The first chapter of The Batman trilogy by director Matt Reeves teased the appearance of the Joker, played by Barry Keoghan. However, despite his cameo and bonus footage, the Clown Prince of Crime shouldn’t be the primary antagonist in the next movie. Here’s why.

Already Caught By Batman

It was revealed that Robert Pattinson‘s Batman had already caught an early version of the Joker during his first year as the Caped Crusader. Although this Clown Prince of Crime is just getting started in Reeves’ Gotham, the trilogy will be even better if the Joker isn’t the primary foe in the next movie.

Too Soon For Joker-Batman Showdown

It’s too soon to have Joker and Batman face off, especially not in the next movie. Just as Pattinson’s Batman is still evolving into Gotham’s true Caped Crusader, Keoghan’s Joker could and should take the time to grow into a genuine Clown Prince of Crime.

Avoiding Comparison With Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy

Having Joker as the primary villain in The Batman – Part II would mirror the same structure of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. Reeves’s own trilogy would likely want to avoid that kind of comparison as it continues to set itself apart with its own unique narrative and world.

Insufficient Character Development

The majority of what’s been seen thus far from Barry Keoghan’s Joker is from a deleted scene. While it’s safe to say that Batman and this early version of the Joker’s interactions are still part of the continuity, there needs to be more development that actually happens within the released films themselves.

Saving Joker For Later

Barry Keoghan’s Joker has incredible potential to be an epic foil for Pattinson’s Batman…eventually. However, both the titular hero and his biggest rival need more time to “cook”. While this early, proto-Joker could have further growth in The Batman – Part II, he shouldn’t be the primary antagonist in the next chapter set to release in 2025. Ultimately, Matt Reeves’ The Batman trilogy will be so much better if Joker’s evolution is allowed to further develop with his full debut being saved for the final chapter of the trilogy (or perhaps beyond).