Robert Pattinson Reacts to Fans Wanting Him to Play the Joker

Robert Pattinson may already be Gotham’s Batman, but some fans are now wondering what he could do on the other side of the cape and cowl.

Pattinson’s performance in A24’s upcoming Primetime has sparked comparisons to the Joker, with clips from the film circulating across social media ahead of its theatrical release. Pattinson stars as a fictionalized version of To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen, bringing an eccentric and increasingly unsettling energy to the role.

That performance has apparently been enough to convince some fans that Pattinson could have made a memorable Clown Prince of Crime. One viral post suggesting his Joker could have been “generational” has accumulated more than seven million views.

When Entertainment Weekly asked Pattinson about the comparisons and the possibility of playing the iconic DC villain, the actor quickly pointed toward the man already occupying that corner of Gotham.

“Oh, Jesus. I mean, it’s such a great part…but Barry’s the man.”

Pattinson said.

Pattinson was referring to Barry Keoghan, who made a brief appearance as the Joker at the end of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Keoghan also filmed a much longer deleted sequence in which Pattinson’s Batman visits the villain at Arkham while investigating the Riddler.

Robert Pattinson in ‘Primetime’. Credit: A24

Pattinson had nothing but praise for Keoghan while recalling their time filming the scene together.

“I loved doing that scene with him so much,” Pattinson said. “I love Barry as well. I think he’s such a phenomenal actor.”

Pattinson made his preference clear, adding that he wants to see Keoghan continue with the character.

“But yeah, I want him to do it. I’m much more interested in that.”

Whether Keoghan will return as the Joker in The Batman: Part II remains officially unclear. The character’s limited appearance in the first film, along with the subsequently released deleted scene, has fueled speculation about his future in Matt Reeves’ Gotham for years.

For now, Pattinson seems perfectly happy remaining on Batman’s side of the equation.

Primetime arrives in theaters September 25, while The Batman: Part II is currently scheduled to hit theaters February 18, 2028.