Barry Keoghan was only there for a short while in Matt Reeves’ Batman. Still, his appearance has had fans excited as many of them have been eagerly awaiting his return in possibly a longer and larger capacity. Although nothing has been confirmed and there have been rumors we might see him again, it looks like the production will have to get creative if they want Keoghan back.
The reason was the extensive makeup process with staples pulling into his skin during the first movie. The actor was actually scared he would end up getting permanent skin damage as a result, and although he would love to return, this time perhaps the production should look into other methods if they want Keoghan’s Joker back.
Barry Keoghan Was Terrified Of The Extensive Make-Up Process For Joker
Most actors would probably be terrified to take on a role as grand as the Joker, a role that has already brought two Oscars to two of the finest portrayals of the character. However, for Barry Keoghan, there must have been no doubt inhibition and anxiety, but there was one other thing he was really afraid of- the long and extensive make-up process.
Although he was in the movie, Batman, for a short glimpse, the actor had to spend 6 hours on the make-up chair with metal staples grinding into his skin, as he revealed to GQ.
“That took six hours to get into that, and it was like oh man, I couldn’t sit still or six hours, I really couldn’t. I remember we were around five hours in, and went ‘We’re shutting production down, there’s COVID. I was like ‘Huh? Really? What? What happened?’ There was this steel thing that went [into my cheek] and it was like slicing in. I was like, I’m really going to be left with a scar here.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic did shut them down, the actor earned much praise even for the small role he played when the movie ultimately was released. And fans cannot wait to have him back.
When Will Barry Keoghan Return As Joker?
Barry Keoghan never auditioned for the Joker, in fact, there was no audition for he just had sent an auction tape to the studio when he heard they wanted The Riddler in the new Batman, as he revealed to GQ. Fortunately for him and the many fans of DC comics, the actor ended up being Joker.
Although the actor had one major scene deleted (via Vulture), there was a small glimpse of him as Joker, which fans nonetheless loved and have thus, been campaigning for his return. While the actor himself hinted he would love to return (via Etalk), Matt Reeves later stated that Joker being in Batman was not an Easter egg that he would be in the next movie (via Variety).
While we haven’t gotten a whiff of the storyline of the Robert Pattinson-starrer Batman 2 is slated to release by October 3, 2025. Batman can be streamed on Max.
