Matt Reeves’s The Batman was a spectacular take on the Dark Knight’s mythos, a step away from the unusual theme of previous Batman movies and taking on a darker and enigmatic narrative. Set in DCU’s Elsewhere, the critically and commercially hit movie’s sequel is currently in the works starring Roberts Pattinson as Gotham’s protector.
While the details of the sequel have been kept under wraps, it hasn’t stopped fans from creating interesting and potential plot theories that seem just too good to be true. And as per a new theory, Barry Keoghan’s dreaded Joker might just be a red herring with the true villain being even more terrifying.
If Barry Keoghan’s Joker Is A Hoax, Who Is The Batman 2’s Terrifying Villain?
Barry Keoghan is a spectacular actor and after his master portrayal of a nuanced villain in Saltburn, there is no question he will be an amazing Joker in The Batman 2. After his short appearance in the first part, there hasn’t been any confirmation that the actor will have a major role in the sequel, yet he recently seemed to agree that he will be in the movie (see Movie Web).
Despite his agreement fans have been busy creating theories as to who would be the major antagonist against Robert Pattinson‘s Dark Knight. And after several rumors of his existence, one spectacular fan theory on Reddit suggests it is none other than Hush.
A top neurosurgeon and a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne, Hush aka Thomas ‘Tommy’ Elliot is one of the most terrifying villains of Gotham. A criminal mastermind, he grows to hate Wayne after he foils his plans of murdering his parents by saving his mother.
Using bandages to hide his true identity, Hush even joins hands with the Riddler to take his long-due revenge on his childhood best friend. An extraordinary genius and a master physician, Hush’s talent knows no bounds for he has many strengths and abilities that make him one of the deadliest enemies of Batman (see Fandom Wiki).
How Would Hush Feature In Batman 2?
Despite the presence of Riddler and Keoghan’s Joker, Hush aka Thomas Elliot can easily make his way into The Batman 2 narrative, as the fan theory reveals. The Batman already sets up the existence of Edward Elliot aka Thomas Elliot’s father as during Thomas Wayne’s mayoral campaign, it is revealed that Wayne Sr. indirectly ends up killing Elliot Sr. Later on, Riddler displays the word ‘HUSH’ while exposing Wayne’s campaign (see Collider).
As per the theory, the sequel can feature Thomas Elliot going on a search to find out how his father dies and ultimately ends up in Arkham to meet Riddler. Here Joker ends up manipulating Riddler to use the young man as their weapon and ultimately kill Batman.
Thus, under the influence of the Riddler, who secretly acts on Joker’s instructions, Thomas Elliot will go on to become Hush seeking revenge on his childhood best friend, Bruce Wayne. This potential storyline will not only include Joker as the master strategist he is but will also help in showing how Batman’s deadliest villain was made.
The Batman can be streamed on Netflix while The Batman is slated to release on October 3, 2025.
