The Batmanhas released a terrifying new deleted scene that gives a further glimpse at one of the comic book franchise’s most iconic villains.
Eagle-eyed viewers of the movie noticed a strange new character who speaks toPaul Dano’s Riddlerat the very end, from within the confines of the Arkham Asylum.
That character, a teased version of the Joker, is revealed in fuller detail in a newfive-minute deleted scene from the film, which Warner Bros. dropped on Wednesday.
The clip, viewable on YouTube, was first presented via acryptic website www.rataalada.comthat mimics the Riddler’s mind-bending puzzles in the movie.
Director Matt Reeves also kept mum about the casting, calling Keoghan an “unseen prisoner” when he previously teased the “really cool” deleted scene toTechRadar.
“There were scenes we cut that I liked,” Reeves told the website, ahead ofThe Batman’srelease. “In fact, there’s a scene with the unseen prisoner (Keoghan), who appears at the end of the movie in Arkham with the Riddler. There was an earlier scene where Batman went to Arkham to try to profile the Riddler, and Barry is in that scene. It’s a very cool scene, and I’m sure we’ll release the scene after the movie comes out, because it’s a really cool deleted scene.”
The deleted scene inThe BatmanshowsRobert Pattinson’s Batman attempting to interview the Joker to get more insight into the Riddler’s motive and plan. It’s a similar setup toManhunter(the precursor toThe Silence of the Lambs), Reeves explained earlier this month toVariety.
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Keoghan’s Joker is seen through obscured security glass, but his horrific red smile is clearly visible, as is a tuft of clownish green hair.
His skin, lips and hands are seen covered in boils and burn scars, suggesting that this version of the Joker suffered chemical burns or other deformities.
True to form, this Joker laughs maniacally, calling to mind previous portrayals of the character, includingJack Nicholson’s turn inTim Burton’s 1989BatmanandHeath Ledger’s performance in 2008’sThe Dark Knight— one that netted Ledger aposthumous Academy Award.
The choice to use Keoghan solidifiesThe Batmanas existing outside of previous iterations of the Batman and Joker universes, including Zack Snyder’sJustice League, which featuredJared Leto’s Joker, as well asJoaquin Phoenix’s Oscar-winning take on the character in 2019’sJoker.
Both of those versions, however, might still see the light of day, as bothPhoenixandLetohave openly expressed interest in reprising the role in future sequels or spinoffs.
The Batman,which has earnedrave reviewsandbox office successfor its fresh take on the Caped Crusader, also starsZoë Kravitzas Catwoman/Selina Kyle, andColin Farrellas the Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot.
source: people.com