Why Barry Keoghan Is Ideal for the Role of Joker: A Look at His Recent Movies

Barry Keoghan's brief role as the Joker in DC's The Batman hinted at his potential for The Batman - Part II. Playing the Joker is no easy task, given the high standards set by past performances. Both Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix earned Oscars for their unique takes on the character. It's crucial for actors to honor the character while adding their own twist, and Keoghan is ready to tackle this challenge.

In The Batman, Keoghan's Joker had a short scene with the Riddler, offering a glimpse into his scarred persona and dark humor. Although audiences may have to wait until 2025 for more of his Joker, recent roles have showcased his ability to embody the complex character. Keoghan is poised to bring a blend of humor, tragedy, and malice to the iconic role of the Crown Prince of Crime.

The Banshees of Inisherin Proved He Can Pull Off Dark Comedy

Barry Keoghan looks on in Banshees of Inisherin - The Banshees of Inisherin Proved He Can Pull Off Dark Comedy

In Martin McDonagh's film, The Banshees of Inisherin, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star as two friends turned enemies in a small Irish town. Keoghan portrays Dominic, a troubled young man mistreated by his father. Despite his tragic circumstances, Dominic remains a likable character, with Keoghan delivering some of the film's funniest lines. His performance earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 2023 Academy Awards.

Keoghan's portrayal of Dominic showcases his talent for dark comedy. Although Dominic's character is not inherently funny, Keoghan's delivery adds humor to his lines, displaying impeccable timing. Despite Dominic's crass and immature behavior, he exudes charm and likability. The blending of dark comedy with tragedy in his performance parallels the complexity seen in portrayals of the Joker. Through The Banshees of Inisherin, Keoghan demonstrates his ability to inject humor into a darker, more intricate role.

Saltburn Showed His Fearlessness In Committing To A Performance

A shirtless Oliver (Barry Keoghan) looking at the Catton family's death stones at the end of Saltburn. - Saltburn Showed His Fearlessness In Committing To A Performance

In Saltburn, Keoghan stars as Oliver Quick, a student at Oxford who becomes involved with a wealthy social group led by Jacob Elordi's Felix. When invited to Felix's grand family mansion in Saltburn, it becomes clear that Oliver may have ulterior motives beyond just friendship. Saltburn initially had a limited theatrical release but gained popularity after being available on Prime Video. The film's shocking moments went viral on social media, largely thanks to Keoghan's fearless performance.

The movie uncovers a darker side to Oliver as he transforms into a sexually depraved and violent individual. Keoghan fearlessly portrays scenes like drinking bathwater from a tub and engaging in explicit activities with a grave mound. Additionally, there is a revealing nude dance finale where he moves around Saltburn to the beat of "Murder on the Dancefloor." These daring moments showcase Keoghan's dedication as an actor, a quality that would undoubtedly enhance his portrayal of Joker, a character known for his brutal and heinous acts.

Will Keoghan Have A Larger Role In The Batman - Part II?

Barry Keoghan's Joker is just out of focus in The Batman - Will Keoghan Have A Larger Role In The Batman - Part II?

Keoghan's role in Matt Reeves' The Batman - Part II has been widely speculated, but there has been no official confirmation yet. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Keoghan was questioned about his involvement in the upcoming sequel. While he did not confirm or deny his role, details about the sequel, including the main villain, remain unknown.

Various rumors have surfaced regarding the potential main antagonist, with possibilities such as Clayface, Professor Pyg, or Hush being speculated. Given that The Batman featured multiple villains, Keoghan could potentially play a supporting role as part of Batman's rogues' gallery without being the central antagonist. As the series is said to be a trilogy, it is possible that Reeves may reserve the Joker as the primary villain for the third and final installment. More information is expected to be unveiled as the release date for The Batman - Part II in 2025 approaches.

Editor's P/S:

Barry Keoghan's potential as the Joker in "The Batman - Part II" is intriguing. His acclaimed performances in "The Banshees of Inisherin" and "Saltburn" showcase his versatility and ability to portray complex characters with dark humor and fearless intensity. While his role in "The Batman" was brief, it hinted at his potential to bring a fresh and compelling take on the iconic villain.

The article effectively highlights Keoghan's talent for balancing humor and tragedy, which is crucial for capturing the essence of the Joker. His ability to inject charm and likability into troubled characters, as seen in "The Banshees of Inisherin," suggests he could create a Joker that is both terrifying and empathetic. Furthermore, his fearless commitment to explicit and disturbing scenes in "Saltburn" demonstrates his willingness to fully inhabit a character's dark and twisted nature. With his proven talent and the anticipation surrounding "The Batman - Part II," Keoghan is well-positioned to deliver a memorable and captivating performance as the Crown Prince of Crime.