DC’s New Official Joker Casting Continues A Vital Batman Tradition

Published Jul 24, 2026, 12:15 PM EDT Zoë Miskelly is an editor and second in command for Screen Rant's Movies team, having covered the entertainment industry for almost 10 years now. Zoë's love of superheroes and all things Marvel & DC started out in childhood, and has blossomed into a career getting to talk about some of the biggest and best movies and shows of all time, having previously focused on comics while working at WhatCulture. The newest official Joker casting continues a casting tradition that has worked effectively for DC over the decades when its comes to actors who taken on the role. Other than Batman himself, the Joker is arguably the other biggest character in the Dark Knight's expansive lore, as evidenced by the sheer number of movies, shows, games and more that feature the Clown Prince of Crime. That said, a good portion of what has built the Joker's legacy is that the vast majority of actors who have played the Joker over the years have done a stellar job conveying the charm and menace of the iconic DC villain, further cementing the character's reputation in the minds and hearts of audiences, and ensuring people are even more excited to see future appearances from the villain in other releases. Given DC's solid track record of having some phenomenal Joker castings, the newest announcement for the latest actor set to take up the role of Batman's nemesis is all the more exciting - especially because said casting follows a tradition that has been the case for plenty of actors who've become the Joker for one release or more, which bodes well for their impending debut in the role. Batman: Caped Crusader's New Joker Casting Continues A Crucial Actor Tradition Image via Prime Video The Batman: Caped Crusader season 2 panel at 2026's San Diego Comic-Con saw much discussion about the animated show in question, including one major reveal that fans have been eager to hear about since the ending of Batman: Caped Crusader season 1 - namely, who would be playing the role of the Joker going forward, as the character was revealed in the first chapter's final moments. The SDCC panel saw confirmation that Matthew Needham will be voicing the Joker in Batman: Caped Crusader season 2, and presumably will continue in the role should the Joker appear in any prospective further seasons of the series. This is exciting by itself, but is also even more promising because of Needham's previous experience acting in other major franchises that are akin DC's on-screen empire. Prior to his casting in Batman: Caped Crusader, Matthew Needham's biggest recent role was that of Larys Strong in House of the Dragon, who has played a key role in all three seasons of the series that have been released thus far. Even this wasn't Needham's first role in a colossally famous and interconnected franchise, though, as before this he appeared in both Doctor Who and Sherlock, albeit in smaller roles. Promisingly, this means Matthew Needham should have experience with the different nuances and intricacies that being a part of the on-screen DC acting world will no doubt require, given ideally Caped Crusader will want a Joker who feels distinct and fresh, but holds true to what has made the character work in movies and shows before. This also continues a key trend when it comes to actors cast as the Joker, since it's been common for those who nab the role to have had some major franchise experience in times prior. The Actors Who Have Played The Joker Generally Have Experience With Major Franchises Before They're Cast In The Role Of course, one of the most famous actors of all time to take on the role of the Joker is one who is ironically better known for an even bigger role in another major franchise, since Mark Hamill played the Joker for many years, but is also best known as Star Wars' Luke Skywalker. Cesar Romero appeared in Ocean's 11 prior to his Joker casting, and John DiMaggio has voiced the Joker more than once after major roles in other animated franchises like Futurama and Ben 10. Barry Keoghan appeared in the MCU in Eternals before his role as the Joker in The Batman, and Joaquin Phoenix appeared in Superboy decades before his role as a proto-Joker in the titular villain's duology. Similarly, Nolan North voiced the Joker following roles in other DC releases and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, Zach Galafinianakis was known for his roles in The Hangover series and Puss in Boots long before he voiced the Joker in The Batman Lego Movie, and Troy Baker had an enviable filmography including voicing characters for One Piece, Bleach, and several Dragon Ball movies before he took on the role of the Joker. Even Jack Nicholson retroactively ended up as part of a wider franchise before his role in the 1989 Batman, thanks to The Shining having several spinoffs some years down the line. As such, Matthew Needham's Joker casting continues a track record that has served DC well thus far, and will hopefully only continue to pay off for the franchise when it comes to both Batman: Caped Crusader and also future prospective Joker castings. Release Date August 1, 2024 Network Prime Video Showrunner Bruce Timm Cast Hamish Linklater Batman / Bruce Wayne (voice) Krystal Joy Brown Barbara Gordon (voice) Batman: Caped Crusader follows a young Bruce Wayne in the early days of his crusade, with Gotham City struggling with corruption, organized crime, and a growing number of costumed villains. Inspired by the character's roots in noir, the series reimagines familiar allies and enemies through a morally murkier lens.