If you mean the newest Joker film, the answer is Joaquin Phoenix. He plays Arthur Fleck, the man who becomes the Joker, in Joker: Folie a Deux (2024), the sequel to the 2019 film Joker. Todd Phillips directs again, and Lady Gaga plays Harley Quinn opposite him. If you mean the newest Batman film instead, the answer is Barry Keoghan, whose version of the Joker was introduced in a deleted scene from The Batman (2022) and sits inside Matt Reeves' crime saga rather than in Phoenix's standalone story. The two performances belong to separate continuities, so pick the one that matches the film you intend to watch.
Which Joker are you looking for?
DC has run several Joker roles at the same time, and each one belongs to a different line of films or shows. Check the title before you check the cast list.
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- Joker and Joker: Folie a Deux (2019, 2024): Joaquin Phoenix. A standalone story outside the main Batman continuity.
- The Batman (2022) and its sequels: Barry Keoghan. His Joker appears in a deleted scene from the first film, and the role is tied to Matt Reeves' Batman films.
- Animated series and games: Mark Hamill voiced the character across several animated shows and games, and that version keeps returning in re-releases.
- Gotham (2014 to 2019): Cameron Monaghan played Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska, two characters built as a Joker origin for the Fox series.
What to check before you spend money on a ticket or a rental
- Continuity: confirm whether the film is a standalone Joker story or a Batman film. The cast lists do not overlap.
- Rating band: the Phoenix films carry an R rating in the US. Batman entries tend toward PG-13. Match the rating to who is watching.
- Runtime band: expect about two hours to two hours and twenty minutes for either line. A late show leaves little room for a long drive home.
- Format: large-format screens add picture but not story. A standard screening is enough if you only want the performance.
- Release stage: if a film is still in theaters, a streaming copy is not out yet. Wait for the official window instead of paying a reseller.
Pitfalls
- Mixing the two Jokers. Phoenix and Keoghan play different characters in different continuities, and neither replaces the other.
- Trusting casting rumors. Until a studio or a trade paper confirms a role, treat the claim as unverified.
- Buying a ticket or a code from a resale listing before the release date. Early resale offers are a common source of loss.
- Assuming a deleted scene means a full role. A cut scene does not guarantee screen time in a later film.
- Reading spoiler threads before you watch. Plot details for these films spread fast.
FAQ
Is Joaquin Phoenix in the newest Joker movie?
Yes. He leads Joker: Folie a Deux (2024) as Arthur Fleck, the same role he played in Joker (2019).
Who plays the Joker in the new Batman movies?
Barry Keoghan. He plays a version of the character in the universe that started with The Batman (2022).
What Movies Does Joker Appear In? Full Film List
Is the Joker the main villain in the next Batman film?
There is no confirmed answer. Press reports describe the character as part of a wider set of villains rather than the single focus.
Which version should I watch first?
If you want the Joker as the lead, start with Joker (2019) and then the sequel. If you want Batman as the lead, start with The Batman (2022).
Does the animated Joker count?
Mark Hamill's voice work is the reference point for the animated and video game versions, and those titles are sold and streamed on their own, apart from the live-action films.