The actor who played the Joker in the new version of “Batman” shared what it was like for the actor to transform into Gotham’s most famous villain.
Before entering the shadows of Gotham, Barry Keogh had an amazing odyssey behind his transformation into the Joker for “The Batman.” Matt Reeves’ short but impactful portrayal in the critically acclaimed film is a story of not just talent, but dedication.
In an interview with GQ magazine, Keogan spoke about how he got the role without any pre-screening. Inspired by an article mentioning the importance of the Riddler to the new Batman movie, he decided to take a chance. “I made an audition tape of myself,” he shared. With nothing more than a cane, a hat and a corridor, he created his own audition, adding ‘swag’ and music. An effort that finally opened the doors to real auditions.
The transformation to the Joker: a laborious process
The actor also revealed the daunting task of transforming into the iconic DC Comics villain. A six-hour make-up and prosthetics procedure is a real challenge for a man who admits he can’t sit still for long. Keogen jokingly recalled one particularly frustrating incident: he was in full makeup when production was suddenly halted during the Covid pandemic. “I was about five hours into the process, and suddenly everything stopped,” he recalls.
As fans speculate about who will be Batman’s next arch-rival, Kyogon will fuel the mystery and anticipation. With names like Court of Owls, Hush, Hugo Strong, Mr. Freeze and Professor Pig, expectations are high. The sequel, “The Batman – Part II”, slated for release on October 3, 2025, has been facing delays, raising fans’ anticipation.
The existence of the Joker: an open mystery
Although fans are eager to see more of the Joker in the sequel, Reeves clarified that his brief appearance in the first episode will not play a central role in the sequel. The aim was to show that the problems in Gotham are far from over, that the Joker represents a subtle and ‘fun’ sinister threat. Reeves has deepened the character’s vision, moving away from typical origin narratives and focusing on a strange and terrifying smile from his birth.
Kyogon takes us on a journey from sound to screen as he transforms into the Joker, proving that in Gotham, the darkest characters often have the most intriguing stories. With a sequel on the horizon, fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what new shadows will come over the city and what will happen in the eternal struggle between Batman and his enemies in the next chapter.
The villains of “The Batman”.
In “Batman”, the darkness of Gotham is reflected not only in the masked hero, but also in the impressive gallery of villains. Paul Dano’s masterful Riddler stands out as the main antagonist, working a web of crimes and puzzles that challenge Batman’s knowledge. However, the sequel promises to take us deep into the underbelly of the city, with the likes of famous villains like Court of Owls, Hush and Hugo Strong.
These characters delve into the dark corners of Gotham and its mysteries, adding a layer of mystery and psychological horror. The prospect of seeing these formidable adversaries on screen will fuel speculation and debate among fans, eager to know how Batman’s next battle against the forces of evil will play out.