actions.

While the film leaves room for interpretation, I find the evidence presented to be intriguing and thought-provoking. The letter from Arthur's mother, the encounter with Alfred, and the information revealed in Penny's file all contribute to the mystery surrounding their relationship. The ambiguity allows fans to engage in discussions and debates, further enhancing the overall experience of the movie.