In an interview with The New York Times, Keoghan spoke about his process in coming up with something new on bringing his character to life on screen, especially having competition with previous actors like Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, and Joaquin Phoenix. Read his quote below:
“It was intimidating,” the actor starts, “But if you stay true to yourself, that in itself is new. I know that sounds pretty lame, but I’m a big believer that if I’m myself, whatever I do is going to be completely fresh and unique.” While it is difficult among actors to make their own take in their roles in various remade versions, it certainly doesn’t seem to be the case with Barry Keoghan.
Keoghan’s version of the Joker happened to be, as quoted from Matt Reeves himself on his Director commentary video, “marked since his birth” because of his deformed face that forces him to smile all the time, whose story will be expanded if he happens to be the big villain Batman confronts in the sequel. Keoghan does share he had a backstory prepared in advance in case he happens to reprise his role:
While Keoghan’s rising popularity roots from his involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC universe, the Clown Prince of Crime actor admitted that he initially auditioned for a different role, The Riddler. However, four months after his audition, producer Dylan Clark told him, “The Batman wants you to play the Joker – but you cannot tell anyone.”
Thus, Keoghan’s Joker was born.
Also Read: The Batman 2: New Report Casts Doubt on Barry Keoghan’s Joker Return
DC’s The Batman is streaming on HBO Max.
